jenjen181

Hey Everyone,

 

I am getting married at the Gran Caribe December 4th 2010. I saw that a lot of people were concerned about not hearing from their wedding coordinators. The same thing happened to me, but all has been resolved. If you haven't heard from your WC, try to contact them by phone or send them an email about how upset you are, chances are you will hear from someone soon. That's what I did and I haven't had a problem since. My new WC usually gets back to me within the same day or the next day.

 

Anyway, I will try to tell everyone a little bit about how my wedding planning is going because I know I had to search these forums high and low to get info on Gran Caribe brides.

 

The wedding planning begins by setting a date and time and giving them a $200 deposit. At that time you will also sign a wedding contract. We chose the Villas Terrace for the reception and the Gazebo for the ceremony. Also, we are having a "symbolic" ceremony so that we don't have to jump through the hoops of getting married in Mexico, and officially getting married here the week before.

 

So here's some helpful hints:

 

Go to the real website and "book your wedding." Make up fake names and dates so that you can get to the end to see all of the options (you'll see what I mean once you do it). Your WC will eventually send you all of this stuff, but this is the easiest way to see most of their options (flowers, cakes, prices etc..) before committing to this resort.

 

If anyone's interested in having a signature cocktail during their cocktail hour, it is an extra $5 per person (I'm having blue lagoons!)

 

Table linens can be rented in pretty much any color available (that was another question I had). Table linens are $12 each to rent and napkins are $1 each

 

Ok so I'm pretty much going to walk you through my wedding and tell you how much it is going to cost so you brides thinking about the Gran can get an idea. First of all, my guests are quoted at $355 per person (based on double occupancy) for 4 days... pretty dang good for all inclusive.

 

We're having the Luxury Wedding. Ceremony is at 4 with a guitarist and a few floral decorations (standard ceremony decorations are white tulle at the entrance, white chair covers and red carpet). Also we are purchasing 3 bridesmaid bouquets, bridal bouquet, and 3 boutonnières. We have also upgraded our photo package which will be about an additional cost of around $1250. (we're using the hotel b/c outside vendor fees are $350, plus the cost of the vender, of course) From 5-6 is cocktail hour w/ signature cocktails and a live mexican trio. From 6-10 is the ceremony with a DJ. There will also be 5 centerpieces.

 

The total cost of the wedding will be about $8200 for 40 guests. If you're wondering how the luxury wedding went from $3800 to $8200 I will try to add up the additional costs. $400 for a judge (or minister or priest, this is not included in the package) $1250 for photography, $850 for DJ, $400 for reception extra hour (wedding package comes with only 3 hours) $200 for signature cocktails, $250 for couture cake, $150 to feed extra guests, $500 for bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces, table linens, and ceremony decorations. And also a $400 surcharge for all weddings Thur-Sun after 4pm.

 

I hope this post wasn't too long and that it helps future Gran brides. Feel free to ask me any questions.

I didn't use a TA from the forum

Hi Jen! It literally took Ana over 2 months to confirm my wedding date of June 17, 2011. I emailed her April 2nd and I only got an email to confirm about 2 weeks ago. I sent muliple followup emails, about one every 2-3 weeks. It was extremely frustrating. I was even working with a travel agent to try and help. I was going to give her one more week and then I was just going to call but luckily she finally responded. I know thier preferred method of communication is email but I waited over 2 months and thought a call wouldn't be unreasonable at that point.

Now my frustration is waiting for her to take my deposit from my credit card. I realize she is extremely busy but it gets a little rediculous with the no communication. The weddings they book and the guests we bring them for the wedding is a huge part of thier business. I think they need to come up with a better system. All I want is my date and my deposit taken care of and I won't "bother" her for a whole year

What is keeping me with DRC is all the wonderful things I've heard and from reading other brides reviews reassuring us that once we get there everything will be worth it and that our weddings will be beautiful. So thank you to all the previous bride because if it wasn't for you I would've dropped DRC due to lack of communication.

Keep trying Jen! It will be worth it. Dreams is beautiful and I've read almost only great things, I'd say about 90% of the time people are overly impressed and 10% of the time people nit pick at stuff with negative comments but still have good things to say. I think DRC will be worth it in the end!