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Quote: Originally Posted by jfwolfe72 I didn't realize that our "private" party at Gaviotas was only going to be semi-private until we arrived for our reception! However, once our party got going, I didn't even notice the few people who were sitting around the bar. Someone had suggested that she was going to put a sign in front of Gaviotas stating that her party was going to be held there. That may keep stragglers from going up to the bar - I know I would go elsewhere. Anyway, I loved having our party at Gaviotas! It was right on the beach (such a gorgeous moon that night!) and it was away from the hustle and bustle of all of the other bars and restaurants. The other locations that you mentioned would probably work just as well, too - but I am now biased towards Gaviotas b/c of how our time there went! I posted a full review under the "Reviews" section (and I posted some non-pro pictures someplace) if you want to check those out - also please feel free to let me know if you have any other questions. I hope to have my professional pictures back from Claudia soon! We decided not to go with sky Palapa. I don't think it would be big enough for a dinner reception. I really wanted to stay at Gaviota's but it is sold out at the EDR in May and expected to be very busy so I wouldn't want a bunch of people standing over us while having dinner and loud. If it was just for a cocktail party I wouldn't care either. I gave them the idea about the sign but it stillwill be semi private. So they gave us the option of white gazebo on the beach area for reception or health bar. What do you think about having reception on the beach? I believe we are going to have it on the beach considering it was our choice before gaviota's. They wouldn't do it then cause our party wasn't large enough but they will now with all the changes as an exception they said. I'll see if I can find the reviews and photos. I can't wait to see all your other photos. Thanks for you help & any suggestions.

Quote: Originally Posted by jfwolfe72 My party at Gaviotas was supposed to be private, too, but it turns out that it was only semi-private since other tourists were allowed to hang out at the bar. They usually only have one bartender there, but they will have two if you're going to have a private party there. I think having a sign would be a good idea - that way, people will know that you have something going on there and they may be more prone to go elsewhere. Congradulations Jennifer!!! Your back from EDR. How did everything go? Maybe now that you been there you can help me out. They are changing us all from Gaviota's, I'm sure your aware of it. I was suppose to have private dinner reception there, now only semi private or suggest I move to the new Sky Palapa or will do a private dinner reception on the beach at white gazebo area. We are having 16 guest, with sound system and of course bar set up. Which would you recommend after being there and the view along with the room to accomodate us. I would love to have it at Gaviota's but cant see having alot of guests standing near us during dinner when we are paying extra for that. Let me know your thoughts. Any recommendations after being there? Was everything wonderful & beautiful as plannedCant wait to see your photos'

Quote: Originally Posted by Melba Did Monica tell you that Gaviotas would be private for your dinner? What time does the dinner start? From the pics the Sky Palapa looks good for cocktail hour but the layout of Gaviotas looks better for dinner. I do like the looks of the new place for cocktails. It looks a little small for dinner though. Gaviotas would be only semi private, which basically mean no. People can come to the bar if they wish. I was set on Gaviotas. So my choice is Palapa's or on the beach. Our dinner reception is from 7pm-11pm. I have an awesome picture of Palapa at the Meroma resort which is very similiar to EDR's. It is out into the water though and beautiful. It does look bigger than this one though. If they are the same size I may consider it. What would you all do?

Quote: Originally Posted by Melba Did Monica tell you that Gaviotas would be private for your dinner? What time does the dinner start? From the pics the Sky Palapa looks good for cocktail hour but the layout of Gaviotas looks better for dinner. She did say it would be private and is supposed to be closed for private receptions. Although some people are inconsiderate and still impose on your party. Our reception is from 7-11pm so hopefully we will be okay for the dinner part. I don't care if some join us after the fact as long as they are fun to party with and we got the main part of it done. I suggested getting a type of sign that says private reception in progress for them to post so guest see that and know. I'm thinking I may even have something made up nice and bring it with me and put near the bar area If they will allow that. Monica was going to pass that suggestion on to the hotel. What she does and says is two different things. Maybe can mention to Valeria she seems to take care of things alot better.

What do all you think about the change of plans with Gaviota's? What are you all doing? I'm having a dinner reception and don't know if I should make that change. Help me with this.

Quote: Originally Posted by shannon Valeria sent me this yesterday, also, with pictures of the Sky Palapa. I really loved Gaviotas, and hadn't heard any brides on this forum talk about being bombarded by another group, but obviously, this happened and complaints were made. So, I'm glad they are being proactive about it! I told her it would be fine to change it to the Sky Palapa. Tracy - you definitely want to check with Monica- I would have thought she should have gotten in touch with you- Valeria called me 3 times yesterday trying to talk about it over the phone, since it was a change in plans... I was just planning on having a cocktail party there- not a sitdown dinner- so it might be that it is different for a sitdown dinner....I wouldn't think anyone would approach the bar if it was obviously set up with a sit-down dinner?!?!? Here are the pics of the Sky Palapa that Valeria sent me....It actually looks like a good place for a cocktail hour for a smaller group- but Tracy, not sure they could even do a sitdown dinner here!??!?!? Don't know if any former brides have any input? Shannon I like the set up for a cocktail party but not sure about having a dinner reception there. It looks like each section would be a little tight to set up the imperial table. Monica didn't inform me I contacted her after reading the blogs. She says I can do either but I'm not sure if I want to change it now. Changes right before our big day & you think we have everything all set.

Quote: Originally Posted by Melba FYI - I received this info about Gaviotas: The Hotel has informed me that due to a couple of incidents at Gaviotas Bar Private cocktail parties, they are cancelling all private events held in this location. A private cocktail pary was held there (Gaviotas) a few days ago, and since the Hotel was fully booked, clients that were making a little time in between a drink and dinner took over Gaviotas ( a group of 15 people that weren't invited to the cocktail) this was very uncomfortable for group guests paying extra to have this cocktail at Gaviotas, but as you know Gaviotas is not fully closed just for your event, but other guests can take the seats on the left side of the bar, and have drinks even standing up. The Hotel has built an Sky Palapa, is located next door from Gaviotas, this will be a Fully Private Cocktail event, with bar set up, and the same breathtaking ocean view as in Gaviotas. This was we will be able to not interrupt your cocktail party and have enough privacy for your event. The location is beautiful and I'm sure you will enjoy it very much. What time is gaviotos open for others. What about if I'm having a private dinner reception. I hope I'm not going to have a problem with people being at the bar while we are paying to have this. I have not heard anything about the change to Sky Palapa. Isn't Gaviotos only open until 6pm?

Quote: Originally Posted by jfwolfe72 Thanks!! I'm getting ready to sign off - we're all packed and ready to go. We're leaving at 4 am tomorrow morning and I am super excited! I'll let you all know how everything goes - wish me luck!!! Everyone on this forum has been super helpful throughout my year-long planning process and I can't tell you how grateful I am for all of your kindness, support, and ideas. I wish all of you the best in your upcoming weddings! Jennifer Congratulations. Best wishes on your wedding & honeymoon. I can not wait to hear how it all went. It's been great having the contact with everyone on this forum. Everyone has been so helpful to all of us. I also am so grateful that I found this site. It made planning so much easier.

Quote: Originally Posted by Millie & George Hi ladies! I have been away from the site for a couple of weeks, you know how it is planning ect... I have been really disheartened to come back on and see so many negative responses to EDR, I totally get it but it is quite hurtful that EDR are being totally stupid! So......................... I know there are so many of us going soon, Mrs V to be J Wolfe - (if not already gone) Mandy & her fab mum Shannon MaggieMaylou (If I remember correctly) CT Petch So I thought it might be nice to tell each other how excited we all are, I know I am and it will be totally fab when we get out there and so many of us I think will literally bump into each other!! So tell me some good stuff, how excited are you for your DW? Me xx We are getting very excited about going to the EDR and have about 5 wks til we leave. Everything is about finalized finally and no issues with any of it anymore. Anxious to get there and get some royal treatment and have our family and friends there for our wedding at gazebo 55. I don't know if anyone will be there when we are 5/24-6/2 let me know if anyone will be. We are getting married on 5/29.

Quote: Originally Posted by Melba I worked with her long distance too. Everyone that I referred to her, loved her too. And everyone raved about the travel packets they send. My guest were also happy with her. The prices and how helpful she is with everyone. They all loved the packets they received too. It's really nice and you have everything together.

Quote: Originally Posted by playarita thanks for the reccommendation. I have a meeting with the guy from All About Honeymoons tomorrow, but I will call her too so I can compare their services. Did you work with her long distance? I am working with her long distance. I have been nothing but pleased with her from the start. She will find you the best rates & take care of everything. I also had some questions & concerns with the WC and she called and handled all that for me. Heather works for Berman Travel & Berman Travel just was voted #1 TA with Karisma resorts & EDR. Sent the most business. Owner & Heather have a great relationship with the resort and know that resort upside down. You would not be disappointed going with Heather. Any other questions email me.

Quote: Originally Posted by Melba I am using Heather too! Small world! She has been great, I love the little info packets they send to. Heather is wonderful. Very helpful & knowledgeable about the EDR, right about that. I would also highly recommend her too. Told her I would never book an AI without her. It pays to go with a TA especially if you run into problems she is there to help. Those info packs you receive are very convenient and helps keep everything together. They are great. It is a coincidence that alot of us are going with her. Probably cause of her great work & she cares.

Quote: Originally Posted by KirstenRN6 I just tried to call your travel agent, Heather, but her message says she is out of town until the 16th. Let me know if you hear anything in the meantime. She actually is in Mexico right now checking out some of the Iberostars. I can give you her email since she is checking it. She is great about getting back to you & following through with anything you need. Her email is [email protected] All my guest have been very satisfied with her & her help.

Quote: Originally Posted by BandE2008 Side questions I am hoping you girls can answer! I am starting to book the details for the wedding. Please help by answering the following. I am sure it will help future brides too! FREE RECEPTION INFO WHERE ARE YOU ABLE TO HAVE YOUR FREE up to 40 guest DINNER AS PART OF YOUR WEDDING PACKAGE? IS IT OPEN MENU OR DO YOU NEED TO MAKE SELECTIONS? DO THEY PROVIDE MENUS FOR THIS? PRIVATE RECEPTION INFO WHAT ARE ALL THE LOCATION OPTIONS FOR THIS THAT YOU KNOW ABOUT? AND, WHAT LIMITS DO THEY HAVE (i.e., La Isla option, limit is you need more then 70 guests)? WHAT WERE YOU TOLD IN MAKING SELECTIONS? (i.e., you need to pick min three courses) HOW MANY CHOICES DO WE GET TO MAKE (i.e., a meat and a veg option)? HOW LONG DO YOU GET FOR YOUR PRIVATE RECEPTION? CEREMONY INFO WHAT ARE ALL THE LOCATION OPTIONS FOR THIS THAT YOU KNOW ABOUT? AND, WHAT ARE THE LIMITS? Thanks in advance! I think I have a few answers to some of this - and will help other girls, but I want to "top up" these answers for informed decision making! You can have free Reception dinner at Fuentes or El cocotal. They have specific menu to choose from depending on the night. They will provide menu choices for this. You have your choice of 2 entres and then the guest choose one of them. Private Reception I only know a few options but may be for smaller groups. Your choices are Tucanes, Health Bar, Beach (for 30 or more) and Gaviotos. There are a few more. For private events they have minimum requirement of amount of guests on each selection. Like buffets is for more that 40 people and others are 16 guests. For the entre menu's you have to pick 3 choices. Ex. entre, salad, desert, soup, or appetizer. Then they are all priced seperately. On the average probably $50 pp Private dinner receptions are 4 hrs. Cocktail parties are 2 hrs. For the ceremony we are having ours at Gazebo 55. Which is on the beach & more private. They have a white gazebo on the beach and you can do in their church. I can send you all the choices if you want to send me your email

Quote: Originally Posted by KirstenRN6 Yes, we have been mostly happy with them. The office we are dealing with only has two travel agents, so they are pretty busy right now........sometimes hard to get in contact with them. The prices our TA gave us were cheaper than all the online sites, and we only had to put down a deposit instead of paying for the whole package at one time. Either way, definitely go with a travel agent. It's always good to have a "middle man" when dealing with other countries. I agree with you about going with a TA. Mine also as I stated has been very helpful from Berman Travel. We also only had to put $150 pp down and pay balance 6 wks prior to departure. Berman travel has been great to deal with.

Quote: Originally Posted by playarita Hi KirstinRN6, I was looking at your wedding website and see that you are using a TA from All ABout Honeymoons. Have you been happy with her? We have an appointment with a TA from there next week, but don't know a whole lot about the agency. Have they been able to get your guests good rates on the rooms? Thanks, playarita I would like to recommend an outstanding TA. Her name is Heather from Berman Travel, her direct line is 1-518-369-8322 or 1-866-934-6292 ext 114. She beat prices that airline workers get (perks) and has been very helpful and accomodating. She made several calls & straighten out issues with WC on these fees for photographer too. Also Berman travel is well known for their business at Karisma resorts. They were just voted top TA for 2007 with the resort. The owner of Berman travel knows the owners personally at the EDR & Karisam resorts. So they will take care of you and give you alot of help when booking your wedding even there.

Quote: Originally Posted by timelsel So you aren't paying $500 OR having them stay 3 nights? If this is the case, we all need to band together and refuse as a group. I'm paying $500 that is enough and nothing more. I sent emails from Monica saying it was $500 or 3 night stay to avoid charges. She also sent me a recent email it was $500 plus 2 night stay. They did settle with the $500 so I would encourage anyone else to fight that. My TA's boss & owner had a meeting with EDR and WC in charge about these charges yesterday. I do not know the outcome of it yet. I will keep you posted.

Quote: Originally Posted by jfwolfe72 What's so sad about this whole situation is that when I first started planning my wedding (in January of 2007), there wasn't even a $500 fee, let alone all of these other fees and restrictions - you just had to pay for the wedding day passes for your photographers.......ah, the good ol days..... I can understand a price increase. Yet the policy should withhold from the day you confirm your wedding with EDR. So you should only have to pay the guest pass. I think thats what everyone should have to pay. That I believe is a fair amount.

Quote: Originally Posted by jessicamo I have paid the $500 and hope that is all. They tried to email me and tell me I would also have to pay for a 3 night stay. I have emails from Valeria saying all I have to do for an outside vendor is pay the $500 fee. It is absolutely ridiculous that they are suddenly trying to get more money out of all of us. I am not paying for the 3 night stay, but I really don't want to have to worry about my photographer not being allowed on property the wedding day. This is really a stress I don't need. I was also just told I had to pay a 2 night stay along with the $500. I got my TA involved and fought it. They should go by the policy when you are confirmed with your wedding. Not change the quotes as we are doing all our arrangements at the end. I'm paying the $500 and that is it. I would fight it. My TA also got the owner involved and is suppose to talk with the owner of Karisma resorts and the EDR about these ridiculous fees to bring in an outside photographer. What is boils down to is they want us to use their photographer that isn't very good. The owner of TA is well known to the resort and they sent over 1 million dollars in business there. They were also named one of the top TA with Karisma resorts. So hopefully we should get somewhere with this. The owner of Berman travel does not agree with this & says they need to know this when booking other brides wedding destinations there. It is a big factor when planning and expense. I also received email from Cancun Studios who is doing my phots and told me we can report this to Mexican govt. kinda like our BBB that they are doing unfair charges which limits outside vendors. Anyone interested in the info let me know and I can forward you the email. It may help with some of you that are paying more than the $500 also future brides we can help out.

Quote: Originally Posted by nolaroy724 That makes sense. I can't believe Monica is now saying "regardless of payment" they require $500. On another more fun note, is anyone getting their makeup done at the spa? How did the other EDR brides like their makeup if they used this service? I'm scheduled to get my hair done at the spa. I'm just going to take a photo & have them do it that way. Far as my make up goes I will do my own. The pressed minerals make up stays on all day & gives you a nice natural look. Plus it has spf 15 in it. You can just use the bronzer and no foundation with this

Quote: Originally Posted by shannon If you have signed a contract/ have an agreement before this policy they will honor that-- this applies to new brides- at least that is what I've understand from my correspondence with Valeria... I did have a contract with them since october 07 only for the wedding. I did not assign a outside photographer or give them that information this week when they asked for it. So should I be SOL?? When I asked her about it less than a month ago. I was going to hire their photographer and mine if I didn't have to pay the fee for using theirs. How can you change it with anyone who has a date & confirmation of their wedding day booked?

Quote: Originally Posted by shannon Hey guys- if you flip back to one page ealier (page 34) in this thread-- I posted the email from Valeria (about halfway down the page)... I was told by Valeria- that my $500 vendor fee would cover the one photographer for the day. If I had more than one photographer, it was an additional $72 day pass for each assistant. So, if you have 3 photographers, you should just be paying for 2 day passes. I'm having a private cocktail party after ceremony/before dinner, and a private reception party after dinner-- I'm not paying for my photographer for those. We'll probably be taking pics most of time during cocktail party-- I'll have her shoot a half hour or so of dinner-then she can take a dinner break (which is requested) and eat/have a drink on the resort- and then have her come back and shoot a hour of our reception- the first dance, cake cutting etc... I'm starting to ramble- hehe-- hopefully this helps! Shannon I did copy your email from Valerie about those charges. I got my TA involved along with the owner of the company. They are unhappy about all the price changes & sudden changes without notification along with previous email prices quoted. You probably got my email...I was venting about the whole situation. Trying to charge me now for 3 night stay & $500. That is not going to happen. I will show them all this evidence along with any emails I can find. My TA is not happy about this at all either. They should abide by the original price they give us. Not only should they give us all the same prices. Tracy

Quote: Originally Posted by jfwolfe72 I think you want to check with Shannon, not me. She's the one who used Cancun studios and had an email from Valeria saying that everything is included in the $500 fee. Monica is asking me to pay for the $500 fee PLUS three day passes and the per person charge for the private reception (again, for three people). Keep us posted on how your dealings w/ Monica go today. And Shannon - if you have a copy of that email that you wouldn't mind sharing w/ us, that would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks! Jennifer Well I just got email today about my photographer from EDr. Wanting to know if they are a guest that it is $500 plus the stay. So I'm assuming they expect me to pay the 3 night stay. They are out of their mind and have my blood in a boil right now. My photographer stated that a previous bride that booked with them hired the on site photographer & outside to avoid the fee and just paid a guest pass. I did question that a month ago but that didn't get me anywhere. I now have my TA involved with their company since they only mentioned $500 or 3 night stay now they are saying both. I don't know what to do. I can't see giving the resort all that money for nothing. I'm thinking about putting the photographer or saying they are staying with our guest that is not a couple in their room. What can we all do about this. They are getting out of had & the prices are ridiculous for this. After all the money we pay & bringing guest & they nickel & dime us. I hope as highly recommended they are they live up to their reputation after planning & hoping we all have a memory of a lifetime.

Quote: Originally Posted by jfwolfe72 I think you want to check with Shannon, not me. She's the one who used Cancun studios and had an email from Valeria saying that everything is included in the $500 fee. Monica is asking me to pay for the $500 fee PLUS three day passes and the per person charge for the private reception (again, for three people). Keep us posted on how your dealings w/ Monica go today. And Shannon - if you have a copy of that email that you wouldn't mind sharing w/ us, that would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks! Jennifer I will check with Shannon. On my spreadsheet it says $500 plus $72 for guess pass but it doesn't carry over to the charge column. Yet I didn't give her any of that info yet so maybe she is waiting on that. It should include everything in that $500 fee!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by jfwolfe72 Grrr. I think I'm down to the last minute details w/ EDR and this darn photography issue is driving me nuts. We agreed to pay the $500 vendor fee. So, that's been paid and I thought the issue was over. I notified Monica to tell her that my photographer will be bringing two associates w/ her (one of whom is the videographer). At first, Monica indicated that I might have to pay ANOTHER $500 fee for the videographer (who is associated w/ my photographer, mind you), but then she let that drop. But now, she told me that since we will be counting them as our guests in our "free" wedding dinner at El Cocotal and having them at our mini-private party afterwards ($8.00/person), we also have to get day passes for all of them! So, if I'm understanding her correctly, she wants me to pay $500 for the fee (at least one $500 fee so far), $72.00 for each guest pass (3), and $24.00 for three people at the private party. Ugh!!! I sent her an email to clarify all of this, but I am fuming.....and feel kind of defeated at the same time........ That is crazy. I think the photography fee is unreal to begin with. They do definitely nickel and dime you there for every thing. I know they pamper you there but for the money & all the guest you bring they should. I wouldn't give them another penny for the photography things. I would put my foot down with that. The $500 should include everything related to the photographers.