lynne1609

1 hour ago, Des said:

Thank you so much! I have my ceremony at 5 so I know I still have a lot of time to set my timeline for the day I was thinking maybe 1230/1 start Jaír and make up but I guess I’ll figure that out. Did you use the dj and photographer there as well? I have 18 guest going and I just can’t seem to convince myself to pay so much for a big photo package I was thinking maybe doing one hour package for the cocktail hour or reception. Thanks so much sorry for all the questions 😃

Hi Des, yes please allow yourself plenty of time.  There was only 4 of us for our wedding so no, didn't use the DJ and we used the photographer as part of our package.  We had photos taken around the main ground and we purchased some extra photos but they aren't cheap.  We also had the one hour cocktail which will be good if you have 18 guests and then I had my reception that the French restaurant as we had a storm on our wedding day so the actual wedding had to be moved from the pier to an area by the main reception.  To be honest, it was still an amazing day.  Don't worry about asking, I know exactly how you feel as I was the same.  We are returning back next year but not until October.

8 hours ago, Des said:

Hi everyone, newbie here!

I'm getting married here in September 2019, I'm curious if anyone has any pictures of their hair and make up. Im on the fence of letting them do my make up and it coming out bad! Well actually, I'm nervous about the whole thing, I've emailed my coordinator about 5x with tons of questions. Any advice from former excellence brides? Thanks!

I had my hair and make up done by them and I was very pleased with it.  I asked for minimalistic make up and I wasn't disappointed.  I had a hair trial before (I think it was around $70 which was added to my room), they can create any design and all the other brides I saw looked equally beautiful.  Just allow enough time as they don't rush and I didn't leave myself much time to get ready.

8 hours ago, Des said:

Hi everyone, newbie here!

I'm getting married here in September 2019, I'm curious if anyone has any pictures of their hair and make up. Im on the fence of letting them do my make up and it coming out bad! Well actually, I'm nervous about the whole thing, I've emailed my coordinator about 5x with tons of questions. Any advice from former excellence brides? Thanks!

I had my hair and make up done by them and I was very pleased with it.  I asked for minimalistic make up and I wasn't disappointed.  I had a hair trial before (I think it was around $70 which was added to my room), they can create any design and all the other brides I saw looked equally beautiful.  Just allow enough time as they don't rush and I didn't leave myself much time to get ready.

@@roamfree Congratulations and you definitely won't be disappointed.  Itt doesn't matter which location you choose from to get married at (Pier, Gazebo, Beach) , it's the actual wedding packages that denote the price.  

It will be here before you know it.  Just beware the WP take a little longer to respond but they will get back to you.

@kjb0528@vanessajfelice ladies from memory there is very little lighting if any at Las Olas.  I was quoted $50 to hang any lights etc so bear this in mind.  Also there are no restrooms at the beach.  Your guests will need to go either to the Grill or the other restrooms are near the notice board which is by Kafe Kafe bar.  It's not too far but something to bear in mind.

I'm actually glad I moved mine from Las Olas, it is very private if that's what you want. It can be a little bit windy as it has no sides to shield any weather. I'll try and see if I have any pics from Las Olas from my stay.  I know other Brides had their reception at Las Olas and had an amazing time so they may be in a better position to offer you more information.  There was only 4 of us so it made sense to move it to a restaurant (other than the weather).

Good luck ladies, you will have the most magical day - regardless of where you choose to celebrate.

Pic of Las Olas

Well I've just arrived back from the Excellence Riviera Cancun and all I can say is it's simply amazing. Alejandra has been my WP since I booked my wedding last October and she emailed me upon arrival to meet with her the next morning the discuss our wedding day (and also meet the Doctor for the blood tests). This is all conducted in a private room next to the lobby.

Once we had discussed the plans, decoration details and have the blood tests then we went to visit the area the wedding was taking place. My wedding was supposed to have taken place on the Pier but due to the weather (Storm Earl) my wedding and reception had to be moved to another area in the hotel. Brides, please take the weather into consideration as it can affect the day (but only if you let it, it's something that is beyond everyone's control). But seriously please rest assured the WP do everything they can to make your day just as rememorable. PLEASE also remember it's not the WP fault if the weather doesn't play nice on the day.

My actual wedding took place on a verander next to the lobby (it's a private area) and the background overlooks the sea. It's partly outside and inside so the speaker can still be set up for the music. It was absolutely beautiful and if I'm honest it was better than the Pier as you have to walk across the sand to get to the Pier. It's not boarded flooring. The boarded floor stops at Las Olas and then it's onto the beach/sand to get to the Pier. Brides who got married on the Pier either went bare footed, in beach sandals or removed their shoes to walk across and then put them back on when reached the Pier.

Once we had our ceremony then we had our pictures taken. We had the Love Package (which includes 24 edited pics on a CD). One thing to bear in mind is that the 24 inclusive pics are only of the ceremony. We had pics taken in various other places and these can be purchased at an additional cost of $20 each. These aren't prints, they are added to the CD. The photographer offers you other packages but I found these a little expensive after already paying the wedding cost.

We originally had Las Olas for our cocktail hour and reception but again due to the weather it was changed. We had the cocktail hour back in the area we had our wedding ceremony and we had our reception in Chez Isabelle (French restaurant) but they served us our chosen wedding meal. The way Alejandra decorated my table (I took all my own accessories) was better than I anticipated (we only had one table as there was only 4 of us). It truly was an amazing day. With having to change the venues meant that I was greeted, cheered and congratulated by so many guests at the hotel who I had to pass to get to my Husband To Be and this made me smile with pride. I felt on top of the world. We had the wedding at 3pm.

If you feel that your WP takes a little longer to respond, all I can say is just be a little patient. Everything will come together and all your stresses will be forgotten. I couldn't have asked for a better day.

The spa is closed for the month of August 2016 so I had my hair and make up done in my room and this made it less stressful as well and I didn't have to walk around in a vey humid resort (even with the storm it was still extremely humid).

If you have any further questions other than what I have tried to include in a very honest review, then please feel free to ask me. I will do my best to help you. The staff at the hotel are in a league of their own. Polite, helpful and most of all serve you with a big beaming smile. Best of luck to all the Brides To Be and have the time of your life. I know I did.

Here's a selection of our day xxx

@@victoriasalv  5 mins before haha.  Well you look absolutely gorgeous and from what you've told me, I know they will do a great job.

Well I've just packed the last of my things in to my Bridal Box to carry my Wedding dress and accessories as my hand luggage.  I had special boxes made for me and my Mom (to carry her beautiful dress and fascinator).  Here's what our travel boxes look like.

Well 2 weeks tomorrow will be my big day, eeeeekkkkk how did it come around so quickly??

I will be arriving in resort 1 week today and we've upgraded to Club at the hotel so even more excited now.

Alejandra is my co-ordinator too and can't wait to finally meet her.

@@victoriasalv  Can't wait to see your pics   

Did you have a hair and make up trial before your day?  I've saved some pics on my iPad of how I'd like my hair so finger's crossed.

Yes, we have chosen 3 songs how Victoria mentioned.  We haven't told my Mom and Step-Dad what we have chosen and I know my Mom will cry. 

It's all starting to become very real now and here's hoping the weather is kind

Well Brides to Be, I'm now down to 3 weeks tomorrow when it will be my Big Day.  Not sure where the time has gone but certainly got loads of butterflies.  We are having the Love Package even though there will be only 4 of us from the UK.  Can't wait

@@Tighev  It took approx 2 weeks for my final decisions to be confirmed from when I submitted it which was the middle of May.  You will receive a document back from your WP to read through and confirm.  This also includes all final prices for any upgrades/extra's for you to confirm.  You sign it and send it back.  I've not had any problem with mine, the menu I selected was all agreed but if I'm honest, I will follow back up with your WP to confirm before having menu cards printed.  Just incase.  My wedding is the week after yours and mine has all be sorted so follow up to get your final decision document back asap.

@@kathryn78 Gorgeous pictures, did you have the photographer as part of your wedding package or an external vendor? 

@@KeriT21 No I'm not worried about it and TBH it's only a major concern to ladies either looking to start a family quite soon or if you are already pregnant.  As this is now in alot of countries and quite often there are no symptons, I'm not going to worry or stress about something I can't control or prevent.  Maybe get them to read up on the web http://www.cdc.gov/zika/about/index.htmlif they haven't already done so.

One question I have for anyone who has already married, for the blood tests do they take blood or is it a thumb prick?  Just curious as I have a H2B terrified of needles....

@@Tighev You're welcome. I can become quite frustrating when your only communication route is via email.

I just emailed a list of questions/concerns (I think I had 10 questions) and Alejandra my WP provided me with as much information as possible.

If I can help any further then just post and I'll respond if I know.

Everything is creeping up so fast.

@@Tighev I understood that if its anything that needs to be hung up from theceiling beams then yes, they are charging 50usd for maintenance to sort this out.

I've described the table decorations I'm bringing in an email and this will all be sorted by the WP. I didn't get into any further discussion as the buntings I have arent ones that need to be hung from the ceiling beams so I'll discuss this when I get there. How the decorations are to be arranged is discussed when you arrive.

I put my final decision in almost 2 weeks ago of which my WP has acknowledged and I'm now just waiting for final cost confirmation.

I would just email again like I do asking for a response and update

I sent an email of all questions I had and I received a response back quite quickly.

@@Tighev below is a copy of my question and the response I received.

3. I will bring various table decorations and bunting to be hung up, is this ok? The table tea lights will be battery operated (I will bring the required number of batteries), we can discuss when I arrive how I would like the table decorated

Response from WP

This is great! You can give me the decorations at our meeting. For the bunting there is a fee to hung it up as this will require maintenance assistance. The fee is 50usd..

@@Tighev I haven't personally as I'm just taking battery operated table lights but we are only catering for one table. Therefore I don't know how dark it will be.

They are charging 50usd to hang up some bunting so you may need to check with your WP what they will charge and how many lights you will need depending on how many guests you have.

@@LouisSLB32  So you will be getting married soon?  I'm only a couple of weeks after you.  I think you will be ok for your cocktail hour but it all depends how long your photographs take. Maybe some brides who have already married will be able to provide better assistance.  We aren't having a DJ but I've not heard anyone complaining about any sound issues.

MY WP is Alejandra as well.  I'm just waiting for her to confirm my final decisions.  These WP have some much to deal with on a day to day basis.

@@Izzychadbone yes we sent our divorce papers to Alejandra, our WP and she said everything is fine but in the Excellence Wedding information document it states the paragraph below. I guess I'm just panicking a little as Alejandra advised this doesn't need to be done when I sent her copies.  

 If divorced, a copy of divorce decree is required. Has to be translated into Spanish and apostille.

I'm just waiting for her to confirm if a copy of the wedding certificate is included in the wedding cost or if this is additional as well.  I'm planning on getting another copy and just waiting to find out what the cost of this will be. Sometimes the information in these documents can be a little ambiguous and I find myself checking and double checking x 

@@Izzychadbone I've sent my WP copies of both of our divorces which are from an English court and not translated and she replied that she didn't need anything more. This is making me a little nervous incase it's wrong.

I'm just waiting for her to get back to me. We only have 10 weeks left.

Can any UK brides assist?  Is a copy of the marriage licence included in the wedding cost or is this additional?  I've asked my WP about obtaining an additional copy and I've just been sent information 

 Marriage Certificate Translation $100

 Shipment is not included.

 15 business day.

 Blood Tests (per couple) $200

 Validation of Marriage Certificate $200

 Apostille

 Shipment is not included.

 3 months.

Is it necessary to have the certificate translated and aposilled for it to be recognised in the UK?

Also we have both been divorced and I've sent my documents to the WP for verification to see if these also need to be translated and apostilled before we arrive.  The WP advised these don't have to be however the document indicates otherwise?

 If divorced, a copy of divorce decree is required.

Has to be translated into Spanish and apostille.

Please note that if the bride has been divorced less than a year, she must take a mandatory pregnancy test at the resort ($100.00 USD) fee applies to be paid in cash at the doctor’s office). If the results are test is positive, only the Symbolic Wedding applies.

I'm getting really confused and anxious that I'm not receiving the correct information (even though I have their response in writing) and have this ending up causing me a problem when we arrive.

Can anyone who has faced a similar situation offer any advice / information?

@@Izzychadbone just wanted to double check you have definitely had the beach confirmed for your cocktail hour and reception with there only being the 2 of you.  I'm getting married in 10 weeks and I'm having the Las Olas for my reception (we have upgraded to the Excellence Love Package).  I had to get this specially approved as it normally has to be a minimum of 10 people to book Las Olas.  Just don't want you to have any hassle.

I've just filed my final decisions and just waiting for Alejandra to confirm everything.  It's coming around soooo fast now.

We get married at 3pm so i'm providing my own table runner and chair sashes, I've purchased batter operated table lights and personalised bunting to be hung up.  Nothing OTT with there only being 4 of us but special enough for it to be memorable.

@@kjb0528 I've never waited longer than about 2 weeks for a response and I would suggest you resend your email asking for a response. I've done this before and received an immediate response back with an apology. My WP is Alejandra and she has been very good with me.

@@Tighev  I would allow a couple of hours as it all depends on your hair length and style you want your hair.  My wedding is at 3pm and I've booked my hair and make up for 12pm.  Is it a personal preference to do your own make up as this is included as part of your package?

Hair trial again will depend on your hair length.  From the price list I can see the prices are as follows:- short $65, medium $75 and long $85.  

I have added 2 photo's of the Las Olas reception that my WP sent to me to give me an idea of how it can be arranged.

@@Tighev Welcome to the forum and Congratulations on your wedding. You get married the day before I arrive so I'm going to miss your wedding. You will find at present your messages will be slightly delayed as they will be dealing with Brides who are getting married sooner but they will get back to you. My WP is Alejandra and her responses to me are sometimes a week. Don't worry, but I also know it can be frustrating.

The tables and chairs will only be decorated in white cloth so it will be wise to arrange your own runners etc. I am also having my reception at Las Olas and it was suggested to have battery operated tea light candles as it can be a little breezy there being on the beach and candles may not stay lit. I'm going to carrying mine as my hand luggage but I would suggest if you can split some stuff between your guests (providing they don't mind). It seems the hotel will charge you for any add ons so it would be cheaper to take them.

My wedding is very small and intimate but I've seen others have personalised maracas as favours but maybe some other brides will be able to provide some more ideas.

My suggestion is if you need an answer urgently then just send a reminder. These WP are dealing with many Brides enquiries as well as sorting out the weddings happening each day so it may be a little time before they respond but they do get back to you.

Won't be long until your big day arrives, I know I'm excited and nervous as well.

@@JenniferH114 Thanks Jennifer, wonder if it's different for the legal ceremony.  I thought the ceremony was in Spanish and you had to pay extra for a translator.  I find some of the information a little ambiguous in the documents the wedding planner sent so will send them an email to confirm exactly what else is needed.