sheraton hacienda del mar brides (former/current)

[franeve]

Thanks Nicole, I tried Gilda, her pics look nice but she was already booked for my date! My FI's parents are coming for a week from Germany and they found cheaper rates online, I'm going to have my fiance call the Sheraton and ask if they will honor the lower rates because that is totally not fair!!

[Jamie_09]

What rates are the Sheraton quoting you? Our wedding is May 30th, and our quoted rate is $219 for standard rooms. BUT we do have an incredible travel agent helping us, which I think helped us out quite a bit... If they arent willing to help you with the price, maybe try having a travel agent contact them and negotiate a group rate... if you havent already signed a contract.

[nicoleandscott]

franeve - did you ever decide about the bonfire?? i think we might do it...i just want to talk with someone who has done one.

 

also, what kind of music are you having for the reception? i'm seriously considering taking our iPod and dock because there are only 30 of us...what are y'all doing?

[franeve]

I haven't decided on the bonfire yet, It sounds interesting but I'm having trouble with my contact at the Sheraton, It has been over 3weeks that i am trying to contact him via phone and email, and cannot get a hold of him! I'mtrying to renegotiate the price of my in-laws room (they're coming from Germany and staying 9days....they found rates online that are much cheaper than our contract) Needless to say it's upsetting he isn't calling me back so I am hesitant o give them any more of my $$$$ with this kind of service!! Sorry, I needed to VENT!!

About the IPOD (I'll be having 30 ppl too!) I thought about doing that but opted to hire a dj instead, I was too nervous about relying on an IPOD! A lot of girls here have used them though and it saves a lot of money!

[AlmostaSeif]

I was shocked that the bonfire was so much! $500 for a bonfire on the beach? When I heard that I about fell over. I tried to negotiate that price, but was told that the $500 is just to have the fire on the beach. Then they wanted us to pay for drink service. When I asked if we could bring our own alcohol we were told no. SO, we decided to say screw them and are planning to party in one of the suites (buy alcohol at Costo). I just couldn't bring myself to pay so much for a fire.

 

What DJ are you using? We are having approx. 30-35 people as well and don't want to do the ipod thing.

 

I still haven't heard from the wedding corrdinator at the Sheraton which worries me. I haven't tried to contact her, but it would make sense for her to email me and introduce herself/hiself. After we signed the contract last month, I haven't heard one word from them. I haven't done any wedding planning either. haha. I need to get back on the ball!

[franeve]

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlmostaSeif I was shocked that the bonfire was so much! $500 for a bonfire on the beach? When I heard that I about fell over. I tried to negotiate that price, but was told that the $500 is just to have the fire on the beach. Then they wanted us to pay for drink service. When I asked if we could bring our own alcohol we were told no. SO, we decided to say screw them and are planning to party in one of the suites (buy alcohol at Costo). I just couldn't bring myself to pay so much for a fire. What DJ are you using? We are having approx. 30-35 people as well and don't want to do the ipod thing. I still haven't heard from the wedding corrdinator at the Sheraton which worries me. I haven't tried to contact her, but it would make sense for her to email me and introduce herself/hiself. After we signed the contract last month, I haven't heard one word from them. I haven't done any wedding planning either. haha. I need to get back on the ball!

Well I finally got a hold of them, after my outside WC harrassed them for me Was $500 the initial quote they gave you or did you negotiate down to $500?...they quoted me $575 but that was like 6weeks ago...maybe people weren't booking it so they lowered the fee?

We are using Pacific Sound DJ Joaquin....

Don't feel bad about lagging with the planning...I started in June and am getting married in November!! Also just so you know no one ever contacted me from the sheraton...it wasn't until I had a question for them...and then it took several calls and emails before I finally spoke to someone 3 weeks later and only after I had my outside coordinator call them for me!! My planner has been awesome...I am using Gaby from Baja Wedding... aside from this little glitch with the hotel, she has made everything SO EASY for me! Are you going to use an coordinator other than the hotel person?

[nicoleandscott]

they quoted me $575 (plus taxes and fees) for the bonfire....i got it down to $550 (woohoo.....) without the full s'mores station....we'll have marshmallows to roast though

[AlmostaSeif]

Quote:

Originally Posted by franeve Well I finally got a hold of them, after my outside WC harrassed them for me Was $500 the initial quote they gave you or did you negotiate down to $500?...they quoted me $575 but that was like 6weeks ago...maybe people weren't booking it so they lowered the fee? We are using Pacific Sound DJ Joaquin.... Don't feel bad about lagging with the planning...I started in June and am getting married in November!! Also just so you know no one ever contacted me from the sheraton...it wasn't until I had a question for them...and then it took several calls and emails before I finally spoke to someone 3 weeks later and only after I had my outside coordinator call them for me!! My planner has been awesome...I am using Gaby from Baja Wedding... aside from this little glitch with the hotel, she has made everything SO EASY for me! Are you going to use an coordinator other than the hotel person?

Here is the email that I received from Viviana about the bonfire:

You can have a bon-fire after the reception; it has a cost of $500.00usd plus 10% of tax and the charge for one waiter $50.00usd plus tax per hour (the music is allowed in out door areas up to 10:30pm).

I seriously can't understand why it would be so expensive! It is a freaking bonfire. I don't buy the whole "need to pay the government" bit at all. Maybe I am wrong though, but there is no way we are paying that.

I don't have an outside coordinator. I was hoping for one, but we are so far over our budget at this point that I have a feeling it won't happen. I was finally in touch with Oscar at the Sheraton. He responded right away and was very helpful. I am hoping it continues that way. How much are you paying for your WC?

[nicoleandscott]

haha, i just e-mailed Oscar and asked why there are conflicting quotes for the bonfire....! hopefully we can get it for $500.....

[franeve]

I think it depends on how many guests you're planning on as well as how many activities you want her to plan, i.e. just the ceremony and reeption or do you want her to plan rehearsal dinner, welcome dinner, etc. Anyway I am paying $1,800...it's worth it, she has really done everything for me and I feel totally comfortable telling her that something is over budget without her making me feel like a tightwad! She is great at suggesting ways to cut costs, and she has dealt with any problems I've had....Oscar called me the same day I complained to her that he was impossible to get a hold of!