MichelleCrock

Now that we're getting closer to the big day (48 more days!!), I'm starting to think about more of the details and had a few quick questions if anyone has any advice: Do people usually sit the photographer (and assistant) at a table with guests for dinner? Or just leave them to eat on their own at some point? Either way is fine by me, just not sure what the norm is (we're using Sascha from Cancun Photos).... Also any suggestions on tipping vendors (photographer, DJ... and do most people tip the wedding coordinator too?)? Thanks!!

Kelfrecks - My wedding is a week after yours on February 26th (we're arriving on Wed the 23rd so we may see you there!). I think I finally have all of my decisions made on all of the details but to be honest, I really only started looking into and thinking about the details in the past month or so (we have a new house which has been consuming my time too). My WC is Claudy (she's great and always quick to reply, typically within a day) - she sent me lots of brochures many months ago of all the things the resort offers so between looking at those options and of course reading the discussions on this thread (so helpful!), it wasn't too stressful so I'd definitely contact your WC asap or call the WC's office to try to get some feedback. As for flowers, you could do the DIY option but that sounds like a bit of work on what should be a relaxing, exciting morning so it might be nice and worth the expense to have a vendor do the flowers for you. Many people on this thread have recommended Marvin from mayadisenofloral http://mayadisenofloral.com.mx/ and his email address is: [email protected]. GG Good luck and let us know if you have any luck with your WC!

Wonderful ideas! I just ordered my own custom made ring bearer bowl from Paloma's Nest - I love that it can be used as a Christmas ornament in the future too!

Thanks for all of the information - I love the idea for the towels and that sand ceremony picture frame idea is awesome!!

Just adding Elizabella and I to the list as well (we have the same date). 2010 Brides KerriMark2010 - November 4, 2010 Celine - November 5, 2010 bmlynch - November 6, 2010 Randi - November 11, 2010 Trinas79 - November 11, 2010 jesmcan - November 12, 2010 futuremrs1113 - November 13, 2010 giraffexx - November 19, 2010 mslisaaragon - November 22, 2010 Lisa DSO - November 24, 2010 Jenny310 - November 27, 2010 FutureMrsYak- December 2, 2010 msglave - December 11, 2010 MichaelandAraceli- December 18, 2010 2011 Brides kshows - February 12, 2011 MichelleCrock - February 26, 2011 Elizabella75 - February 26, 2011 pineapplebride - *maybe* April 2011 Jennie0521 - April 28, 2011 ChicagoBride2011- May 1, 2011 speedy130 - May 7, 2011 SarahE786 - May 15, 2011 rosieposie - May 22, 2011 risa 1818- June 12, 2011 JHarris - June 17, 2011 Bride2B22- June 21, 2011 Sweetle - June 24, 2011 Prettypigpig - July 4, 2011 Heidi88- July 22, 2011 Augustbride2011- August 20, 2011 Bride2bDebbie - November 20, 2011

Sorry if I double posted!! I was getting an error - I guess that's what I get for being a newbie!!

So sorry if I double posted!! Was getting an error over here that it didn't post the first time. Guess that comes with being a newbie!

Thanks ladies for the tips on the guests staying at the Gran Porto! We'll see what happens... but trying not to stress too much about it. I did read someone's (great) suggestion on here to get walkie-talkies so I plan to do that and give one to my family at the Gran Porto so they can at least always communicate with me without having to use our cell phones down there. Hi Liz! I haven't done too much planning either so far. We bought a house over the summer so after we picked The Royal, I pretty much put wedding stuff out of mind until we moved and got settled. We are actually having the wedding at the Gran Porto (I think we originally thought more of our guests would be staying there plus I knew all of my family would be staying there due to my niece and nephew - now that most of our guests will be at The Royal it'd probably be better there but oh well...). I'm hoping it should be pretty similar to having the wedding at The Royal since our reception will be on the beach and the WCs and vendors are the same. The ceremony will be at 3:30pm in the Gran Porto gazebo and then the cocktail hour (4:00-5:00pm) and reception will be in the North Beach area (I hope that location's decent?). The only other detail I have lined up is that we hired a DJ - Ivan from Doremixx although they told me that they couldn't guarantee I'd actually get Ivan but that 'his people' are just as good as him... my fingers are definitely crossed we get Ivan after the great things I've read about him on here!! I know we'll have a big dance party going on - I still can't decide whether to get the light-up dance floor - originally I thought it was included in getting Doremixx and was bummed to see that it's an extra charge (the way it goes with The Royal I guess). Which days are you going for? We'll have to meet up for a celebratory drink! FI and I are arriving on Wednesday before the wedding and staying at The Royal until the Tuesday after. Then we're moving to La Tortuga Hotel in the downtown area until the following Saturday for a honeymoon stay (thanks for the great review/suggestion there Jesmcan!). We officially have 30 guests booked and have at least 5 others planning to book in the next few weeks so I'm getting very excited!! Now I just need to focus on some of the details... Let the countdown begin (128 days!)!! Hope you all are having great weeks!!

Thanks ladies for the tips on the guests staying at the Gran Porto! We'll see what happens... but trying not to stress too much about it. I did read someone's (great) suggestion on here to get walkie-talkies so I plan to do that and give one to my family at the Gran Porto so they can at least always communicate with me without having to use our cell phones down there. Hi Liz! I haven't done too much planning either so far. We bought a house over the summer so after we picked The Royal, I pretty much put wedding stuff out of mind until we moved and got settled. We are actually having the wedding at the Gran Porto (I think we originally thought more of our guests would be staying there plus I knew all of my family would be staying there due to my niece and nephew... of course now that almost all of the guests will be at The Royal it'd probably be better there but oh well...). I'm hoping it should be pretty similar to having the wedding at The Royal since our reception will be on the beach and we should have the same WCs and vendors. The ceremony will be at 3:30pm in the Gran Porto gazebo and then the cocktail hour (4:00-5:00pm) and reception will be in the North Beach area (I hope that location's decent?). The only other detail I have lined up is that I hired a DJ - Ivan from Doremixx although they told me that they couldn't guarantee I'd actually get Ivan but that 'his people' are just as good as him... my fingers are definitely crossed we get Ivan after the great things I've read about him on here!! I know we'll have a big dance party going on - I'm still trying to decide whether to get the light-up dance floor (was really hoping it was included with getting Doremixx and was sad to see that we have to pay extra for it). Which days are you going for? We'll have to get a celebratory drink together at some point! We're arriving on Wednesday before the wedding and staying at The Royal until the Tuesday after. Then FI and I are moving to La Tortuga Hotel in the downtown area until the following Saturday for a honeymoon stay (thanks for the great review/suggestion there Jesmcan!). We officially have 30 guests booked and have at least 5 more booking in the next few weeks so I'm getting super excited!! Now I just need to focus on getting some of the details together... Let the countdown begin (128 days!)!!

Elizabella - it sounds like we have a lot in common! I too have been lurking here reading comments to this thread recently (SO helpful - thank you all SO much!) and I am also a Royal bride with a twin wedding date as you.... February 26, 2011!! Only about 4 more months... I can not wait!! Especially after reading the recent wedding reviews and picture posts (thank you smckinney and runningbride!)!! The only hesitation/concern I currently have about the wedding is that my sister and brother-in-law will be stuck at the Gran Porto because they have two small kids and I worry about them missing out on night-time festivities since all of our friends are staying at The Royal (FI and I are too) even though they have built-in babysitters aka my parents who will have an adjoining room with them. I guess I'll just pay for their 'guest passes' to come over if needed but was frustrated to hear that guest passes to The Royal cost about $85 per day (ugh!). Otherwise I've been happy with The Royal and my WC Claudy who is great about getting back to me within a day or two. Anyways just wanted to introduce myself and thank you all for all of the valuable information you've been sharing!!

I'm glad to see a thread for the GPR resort. I've learned so much from this site about The Royal (so helpful!) but hadn't heard as much about GPR.... I'm getting married there on February 26, 2011 and I can NOT wait!!! Dilara - You mentioned that you've been working with a Wedding Coordinator from the GPR. Would you mind sending me her email address? I would really appreciate it as I've only been working with a Real Resorts WC who is based in the US and I have a few questions that I'd rather ask someone who is onsite. Thanks!