Nanfa22

I am in the same situation as a newbie too!  Can anyone share? afnanfito@@gmail.com

I appreciate it!

I just got back from having my wedding at Fiesta Americana Condesa.  Overall, the resort is top notch in food, service, pool activities, and beach. We seriously felt like a celebrity wherever we went.  The rooms are dated though, we had several friends who had to move rooms because of air and phone not working and another group that did not have their adjoining rooms ready until the second night.

 

Now to the wedding...my advice is to take care of any payment before you go.  We had issues with not meeting up with the wedding coordinator when we got there. I asked the front desk to call for her and they told me she was not there, and she said she was in the lobby looking for me. Whatever happened, we did not see her.  She came up for payment the afternoon of the wedding and my card was rang for 800$ more than originally quoted in the emails before we went.  Then she asked to see my id and credit card for the 2nd time to scan as we were walking out for family pictures.  When I asked for a bill breakdown all that was added was a 15% service charge. She was never really able to tell me what a "service charge" was, I am assuming gratuity. Which is fine, but I would have just liked to know it ahead of time.  The officiant skipped a reading that one of my nieces was going to do during the ceremony and there were not enough chairs at each table to match up with my seating chart at the reception, and my guest book directions were not sitting by the postcards (no pen by the guest book either).

 

We are a very laid back couple and did not let it ruin our day, but it more just annoyed me after months of emails and going back and forth that several things were overlooked.

 

Good Luck :-)

Hi Corina- Thanks for the information on the bill.  I will definitely address that issue early.  

I am getting married there this October- where did you guys have your reception?  I am having mine outside in the garden area and I was wondering what you did for decorations?  I want to add something to the area so it feels a little separate from the rest of the resort.  

Also, did you choose flowers right from the pdf of flowers the wedding coordinator sent you?  I have some photos of what I would like and want to know how well they actually match what you request.  I am open to any other advice you have too!

Thanks

Wow!  This is so helpful! I am relieved that the hair & make-up went well. Great pictures too! I think we will go with a reception near the pool after seeing those photos and not needing a dance floor. 

Cancun Girl- did you physically bring all your decorations to the resort or did you ship anything to Lis?  I would like to add a few of my own decorations, but don't want the hassle of packing so much.  We plan to travel after the wedding and definitely don't want to haul things around on our honeymoon.  

We are getting married there 10-4-2014, so we have time for decisions.  That is great to hear Lis will accommodate your centerpieces too.  She had sent me a pdf of some of the centerpieces and I didn't fall in love with them, but thought I could make them work. I will definitely send her some photos of what I would like.  Also, great to hear that the music technician worked out well! We were thinking of hiring a DJ, but planned on brining our own music anyway.  We went to a wedding at a resort last year in Playa del Carmen & their DJ just kept playing the same songs that we had heard all week by the pool.  

We are also going with the BBQ buffet.  I know I will want to get through dinner quicker and get to dancing.

We also want to do a catamaran or sometime of boat cruise for our guests the evening before the wedding.  Does anyone have any experience with this or recommendations on vendors?

Does anyone have experience or an opinion regarding where to hold your reception at FACC?  Our date is 10-4-2014 and I would like to have the reception outside, but want it to be relatively private too.  I am worried that an indoor reception may look too sterile, like a conference room, or too much like a prom set-up.  I am leaning towards the garden terrace.  Any thoughts?  

Also has anyone had their hair and make-up done onsite?  I don't usually wear much make-up and am concerned I wont look like myself if they go too overboard. LOL  

I'm also trying to decide if I should reserve a block of rooms for guests. I know you can find better rates on other travel websites.  When you reserve a group rate with the hotel, can you guarantee your guests can get the most updated rooms?  I'm worried that if everyone books through other websites they will get stuck with the older pick of the rooms.  Any experiences with allowing guests to book their travel independently?    

I appreciate any help!

I just returned my contract for October 4, 2014!  Looking forward to more planning, but am interested in anyone's experience with a reception in the ballroom vs. garden?  We are expecting 50-75 guests.  

I am open to any suggestions about planning at the FACC 

I am just starting my planning & am lost with the amount of choices!  Here is what I am looking for:

We are planning for a fall 2014

-kid friendly beach resort

-expect 50-75 guests, but would like a bigger resort that has bars, a disco and options for excursions 

-want a private reception for a few hours, buffet dinner & a dj for a few hours, then the late night people can hit up the disco

We went to a wedding at Sandos Playacar last fall and it was awesome, but we would like a step-up in quality from there. I am hoping to find a quality place that is $250 or less per night.  

Any planning suggestions are welcome!