Excellence Riviera Maya

[Dimenzi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by endlesslove You can provide your own music for the reception, as long as you have a device to play. So if you're using an iPod, you need to have an iPod dock. To get one from the hotel is around $100+ I believe. Much cheaper and easier to bring your own if you ask me.

I know this is an old quote but Veronica said that the ceremony music was inlcuded in all three packages. Was this the case for any of you have been married there? I'll just keep the email.

[Dimenzi]

This is her quote:

 

'Yes, the sound system is included in our three wedding packages.

 

If you are having a legal ceremony we need 3 songs (when you are walking down the aisle, at the signing of the documents and at the end of the ceremony)

 

If you are having a non-legal ceremony we need just 2 songs (when you are walking down the aisle and at the end of the ceremony)

 

We only have the Cannon in D and the Wedding March, if you want to have different songs you can bring a cd or your iPod.'

[beachgirl@heart]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mystic I've been stressing out about this as well! What I have read from past brides was that hair and make up at the spa wasn't good, but those brides got married there 2 years ago. Can someone remind me how much per person it costs over the 20 people included in the package? also, how much it costs to extend the reception for an extra hour (to 4 hrs instead of the 3 hrs)? I know I have that info in my documents from ERC but can't find it for the life of me!

I recently received a response from Veronica regarding the extension of our reception. She said Dinner usually takes about an hour, which leaves 2 hours for the rest of the reception. To extend, it's $12/pp. That, of course, is in addition to the $45/pp over 20 that you'd already be paying for the cocktail hour and reception (dinner).

Our wedding is at 5pm, so we're going to start the cocktail hour at 6pm (to give our guests time to return to their rooms and us time for pictures). We really want to be at the cocktail hour to see everyone and to enjoy the Caribbean trio. Dinner will start at 7, and from there I think we will just use the allotted 3 hours, instead of paying extra, and transition to another area afterwards if we want to keep the party going

On an additional note, she (Veronica) mentioned that there are iPod docs in the rooms if you choose to use an iPod for your music. We are going with this option, but will probably bring our own Bose dock for better sound output. I'm also planning to have a playlist for when the guests are arriving to the ceremony (about 20 min. worth).

Just thought I'd share

[mich&adam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by beachgirl@heart I recently received a response from Veronica regarding the extension of our reception. She said Dinner usually takes about an hour, which leaves 2 hours for the rest of the reception. To extend, it's $12/pp. That, of course, is in addition to the $45/pp over 20 that you'd already be paying for the cocktail hour and reception (dinner). Our wedding is at 5pm, so we're going to start the cocktail hour at 6pm (to give our guests time to return to their rooms and us time for pictures). We really want to be at the cocktail hour to see everyone and to enjoy the Caribbean trio. Dinner will start at 7, and from there I think we will just use the allotted 3 hours, instead of paying extra, and transition to another area afterwards if we want to keep the party going On an additional note, she (Veronica) mentioned that there are iPod docs in the rooms if you choose to use an iPod for your music. We are going with this option, but will probably bring our own Bose dock for better sound output. I'm also planning to have a playlist for when the guests are arriving to the ceremony (about 20 min. worth). Just thought I'd share

Hi BeachGirl!

I am actually getting married at Excellence 2 days prior to you, April 28, 2010.
So one small advantage you may have is seeing my wedding on the 28th. I plan on doing the same set up as you, with the cocktail hour times, etc. We are getting married at 5pp, cocktail hour from 6-7, reception from 7-10 and for ever wants, the bars and even club at the hotel is still open, so we can really all still hang out, just not at the actual reception. Did you decide on the Trio or Miarachi band? That is one thing i still haven't decided on. Also, what are your colors? I am doing teal(turqoise) and brown and will have 20 chair bows, 6 paper teal lanterns, candles etc. ARe you going with the hotel flowers and photographer? We are, we are using Juan, his work seems good enough for me and really just having us getting married on the beach with close friends and family, is exactly what we want Did you get your dress yet? Are you having bridesmaids, big wedding? We are having 20-25 guests, including us!
Michelle

[beachgirl@heart]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mich&adam Hi BeachGirl! I am actually getting married at Excellence 2 days prior to you, April 28, 2010. So one small advantage you may have is seeing my wedding on the 28th. I plan on doing the same set up as you, with the cocktail hour times, etc. We are getting married at 5pp, cocktail hour from 6-7, reception from 7-10 and for ever wants, the bars and even club at the hotel is still open, so we can really all still hang out, just not at the actual reception. Did you decide on the Trio or Miarachi band? That is one thing i still haven't decided on. Also, what are your colors? I am doing teal(turqoise) and brown and will have 20 chair bows, 6 paper teal lanterns, candles etc. ARe you going with the hotel flowers and photographer? We are, we are using Juan, his work seems good enough for me and really just having us getting married on the beach with close friends and family, is exactly what we want Did you get your dress yet? Are you having bridesmaids, big wedding? We are having 20-25 guests, including us! Michelle

Hi Michelle!
That's awesome! We are arriving on the 27th, so we may have to take a sneak peak We are going with the Trio - our reasoning is that there will be mariachi throughout the resort and restaurants so we wanted something a little different for the cocktail hour. You can't go wrong with steel drums in a beach setting

Our colors are latte and soft pink; my bridesmaids will be in latte (dress of their choosing) and I'll probably have them carry pink flowers as the accent color. As for flowers, we are going to use whatever comes with the (gold) package but are probably going to check into local vendors to see if we can get a better deal on centerpieces. $100/per centerpiece just seems like a lot. A good friend of mine (and bridesmaid) is an event planner/designer and she recommended we at least look into it b/c flowers on the islands, in the caribbean tend to be reasonable if not cheap.

As for the photog, we are using what the hotel provides, probably for the reception, but we've also hired an external photog (Sascha Gluck) for most of the pics and a TTD session the following day. His pricing is very reasonable and his work is very nice. Veronica did mention that they have votives for reception decoration. I'm also going to get some lotus flower votive holders to place around the reception and in the fountain. I found a good website to order from and it's not that bad ($ wise). We're not going overboard, just trying to add a few extra touches to keep it simple yet elegant.

I ordered my dress in June and it was scheduled to ship this past Tuesday, so I should have it by the end of the month. SOOOOO excited! I was going to do a reception dress, too, but decided not too - I only get to wear this dress once so I'm going to keep it on for as long as I can and enjoy the moment

We have 4 groomsmen and 5 bridesmaids. Our invitation list is much longer than those who will actually attend, but we are anticipating 30-40 guests. A few people have already booked! We are having an AHR for those who can't come to Mexico and we're thinking of doing a Mexican theme for that (my fiance loves Mexican food - lol). We are working with a local travel agent, and just sent out our save the date magnets with guest information cards. I have a great website for those, too. We are registered, and have our invitations picked out. I just ordered my fiance's wedding band. We have our reservations and flights reserved, too. We're in pretty good shape, I think
~Jennifer

[mich&adam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by beachgirl@heart Hi Michelle! That's awesome! We are arriving on the 27th, so we may have to take a sneak peak We are going with the Trio - our reasoning is that there will be mariachi throughout the resort and restaurants so we wanted something a little different for the cocktail hour. You can't go wrong with steel drums in a beach setting Our colors are latte and soft pink; my bridesmaids will be in latte (dress of their choosing) and I'll probably have them carry pink flowers as the accent color. As for flowers, we are going to use whatever comes with the (gold) package but are probably going to check into local vendors to see if we can get a better deal on centerpieces. $100/per centerpiece just seems like a lot. A good friend of mine (and bridesmaid) is an event planner/designer and she recommended we at least look into it b/c flowers on the islands, in the caribbean tend to be reasonable if not cheap. As for the photog, we are using what the hotel provides, probably for the reception, but we've also hired an external photog (Sascha Gluck) for most of the pics and a TTD session the following day. His pricing is very reasonable and his work is very nice. Veronica did mention that they have votives for reception decoration. I'm also going to get some lotus flower votive holders to place around the reception and in the fountain. I found a good website to order from and it's not that bad ($ wise). We're not going overboard, just trying to add a few extra touches to keep it simple yet elegant. I ordered my dress in June and it was scheduled to ship this past Tuesday, so I should have it by the end of the month. SOOOOO excited! I was going to do a reception dress, too, but decided not too - I only get to wear this dress once so I'm going to keep it on for as long as I can and enjoy the moment We have 4 groomsmen and 5 bridesmaids. Our invitation list is much longer than those who will actually attend, but we are anticipating 30-40 guests. A few people have already booked! We are having an AHR for those who can't come to Mexico and we're thinking of doing a Mexican theme for that (my fiance loves Mexican food - lol). We are working with a local travel agent, and just sent out our save the date magnets with guest information cards. I have a great website for those, too. We are registered, and have our invitations picked out. I just ordered my fiance's wedding band. We have our reservations and flights reserved, too. We're in pretty good shape, I think ~Jennifer

WOW Jennifer -

You definetly sound like you have everything under control.

Good thinking on the Caribbean Trio, I think I might go with them as well after your suggestion.

I emailed Veronica yesterday asking/fonfirming the reception location. I want to have it in the upstairs open foyer which overlooks the ocean, but I just want to double check with her that she has it booked for us, or whatever she needs to do.

I bought and have my dress, shoes, veil and tiara. Although, now i wish i bought Teal shoes as my something blue and to go with my theme colors, so i may get another pair and now i wish i didn't get the tiara, it has the swarkoski crystals and it was kind of expensive and I think it's kind of unnecesary, but oh well, already bought it and I don't think they take returns.

I am wearing my dress all day and night too, i love it, i feel and look like a princess in it and I don't see spending the money for a "reception" dress too, just seems silly to me.

Also, good to know about the votives, I will ask her about them, although i've read that the candles don't stay lite because of the wind..So i'm thinking i'm going to need the battery operated ones.

I bought my cake topper yesterday, we went with just the Monogram Initial of our last name.

And yes, i completely agree, $100 for floral arrangements seems silly, especially if it's only for 3 or 4 hours.

Next up for us is rings, hopefully in the next few weeks we will do that. My fiance is wearing a tux, we really wanted "traditional" photo's together as a bride and groom and since we don't want a AHR, this seems to work best for us, especially since our parents, siblings and close friends are attending, this IS our wedding. Still need the tux though, but with Mens Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank, that should also be an easy task.

Oh yes, we have our invitations, already did save the dates and our hotel/flights are booked and paid for too - Woohoo

Sounds like we are both very ready and on top of things, YAY!!! So exciting

[Treenbean2011]

Hi Everyone!

 

Are there any other 2011 brides out there. I have done everything that I can so far. We have our resort and photographer picked out, but we can not book either. I was just wondering...when is the earliest that I can send out save the dates? Any input? I am very anxious, but just have to wait.

[endlesslove]

No, it's free. You do need to have a set menu before and have menu choices picked to give to Veronica. We're having ours at Toscana

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dimenzi Hi Endless Love,   Do you have to pay for the Welcome Dinner and if yes, is this because it is private?

[TamaraDan]

Hi TreenBean2011 I am planning to send out my save the date cards when I have everything booked, probably about a year in advance, just in case you can't get the exact date you want or something then you dont have to redo and resend everything.

[mich&adam]

Quote:

Originally Posted by endlesslove No, it's free. You do need to have a set menu before and have menu choices picked to give to Veronica. We're having ours at Toscana

Just wondering - I emailed Veronica last week and she said if you have the welcome dinner in one of the open restaurants it's free, BUT if you have it in the closed restaturant of the evening, it is $18per person....??

Michelle