RoryS

Has anyone ordered 2 entrees? My niece is going with the surf & turf combo (filet & shrimp), but has some non-beef/non-seafood eaters in the group. Can you order a chicken or veggie dish instead? If so, is there an additional charge?

The catamaran trip sounds great. What does it include? Is it day time? sunset?

Bianca, Did you decide to hold your reception at the resort? I've been doing some checking for a rehearsal off-site and the cheapest I came up with was $35/pp, not including drinks. That was in PDC. Did you ever find out anything further about a 2nd entree?

Quote: Originally Posted by can't wait! Joann, the resort puts everything together for you for no additional fee. You just need to give them your stuff. Does anyone know if the Ultimate Package includes chair covers for the reception or only for the ceremony? If only for the ceremony, will they move the chair covers to the reception area chairs or do you need to purchase chair covers for those chairs, as well. The Ultimate Package covers for 20 people. We'll have 40, so I assumed we'd have to buy an additional 20 covers, or will it be 40? Will they set up the chairs for the reception with the bows, also? I know the table cloths are white with white napkins, but we want to bring overlays. Will they put those down on the table for us, along with any centerpieces? One final question... how much is it for colored napkins? Is it worth the additional cost or should we just go with white?

I am so happy for you DT brides. You have been through hell for the past couple months. Wedding planning is stressful enough without the added stress of your resort closing!!! Enjoy your planning!

I'm facing a similar situation. My niece is getting married next June and all along I had planned on sharing a room with her sister (my other niece). We travel together and get along great! The problem is, my niece's father (my BIL) doesn't want to go to the wedding - various excuses, depending who you listen to. Now, my sister wants to room with me. That would leave my niece out in the cold, except now her brother (who is in Iraq) wasn't going to go and now he is, so she is going to share a room with him. I looked into the 3 in a room but the room was 2 double beds and I'm not paying all that money to share a room AND a double bed besides. I want to pay my down payment and my sister is still hemming and hawing about whether her husband is going to go or not. If that happens, then I'm left out in the cold. My niece said I can bring a friend, but I don't want to bring someone to my niece's wedding that she doesn't know. I'm thinking about getting my own room, but it's about $250 more. I really don't want to share a room with my sister because I want to party with my niece and have a good time. My sister is the type that gets up at 6 a.m. and wants everyone to go for a walk on the beach.

Does anyone know what the Ultimate package includes as far as chair covers, chair bows, overlays, etc? Are these items included just for the first 20 people and everything over that number is extra? Also, she likes the idea of having a choice of entrees, as she wants the surf and turf, but some of her guests either don't eat meat or don't eat seafood. I agree with Bianca, most places always offer at least 2 choices of entree.

You only really see the back row as far as photos go, so for that, I would do alternating or just one color. There was a Del Sol slideshow that did a wedding with red and orange. Red looks close enough to fushcia in photos. They used alternating color bows. I'll see if I can find it... I really like the 2 colors combined. It's very pretty. I guess those bows are mesh bows. I was looking at satin, but the mesh will probably travel better and not be all wrinkled.

My niece is enlisting the help of several of her friends and they are going to distribute all the things she needs to bring with her into their suitcases. I'm on the opposite coast, but I'll be bringing some things, as well.

My niece is also getting married at home - to save some money. And she didn't like the idea of getting the blood tests done there. My nephew, her brother, is coming home on leave from Iraq in June and is going to "officiate" at her wedding in his dress uniform, when they say their own vows. I saw a picture of the gazebo with the wicker chairs and they look nicer than white plastic beach chairs. So, I guess that chair covers are not included for the ceremony. I thought it might be nice just having the chairs plain, but depending on what kind of material they're made of - it might be a problem with some of the lady's dresses getting snagged... so probably have to go with the chair covers. My niece was also planning on bringing tulle to decorate the gazebo, but I saw in the wedding brochure that decorations for the gazebo are included in the ultimate package. Does anyone know what that would be like? These seem like simple basic questions, but are important to know. As far as the bows go; I think only the chair covers are included in the package (for 20 chairs), so she'll have to bring enough bows to cover up to 40 chairs and just pay for an additional 20 chair covers. I am ordering those for her. Her colors are orange and fuschia. Would you alternate the 2 colors on the chair bows or just do one color?

Can anyone recommend a nice restaurant in either PDC or near to Puerto Aventuras for a rehearsal dinner for approximately 40 people? I assume we'll either get a bus or use cabs to get us there. Everything I've seen on line doesn't appear that they could accommodate that large a group and anything that can looks like it can will cost more than the wedding!!

It's a bit confusing. and getting answers isn't always very easy. Hopefully, when they finally open; the communications paths will open up, as well.

Welcome, you will find so much useful information on this site!!

The Ultimate Package only covers for 20 people, so I'm guessing that additional chair covers and bows would have to be paid for any over that number

Welcome!! Maybe it's a very small hotel - some of the boutique type hotels only have a few rooms. Maybe that's what they meant. Good luck!

Welcome! My niece is getting married in Puerto Aventuras Riviera Maya next June. You have a lot of choices in the RM area - just depends on what you are looking for. Happy planning!

There were some pictures posted by Morgan a couple months ago. She was married at Catalonia, which is next door. http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t19240-3 Also, Baltobabe on Trip Advisor just returned from a site visit at the new Dreams PA. She said she wasn't allowed to take photos because it wasn't finished, but did make some very nice comments about it on Trip Advisor.

I was looking into Playa del Carmen too , because there doesn't seem to be much in PA. Please let us know what you find out. How far is PDC from PA?

I don't know about these places for a reception but we are researching a place to have a rehearsal dinner off site of the resort. My niece's FMIL wanted to have something in Cancun, but with 40 guests schlepping to Cancun, it might be a logistical nightmare. These places are all in PA or very nearby: RICHARD'S:on the marina. Whether you come for the food or to be entertained by Richard's stories and antics. You will enjoy yourself here. Excellent US Grade-A Steaks, Seafood and Pizza, plus a salad bar. A long standing Puerto tradition. Telephone 52 (984) 873-5086 TIRAMISU:on the marina. Delicious Italian cuisine fused with Mexican and Classic American dishes all wrapped up in an intimate atmosphere. Owners Donna Carey from Connecticut and Memo Cameretti from Naples Italy, are usually on hand to greet you and oversee your memorable evening. Ideal for that special event or bring in your fresh catch and they will prepare it in one of ten different ways. Telephone 52 (984) 873-5654 or visit their web site at Tiramisumex.com to check out the menu. CAFE - CAFE:street side near Italian Bakery This bright deli-bakery with high speed internet service and the cheapest long distance telephone rates. Stop in to catch up on your emails, for a light breakfast, lunch or fabulously fresh desert with coffee and meet friendly owners Mimi from Denmark & Daniel from Mexico DF. Telephone 52 (984) 873-5728 TREBOL SPORTS BAR & MARINA CAFE:on the marina. (formerly Jones Sports Bar) With the passing of Bill, this long standing watering hole has new owners, new attitude and a totally new look. Besides having the nicest restrooms of any restaurant or bar in Puerto, they serve some of the best dinners too. After 6:00 PM this comfortable sports bar transforms itself into a salon environment inside for evening sports fans and a linen clothed al fresco fine dining environment outside. (the steaks are delicious) Telephone 52 (984) 873-5381 CAFÉ OLE: street side across from Omni Hotel. Wide variety of dishes from Mexican to American with seafood and daily specials too. Try the Texas style bar-b-que and salad bar. Popular spot with locals and visitors alike, good food and fabulous home made pies. Owner's Gary and Gail bring in live music frequently and can often be found on stage with them. Telephone 52 (984) 873-5125 XENOTE:on the ocean in Omni hotel. Serving Mayan, Yucatecan and International dishes. Beautiful setting for quiet breakfast or romantic dinner. Dine in the comfort of Air Conditioning in their indoor restaurant, or dine outdoors on the patio enjoying the view. Telephone 52 (984) 875-1950 THE PUB:on the marina. The pub offers a ice cold beer and decent pub fare. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Good food, daily specials, and decent prices make this a local favorite and worth finding. Ideal spot to settle in and watch the dolphin show Telephone 52 (984) 873-5130 MASSIMO: on the marina between Richards & Tiramusu. Chef/owner Massimo Forlani offers up absolutely delicious fresh Italian fare in a casual atmosphere. Most of the other restaurants in Puerto Aventuras have some dishes that are very good, but in my opinion, this restaurant is the all round best. phone 52 (984) 873-5418 OMNI BEACH BAR/CLUB:on the beach at Omni hotel. Aside from a private oceanfront villa rental, this just might be the best hang out in all of Puerto Aventuras. A bar with one side on the nicest beach in Puerto and the other side in the pool, PLUS delicious snacks and service to your lounge chair either on the beach or around the pool, AND great snorkeling right out front, make this a place you may not want to leave all day. (If the property owner you are renting from is not a member of this private club, you can purchase a day pass). Telephone 52 (984) 875-1950 WAHOO SPORTS BAR & GRILL:on the far side of marina next to gringo Daves. Cold drinks, hot bar-b-que, pool table and TV's broadcasting your favorite game. Bring in your catch of the day and they will prepare it for you here. I have only eaten here once and it was terrible!! The evening special was ' Kentucky fried chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy and steamed vegetables for $10.00 The chicken was some kind of pre-made frozen out of the box variety that was dry and tasteless. The mashed potatoes were not even potatoes but those man made goo that hospitals pass off to people with no teeth. The gravy was out of a box and without flavor. The vegetables were of the frozen variety but proved to be the highlight because at least they were not overcooked. TACO PACO: Moved south of Puerto Aventuras to the NEXT PEMEX gas station. The original much loved 'Paco' has moved on to Guadalajara but his delicious taco recipe carries on. Squeezed out of Puerto by the development but still close enough and the tacos good enough to make the trip. Serving up some of the best and freshest fish and shrimp tacos this side of Cabo, all made to order right in front of you. ESENCIA: south of Puerto Aventuras a short distance on XpuHa beach. Exclusive restaurant in the boutique hotel of the same name. Reservations required 52 (984) 873-4835 or web site link Esencia AL CIELO: south of Puerto Aventuras a short distance on XpuHa beach. Exclusive restaurant in the small hotel of the same name. Reservations required 52 (984) 840-9012 or web site link Al Cielo

Let's face it, we've all been let down by people we care about in this life. That's just human nature, unfortunately. The people on this board are great because they're all going through the same thing that you are. Social events, unfortunately, often bring out the worst in people. There is alot of jealousy especially from your girlfriends. Some people just can't get over their own feelings - for whatever reason. Maybe they can't stand seeing you so happy, maybe they're not in a good relationship, have a job they hate, don't have alot of friends, don't get along with their family, having money issues - whatever - when their lives are going badly they can't suck it up and be happy for someone else. Families also have issues that could go back to an event that may have happened years ago and they haven't gotten past it. I've learned that I can't expect people to do the same things I would do. If you expect nothing and get something, it'll be a pleasant surprise.

My niece fell in love with Gwen Stefani's gown, with the hot pink fade on the bottom. She's having a dress made with that same color and wanted something that would go with it, so chose orange, which is also very Mexican and tropical. It seems to be very popular right now.

Bianca, I saw that you're looking at Catalonia for your wedding. You said DPA is nickle and diming. Can you tell me what items they're trying to charge for? My niece booked the Ultimate package and knows she has to pay for the additional 20 people for the cocktail hour and reception. Also, I believe chair covers for 20 are covered and chair bows are not included at all. What else is there a charge for? She is on a fairly limited budget and things have been cropping up that she didn't account for. Thanks!!

I had a guy who called me after I had started dating my husband. This guy and I had a somewhat rocky relationship, but I thought he was very hot (at the time). I told him I was dating someone else and I had never been happier in my life. Never heard from him again. Just set this guy straight... tell him you are engaged to be married, and have never been happier in your life. Sometimes when the day to day issues come into play; we think that maybe things could've been different with someone else. But you know what - the day to day things will come into play no matter who you're with. If you're in love with your FI and he's a great guy - go with the love that you have - not with what you "had".

We also checked out having the reception at a restaurant, but when you figured in the cost of liquor (which was the big ticket item); it became pretty expensive. A lot of the places also only offered "well" and local liquors and my niece is pretty picky about her alcohol.

You would think that the policies from one resort to another would all pretty much be the same, since they're owned by a corporation, not a bunch of individuals. I guess it's somewhat difficult working with a resort that technically is not even "open" yet, and then with all the DT problems; I think maybe their focus has shifted a bit. I think things may be clearer once they open and get the DT situation straightened out.