JYD1

Originally Posted by jenniferkuhr 

 

Hi Ladies,

 

So my last post was from The Royal itself, on our site visit, all excited and in heaven at what a beautiful place it was and how magical and surreal my wedding would be.  I came back to the U.S. with the checklist completed, engagement photos taken, ready to send off my save-the-dates.....until....

 

My sister announced she was pregnant!!!!

 

OMG?!?!?  WTF?!?!?!  Now, I'm not the kind of bride who freaks about pregnant-bridesmaid-photos, or maternity-bridesmaid-dresses or any of that business.  The trouble is my wedding date is in her last trimester and there's NO WAY her doctor would allow her to travel. I researched, I googled, nope.  No way.  And I CANNOT imagine getting married without my only sister there.

 

At first I was happy for her and calm and just said we'd reschedule.  Then I got angry and pissed and resorted to loud, obnoxious whining (Ryan did too, so we had a few shots and went out).  Then she had her doctors appointment and they heard the little heartbeat and I was all emotional and happy for this precious little life.  Now I'm back to being pissed...grrrr....I mean, we got ENGAGED in JUNE.  We even had a CONVERSATION about them holding off on baby attempts for a little bit until they crossed the "safe to travel zone."  How hard is it to hold off a few months?!?!  But they didn't.  

 

It's 3:30AM.  I used to dream about my wedding to lull myself to sleep on insomniac nights like this.  Now its just depressing.

 

I work in public schools so my wedding was to be on our Spring Break.  Now I have to try and reschedule for either earlier in February when we have a 4-day weekend or June/July, when Ryan and I were supposed to be on our World Tour.  And I'm terrified that even if we did reschedule, something will come up where she can't travel anyways....

 

This.  SUCKS. 

 

Jennifer!! So sorry to hear that!! That indeed does suck. Even after you told them to wait. That's a little inconsiderate. Hopefully it'll work out for the best. Definitely a hard situation to be in. I have my fingers crossed you can reschedule for an earlier time - but that means less time for you to get guests to book and all items finalized!

 

Definitely keep us posted!!

 

Originally Posted by averieann 

 

it's ok!!! we are going to sort it out but i am definitely going to look for another venue. i just feel too uncomfortable doing any business with them.

ana in the wedding department was great but i dont trust the on-site people.

 

anyway, i don't want to bring negativity to the board for those who are in planning mode! you are going to have a great wedding there and all your guests will have a blast.

eventually, i'm sure, my fiance and i will vacation there again since now we have like 60 weeks of vacation with the stupid timeshare thing.. ahha.. oh well.

 

best of luck to you all!

 

and if you know anything about working with destinationweddings.com  - let me know. i know they have threads on BDW.com but there's not a lot of info on it.

that is my next step right now... .i'm hoping they will give me some new venue options to move forward with.

if nothing compares - i'll be back here i guess! " class="bbcode_smiley" height="1" src="http://files.bestdestinationwedding.com/images/smilies//undecided.gif" title="" width="1" />

 

 

 

Hey Averie- my TA is actually from DestinationWeddings.com and I love her!! This site really depends on who you get - your dealing with an individual. PM me if you want her information. She's really great. She really helped me with an issue with The Royal. I cc her on everything and she's on top of what I want. She gave me alot of great recommendations for Mexico. I am in constant communication with her.

 

Good luck!!

Originally Posted by Lisa DSO 

 

Sooooo bachelorette party or bridal shower (my MOH asked me which one I wanted)? I don't really care either way, but just wanted some insight...

My vote is bachelorette party!!!

Originally Posted by Lisa DSO 

 

Yay, Fernandofinally confirmed with me last night :-) Cheers to relaxing in the room....now, do they charge for him coming to do my makeup (just me)?

 

 

 

That's awesome!! YAY!!! I've heard alot of brides say they didn't pay a vendor fee for him if he stayed less than 3 hrs. You may want to check with your WC. As you know, we all get different asnwers. LOL...

Originally Posted by JoZee84 

 

 

 

 

True, I hear you about using everything offered with your package.  The more I looked into my package I decided to go Ala Carte and do the "free" wedding package cause we booked a master suite for more than 5 nights.  I asked her about the florist and this is what she said:

1.-Can I use an outside Florist with out the vendor fee?  If I have one of my guest go and pick up the flowers and bring them to the resort will I be charged?    If the Flower Shop is external and comes to decorate your event, there will be a charge of an outside vendor fee of $ 350 dollars. But if one of your guests will go for the flowers, and you or your guest, decorate the Gazebo  there is no problem, there will be no charge .   I can't wait to see pics of your trail hair do's!

 

 

Perfect!! Thanks for the info. Glad to know there are ways around that ugly fee! Absolutely!! I plan on going to my hometown salon, take tons of pics and then show them there. At least it'll ensure what I want and there's no misunderstandings.

Originally Posted by JoZee84 

 

 

 

 

I'm not sure about make up and hair yet.  I am a hairdresser and am VERY picky about things like that.  I think I'm going to get a trial done on my hair as soon as I get down there before the wedding.  As for make up I think I'm just doing it myself.  I had it dont "professionally" done twice and hated it.  I know I'll be stressed as it is that day and if something isn't looking right I don't want to take it out on the make up girl,  haha. I  know people said Fernando is awesome but I think thats a LOT of money! plus the vendor fee.  Oh about florist, my WC said that as long as they don't have to set up any of the flowers you avoid the fee.  So they won't set up center pieces or flowers on the gazebo or huppas or anything like that.  I told her that was fine I'd have a guest do it for me.  Saves me some $$

 

LOL... I completely understand about being picky. It's your day and you want it to be perfect. I also contacted Norma from mac in cancun. She doesn't cost as much but I thought she did a great job on lady di and her wedding party. I'm considering buying some of their makeup and having them do a chart for where colors belong. I'm not into sharing makeup even if they clean their brushes.

 

So for the flowers - as long as the resort doesn't set it up, then no vendor fee? Just want to make sure I understand it. That would be awesome.

 

For hair I'm doing a trial run at their spa salon next spring to see if I like it. Trying to use as much as I can in my package since I've already paid for it.

Hi Ladies!!

 

I'm interested in buying gold and dark plum colored chair sashes. If you have any for sale -please let me know. Wedding isn't until June 2011 - I'm estimating about 40-60 guests. I'm thinking of alternating the sashes on chairs. 

 

Thanks!!

Originally Posted by RunningBride24 

 

Don't stress about Fernando, he just takes some time to reply. I worried about it then realized that he's got everything taken care of. I know that it doesn't make it easier (to get a delayed reply or none at all) but I can assure you he'll come through!  

 

 

Thanks for the assurance!! I keep checking my emails hoping to see a response. LOL.... You're wedding is literally around the corner!! How exciting!!! Keep us posted. Can't wait to see pics!!

 

I love all the ideas that I see for welcome bags and OOT bags but I'm not doing it for my wedding. We have between 40-60 guests coming and we decided to sponsor a group trip as a thank you for coming. Plus it's less stuff to carry and pack - for you and your guests. 

 

Originally Posted by averieann 

 

I know that I just joined this thread and introduced myself, but I have an update.

 

I think I am going to look for a new venue. The resort just incorrectly sent our Real Club timeshare/membership to a collections agency in the US!!!!!

 

I don't think I could stomach giving them any more money for our wedding. 

 

My mom and I loved this resort so much that we decided to invest in it and buy a membership in May 2009. When my fiance and I visited in August 2009, to use the membership for the first time, we discovered that it is essentially a hoax. They don't give you anything but a bit of a discount on your room. And it is very expensive!!! 

 

but my fiance and I wanted to make the best of it and have our wedding there and they just completely ruined it.

 

I know the wedding department is different and they can be professional, but I do not trust this place... I'm thinking about suing them because of this, if I can obtain enough information. They are extremely unprofessional and have no customer service skills. They were disrespectful to my mother over the phone and actually admitted to not answering our NUMEROUS emails. We emailed them over 5 times asking questions about our membership.

 

 

The real resorts are a joke. At this point, I don't think I'll be spending the happiest day of my life at any of their locations.

 

Sorry I am extremely upset right now!!!!!!!!!! Just thought you all should know some of the realistic things that happen with this organization.

 

So sorry to hear about that!! That is downright unprofessional. I hope you get this issue with them resolved. Luckily you were just in the beginning of planning. Keep us posted on your situation. If you want other recommendations, I hear the El Dorado is amazing - I have a friend who's attending a wedding there next thursday. When she gets back I can fill you in on how it went. Azul is another beautiful place and a new resort called Now Sapphire. I do know El Dorado is adults only. Azul may be as well. Not sure about Now Sapphire. 

 

Good luck!!

 

Originally Posted by JoZee84 

 

 

 

 

Thanks, I decided just to email him ( Thanks for the email address Jesmcan! ) and tell him what I was interested in and he sent pictures and prices. His work is amazing! I'm trying to avoid the vendor fee though.  Trying to figure out how to bypass it. haha

 

Tell me about it. I am really not a fan of that vendor fee!!! So glad Marvin is responsive. I need to email him myself. Who are you using for makeup? I'm having a hard time getting a response from Fernando with makeup pros.

Originally Posted by risa1818 

 

So not sure if you ladies do, but I read the reviews for The Royal ALL the time on tripadvisor.com. Most of them are really good, sometimes some are not so great.

 

My question to you ladies who have visited there, was the beach nice? I am slightly concerned because I am totally a beach person. I love laying on the beach, swimming in it, etc. My concern is that most people say the beach is not that nice. That it has a sulfur smell to it and it can be really rocky in most parts. Is this true?

 

I am not a picky person, but I do want to make sure that my guests are loving the beach!

 

Any feedback on this from you ladies that have been there?

 

BTW, thanks for the info. on the flower guy Jess

I am addicted to tripadvisor. That's how I decided to have my wedding at The Royal. It was more positives than negatives and of course all the brides on here. So far I haven't heard any stories about a horrible wedding. knock on wood! 

 

I've read that too. I've heard that the smell goes away and that near the pier is where it's mainly rocky. But someone said if you walked down a few ways it's pretty nice. 

 

Lisa and RosiePosie - thanks for that scary update about the police. WOW!! I can't believe they can do that. I may have my guests group together so it's a large group and they can't single them out. 

 

Originally Posted by JoZee84 

 

For brides getting married in June or later, is your WC answering your questions? I am sending my questions through my basecamp but I haven't recieved any answers! I just send the questions because I don't want to forget them when I finally do talk to them.  Am I being too impatient? The first day I spoke with them over the phone and everything was great! Now its like they don't want to be bothered this early.

I'm getting married there June 16th. I don't think I've ever setup a basecamp. How do I do that? My WC is Andrea and I just email her. For any pressing issues my TA calls her and talks to her immediately. She generally emails back within the same day - sometimes a few hours later but at least she's responding. 

 

Definitely call. I know September and October is a busy month for them with early fall weddings. 

Originally Posted by JoZee84 

 

 

 

 

I had the same question I think Lady Di used them, but you can't view anything on their website. I wanted to use an outside vendor and have someone pick them up too but my WC isn't getting back to me " class="bbcode_smiley" height="1" src="http://files.bestdestinationwedding.com/images/smilies//cry.gif" title="" width="1" />  

 

Hi JoZee84! You should be able to view their website as long as you have Flash. I looked today and was able to see great pieces. Click on Disenos (designs) and you will see a menu in english. Definitely beautiful work. 

 

Originally Posted by jesmcan 

 

Hi Jhanna,

 

          He does have candles, hes doing some for me. If you go on his website there is a really pretty arrangement of candles in glass hurricanes with rose petals. I love that arrangement.

       

Perfect! Thanks for that info Jesmcan. How much is he charging for candles? Thanks!!

 

 

Originally Posted by Jenny310 

I told him what kind of flowers I was looking for and he sent me pictures to choose from. I was looking for very simple arrangements so I think that's why I got the price that I did, but regardless he is very reasonable. I think if you have some ideas of what you are looking for he can def create if for you or get pretty close to it.

 

 

 

Jenny,

 

For your flowers, what is he arranging for you? Wedding party florals and table center pieces? I'm trying to decide if I want to deal with centerpieces or just do candles. Do you know if he supplies candles as well? We're having an indoor reception and I don't want it to be too plain but I also don't want to spend $$$ on flowers when we can't even take them home and we end up giving them away for free. 

 

If anyone else is interested I happen to have the pricing sheet for bridal bouquets and boutonnieres from The Royal. You can compare prices. PM me and I'll send it.

 

Janna 
 

Hi Averie!!

 

Congrats and welcome to the forum!! There is so much information on here that it can be overwhelming but you will definitely be prepared when you finally start your planning. As you will find out, The Royal tends to change their policies. When you get your contract, make sure to read it thoroughly. At one point they didn't even allow outside photographers. Outside vendor fees changed from $100 to $350. 

 

This forum has helped my sanity many times and the sharing of information almost makes planning seamless. 

 

Janna 

Originally Posted by jesmcan 

 

We were told the minister or judge are included if you stay in an ocean front 4 nights or longer. However I know other brides were told it had to be the master suite level.

Thanks for all the great advice. So glad I asked!! We decided to ask a friend to officiate for us. I'd rather spend that $400 on something else. I think I read the luxury package twice. LOL....

 

Playa - i would save that money and ask someone. It's more meaningful than stranger. 

Originally Posted by jesmcan 

 

Thank you Bride2Be and Rosie! I think we are all getting through it now and a lot of it has to do with the awesome support from you ladies

 

JYD1- Lady DI said they were very nice and I don't think they got in the way but not sure lol you may have to check her review to make sure. But ya I agree use them during the ceremony why not? More pictures

 

orbitingbklyn - I believe the house DJ is DJ Ivan who I am using and he get awesome reviews on here. I think it is totally worth it. He brings cold fireworks, fun balloons and masks and really gets the party going. Plus than you don't have to worry about the 1st dance and all that other stuff. Just dance your butt off and have fun I know it is pricey though " class="bbcode_smiley" height="1" src="http://files.bestdestinationwedding.com/images/smilies//sad.gif" title="" width="1" />

That's right!! I just quickly looked at them again. I just wanted to say that I met Lady Di in person and she is just as gorgeous or more in person as her photos. I bought a veil from her and it's perfect!! i couldn't help posing around in it! LOL...

 

Girls, are any of you married already and just having a symbolic ceremony? We got legally married this year so we wouldn't have to deal with translating paperwork and blood tests. So our ceremony is non-legal. We were thinking of asking one of our guests to officiate. Does anyone have any experience in this? I emailed my WC but the responses take a while and I know you ladies are much quicker!!

 

Me too!! Luckily I remembered this one!! =) I thought maybe I was just really tired and stressed!!

 

Thanks jesmcan. I would so love to do that. LOL..... I may just use them both since I have technically paid for it. I just hope they don't get in the way of my photog - I am paying him more!!!

 

So my drama is starting to be resolved. The only issue is that there's a concert booked using 4 out of the 6 ballrooms. I have 2 reserved. So all ballrooms are now taken for June 16th, 2011. Now we're just trying to find out what time it starts and what type of concert is it. If I can coincide when our music starts playing when they are then I'm hoping it shouldn't be too bad. We'll see. Not exactly thrilled but I can move up my ceremony time and cut the hour cocktail to 30mins depending on when they start.

 

I totally thank my TA for being on top of it and being my voice - which worked out bc I probably would not been as polite.

 

Originally Posted by Lisa DSO 

 

For those of you with the Luxury package, what is the difference between the included video package and the sunrise package from their video listing?

 

I pulled this from the website:

 

Professional photographer during the ceremony includes 24 color photos in a CD, video services during the ceremony including a DVD

 

so is that a separate photographer and videographer?

How interesting! I did not see that in the video section. To reiterate, you do get a photographer and a videographer. I'm not sure if I want to use their photographer since I'm bringing one but as they say, if you don't use it, you lose it. There are absolutely no refunds or exchanges when it comes to the packages.

Ladies!! Check out this thread!! For those of you getting married in July 2011, Del Sol Photography is offering a free photo shoot!! Congrats to the lucky bride!!

 

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/thread/61160/del-sol-photography-give-away-looking-for-couples-in-the-riviera-maya-in-july-2010#post_1350842

Ladies!!

 

I have to vent a little. I hope no one else is experiencing this issue. I promise I won't take up too much of your time. I'm trying to remain calm and hope this is an honest mistake. When I contacted The Royal in July - we were set for an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception. My WC at The Royal said - since you want a longer reception your only option is ballroom and they are open. I filled out my paperwork, even wrote on the deposit information the wedding details. All correspondence has always been notated as such.

 

SO WHY IS IT TODAY WHEN I EMAIL HER MY SUGGESTED TIMELIME THAT SHE TELLS ME ANOTHER GROUP HAS THE BALLROOMS AND IF I WANT THE RECEPTION ON THE BEACH?!!!  Thankgod my TA is on top of it!! I cc her on everything - bc I can't always respond so quickly.

 

Any words of wisdom to help me remain calm? Crossing fingers.

Originally Posted by oceanbreeze 

 

Hi!

 

I'm new to the thread.  Just reserved a day for an April wedding at the Royal but now it seems everyone (including our TA!) is complaining about the price.  I was just wondering, if it's not a secret, what price for rooms were you able to negotiate with the Royal (and for how many days?).  I'm trying to figure out how much of a discount they can give and if it's worth it to keep using the TA.  She says she can get the price down by $30 max. 

 

Also, if guests book at the sister resort (which I guess is cheaper), are they considered "outside" guests and we'd have to pay the "outside" guest fee for food?

 

Much thanks!!! I'm super stressed about this and would appreciate any info!

Hi! I am using www.destinationweddings.com - in the beginning it was a little rough (we changed locations a few times) but after we settled on Mexico it has been much smoother and drama free. Be aware that each TA is different. So depending on who gets assigned to you is the level of service you will receive. When we booked our group room rates - we were under the early booking - i believe it's 30% off regular price plus an extra $50 off. They should still have the early booking available. Ask your TA about it.

 

Guests staying at the Gran are part of the resort group. They are not outside guests. In fact ask your TA about combining rooms from Gran and Royal for your group block. It will help filling the room deps. We have guests staying at both. That is what we're doing. We decided to do a min of 10 rooms( combined gran & royal) and then add on rooms for additional guest. That way we maintain our group block rate and any guest that is added still gets the group rate.

 

This is just based on my specific contract and experience. Let me know if you have any questions. I can give you my TAs info if you're interested.

Originally Posted by danielle6680 

 

Thanks for the heads up!  My fiancee's niece is our photographer and I guarantee she has no idea about this permit business.  If you guys have any additional information, please provide it.  Local government building???  Ugh, one more thing to worry about!

I know!! I'm trying to find out more myself. I'll definitely post an update. I think if you do a search on here for Ivan Luckie, he may have more info on it. I'm hoping the local consolate in our area will be able to help us out.