FAQs

Question

Why did you both choose Oaxaca?

Answer

We went to Oaxaca for the first time in 2021 for Deanna's 30th birthday. We wanted to go somewhere we both had never been, with great food, pretty architecture, and a rich history. We were researching hidden gems of Mexico and came upon an article about Oaxaca. It reminded both of us so much of New Orleans from the pictures, so we decided to go! And of course, we absolutely fell in love with the city and the people. After that trip, we were constantly raving about Oaxaca to all of our friends and family. (Deanna's note: "Even before Dan proposed in Oct 2022, I knew I was going to pitch Oaxaca as our wedding destination!") We were between Oaxaca and New Orleans (Deanna has a lot of family there and we travel there at least once a year) but ultimately chose Oaxaca for the food, culture, safety, and fun it would offer our guests! Oaxaca was named by Travel + Leisure Magazine in 2023, 2022 and 2020 as the #1 city in the world to visit. We realized our guests would be able to enjoy a great holiday while celebrating our special occasion. As the gastronomical capital of Mexico, Oaxacan cuisine is to die for. We can't wait for everyone to experience the city and see why we are absolutely obsessed! Salud to building more beautiful memories together in magical Oaxaca!

Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

We would greatly appreciate having all RSVPs by December 1st, 2023. No RSVP received will be treated as a declined invitation.

Question

Do I have a plus one?

Answer

If your invitation says “and Guest,” then yes. If not, please contact us to request a +1.

Question

Are My Children Invited to The Wedding?

Answer

We addressed invitations to all those invited to the festivities. If your wedding invitation says "Family" that includes all members of that household. We ask that you RSVP for your invited children who will be attending. Of course, if you would like to make it a parents-only weekend, we understand and fully support your decision to leave the kiddos at home! If your wedding invitation is addressed to certain members of the household, those are the ones we have invited. We hope you understand and enjoy your weekend away!

Question

How soon should I book my airfare and hotel or airbnb? What is the most direct route?

Answer

We recommend booking your hotel at least 3-4 months in advance, if not sooner. For a larger Airbnb house, we recommend reserving it 6-8 months in advance. For a smaller apartment for 2-4 guests, we recommend reserving it 2-3 months in advance. There are so many options for Airbnb, so the sooner you book, the more options you will have to choose from. As an international flight, we recommend booking your airfare 6-8 months in advance to take advantage of the lowest fares. Flights from the US to Oaxaca average $400-$1k. Please reference the "Travel & Lodging" page for all flight recommendations.

Question

Do I Need a passport?

Answer

Yes, and we are seeing months-long delays at the passport office. We recommend getting passports renewed now so there are no last-minute issues!

Question

What day should I arrive in Oaxaca?

Answer

We recommend getting there by Thursday, April 25th. That way you will be able to enjoy everything Oaxaca has to offer and accompany us in any scheduled events before the wedding. If you are checking bags, hold on to your checked bag sticker because they check that when you pick up your bags in Oaxaca. Of course, feel free to extend your trip to have more time to enjoy this incredible city or travel to its world-renowned beaches!

Question

How do you get from the Oaxaca airport to my hotel/Airbnb?

Answer

Once you collect your baggage, walk to the airport exit where you will see a Taxi booth. This is an inexpensive and safe ride that can take you directly to your hotel or Airbnb. You can split it with several people or take a private taxi. Please reference the "Travel & Lodging" Section for more details.

Question

Where are the venues for Friday and Saturday?

Answer

The welcome party on Friday evening will be at the rooftop of Vaca Marina. This is an outdoor venue. On Saturday, we will start with the wedding ceremony in the garden of Quinta Real Oaxaca. The ceremony will be followed by a traditional Oaxaqueña surprise. Be sure to wear comfy shoes. The dinner reception will be held outdoors as well at Proyecto Murguia (only a block away from the ceremony space), with lots of drinking, dancing, and partying until 2 AM!

Question

How do I get to the venue? What time should I arrive to the ceremony on Saturday?

Answer

All wedding venues are located within the Centro district. Centro is very walkable, so no rental cars are needed. Saturday will begin with the ceremony at Quinta Real, and then we will all walk together to the reception space (located a block away). Please arrive no later than 3:45 PM.

Question

What is the dress code for Friday and Saturday?

Answer

For both Friday and Saturday, we want you to embrace the energy of the city! We're going to be in a beautiful and unique place, so if you're feeling extra in your attire, we love it and hope you'll own it! We will have documentary-style photographers capturing the festivities of the weekend. They specialize in getting great candids of guests in attendance. So for that reason, we ask that you wear a COLORFUL ensemble to really make the photos pop! FRIDAY WELCOME PARTY: FESTIVE SEMI-FORMAL Elevated sun dresses, slip dresses, dressy skirt & top, or a fun jumpsuit. Festive button-down with slacks. SATURDAY CEREMONY & RECEPTION: GARDEN PARTY FORMAL Floor-length gown, tea-length elegant cocktail dress or a chic jumpsuit. Colorful suit ensemble (linen ok), with a patterned suit jacket and dress shirt, jazzed up with a bright tie and creative pocket square. Maybe avoid satin as chiffon, linen, & cotton would be more breathable. Oaxaca has beautiful cobblestone streets. There will be walking from the ceremony space to the reception venue and plenty of dancing at the party. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Flats, wedges, or block heels are encouraged. Above all else, we want you to be comfortable and yourself. If the above guidelines do not suit you, please do what feels best for you and your body. Feel free to reach out to Dan or Deanna (but probably Deanna) if you have questions about a potential outfit. Deanna would be ecstatic to help! Feel free to reference the “Dress Code” page for picture inspiration of outfits for everyone. Below is a great article if you have more questions. Highlight below and copy into the search bar. https://www.brides.com/festive-wedding-guest-attire-6361569

Question

I Have A Food Allergy, Can I Make A Special Request?

Answer

Yes! If you have a specific food allergy, you can note it during the digital RSVP process and we will do our best to accommodate. If you have any questions, please let us know.

Question

Will There Be Non-Alcoholic Beverages At The Wedding Other Than Water?

Answer

Yes, there will be plenty of non-alcoholic beverages to choose from at the wedding including a variety of aguas frescas.

Question

Where is Oaxaca, Mexico?

Answer

Oaxaca state is located in south-central Mexico, just a one-hour flight from Mexico City. Oaxaca de Juarez (also known as Oaxaca City) is in the center of Oaxaca state. It is not only the capital city but also the state’s cultural, historic, artistic, and agricultural hub.

Question

What should I know about Oaxaca?

Answer

A burgeoning cultural and culinary capital with a beautiful colonial core of lovely, tree-shaded streets, Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s most captivating cities. Artists and artisans alike are inspired by the creative atmosphere, indigenous traditions and bright, clear light. Oaxaca has top-class museums, charming inns, fascinating markets and its own superb version of Mexican cuisine. The easygoing pace frequently breaks out into the fireworks of a fiesta, and brightly colored events unfold in the streets almost daily. Set at the nexus of three mountain-flanked valleys, the city is surrounded by archaeological sites and villages, many of the latter housing artisans who sell their wares at weekly markets. The surrounding country provides endless opportunities for hiking and cultural trips, and good active tourism operators make it easy to enjoy these experiences. Lonely Planet https://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/oaxaca-state/oaxaca

Question

How safe is Oaxaca?

Answer

Aside from drinking too much mezcal, you’re in little danger in Oaxaca. In fact, Oaxaca is one of the safest states in Mexico. During our previous visits, we felt very safe walking around, even in the evenings. We recommend staying within 6-8 blocks of Templo de Santo Domingo (the Centro district). Of course, we encourage you to be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Question

What Is The Best Way To Get Around The City?

Answer

Oaxaca City is very walkable. You will be able to walk from hotels to all of the event locations. That said, you can accommodate taxi services with your hotel. Everything in Oaxaca Centro is generally within walking distance (you could walk across the whole central area in about 30-40 minutes, but most things are roughly 5-10 minutes by foot). Please note, the sidewalks are narrow and they are old colonial cobblestones, so please watch your step. *There are no Uber/Lyft rideshare services*

Question

What will the weather be like this time of year?

Answer

Temperatures are warm during the day, with highs in the mid-80s F and cooling off to the 60s in the evening. April is the end of the dry season, so while there is always a chance of rain in Oaxaca, it is unlikely that we will see rain in April. Please note, the venues for Friday night and Saturday are outdoors. What to Pack: It’s a good idea to dress in layers, so you can wear a t-shirt or summer dress during the heat of the day, and have a light jacket for the cooler evenings.

Question

What's the local currency?

Answer

Mexican pesos are used in Oaxaca. Restaurants and stores all take cards, but we HIGHLY recommend you order some pesos from your bank (usually free of charge) prior to your trip or at the airport exchange when you arrive to have on hand just in case. Give your bank a few days notice. The exchange rate changes daily. However, the peso usually hovers around 1/20 of a dollar. A quick rule of thumb to convert pesos to dollars is to move the decimal place to the left one position, then divide the remaining number in half. For example, 200 pesos is roughly 10 dollars. For today's exchange, visit: https://fx-rate.net/MXN/USD/

Question

Do I Need To Know Spanish To Communicate?

Answer

No, but we do recommend downloading a translation app like SpanishDict or Google Translate to help you. There are many English speakers in Oaxaca, but it's not as touristy as cities like Cancun or Puerto Vallarta, so you might come in contact with people that don't know English. Having a translation app handy will help in these situations.

Question

How is cell service in the area?

Answer

Verizon and T-Mobile are able to get coverage through Telcel. Other LTE devices like AT&T should also have coverage. Make sure you are aware of your provider’s international data rates and roaming fees (if applicable). Make sure to download WhatsApp and Signal in case you don’t have cell service.

Question

what should I do and where should I eat or go out for nightlife? Any recommendations?

Answer

Please visit our “Where to Eat & Drink” and "Sights and Tours" pages for recommendations on where to eat and what to do while you're in Oaxaca.

Question

Is the street food safe to eat?

Answer

It is up to you to be discerning. We have never had any issues with the food while we were there. If it's something cooked, then you're probably fine. If you are not as adventurous, have a weaker stomach, or just want to be extra safe then just stay away from the street carts! There are plenty of amazing top-notch restaurants and bars where you will feel very comfortable eating and drinking.

Question

Can I drink the water? What about ice?

Answer

Like all other regions in Mexico, we advise that you do not drink the water or use water from the tap to brush your teeth. Airbnbs typically provide a jug of water. The hotel and all restaurants in the tourist center will serve you bottled water. If in doubt, request "agua embotellada." At most high-end restaurants and bars and places that cater to tourists, they will be using purified water to make ice or purchasing it from somewhere that does the same. So yes! Go ahead and sip on your cocktails without worry.

Question

What’s the deal with mezcal?

Answer

You’ll find mezcal everywhere in Oaxaca! It’s distilled from agave. Tequila is actually a mezcal. Traditional mezcals introduce a strong smoky flavor from the way the agaves are roasted before fermenting. Here are a few keys to enjoying it: “Kiss” it! Keep your lips pursed and take the tiniest sip you can. This allows you to appreciate the complexities without overwhelming your taste buds with strong alcohol. Try a few types in succession or at the same time. You’ll immediately notice interesting differences. The types typically refer to the kind of agave used and the region it was sourced from. You can follow with an orange slice sprinkled with salt!

Question

We want to extend our stay and see more of the state, like the beaches in Puerto Escondido. What is the best way to get from Oaxaca City to Puerto Escondido?

Answer

Oaxaca State is home to some of the best beaches in the world. Puerto Escondido is a major travel destination, known for amazing beaches, beautiful beachside accommodations, and fun vibes. If you are wanting to visit the beaches, we STRONGLY recommend doing a lot of research ahead of time. We have heard it is easier to get from Mexico City to Puerto Escondido than it is to drive or fly from Oaxaca City. Here is an awesome article that breaks down the best ways to get from Oaxaca City to the beach, whether it is by plane or car: https://traveltooaxaca.com/oaxaca-to-puerto-escondido-mexico/#:~:text=Your%20best%20way%20to%20get,is%20known%20to%20cause%20it.

Question

Where can I find more information on Oaxaca City?

Answer

The New York Times Travel section has published great articles on visiting Oaxaca City over the years. Here are two to help prepare you for your trip: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/travel/36-hours-oaxaca-mexico.html http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/25/travel/25hours.html