El Dorado Royale (EDR) Brides - POST HERE!

[CanadianLindsey]

We had to be out of our Tucannes reception area at 11pm so we just packed up our decor and my mom took it to her room for us and then we all headed over to the disco to finish off the night.  The rented table runners($7 each) and vases(~$15 each) were put out and taken down by the staff when they took down the tables and chairs(the table numbers, candles, guest book and favors were put out by my friends to save me the fee, but since we only had 26 guests it didn't take much time to do)

 

We did do a cocktail hour(Mexican Donkey Cocktail) for a cost of about $800 I think. It was supposed to be on the beach at our ceremony site-gazebo 55-but b/c of rain got moved to Health Bar.  It was a huge hit(our guests said the appetizers were really tasty!) and was a good way to keep the party going while we got our beach photos taken.

 

ps, you may want to bring battery tealights instead of using votives...the ocean breeze blew ours out so many times!!

 

Originally Posted by ElDorado2012 

Valeria told me the set up fee if you have the resort staff set everything up is $5 per guest. I'm planning on bringing my own decorative glass votives because I found some adorable vintage-looking gold candle holders online that I think will go with my theme well. I was just going to use the resort's tea light candles, which, according to Valeria drops the cost per votive down to $1.50. I am debating if I'm going to pay the $5 fee for the set up. One plus about paying the set-up fee is that they will also take down all of your decorations and return them to you the next day. I'm assuming if you bring your own decorations, you have to take them down as well (CanadianLindsey do you know anything about that?)?

 

I'm also curious what is "included" as far as set-up with the resort staff. CanadianLindsey - did you set up your table numbers, seating cards, etc.?

 

Flowers would be a great way to cut corners. I want a specific flower (hydrangea) that is not "native" to the area and the centerpieces and bouquets are expensive!!! Have you already decided on your flowers? Another way to cut corners that I can see would be not to have a cocktail hour after the ceremony (were you planning on this?). My fiance and I are debating if we are going to have this. For the number of guests we will have it will cost us ~$1,500 for the hour and I'm struggling with the idea of paying this vs. just having guests head to one of the bars after the ceremony instead to save $$.

 

Another cost-cut would be to do your own (and have your bridesmaids do their own) hair and makeup...

 

Stina9562 - how many guests are you having? What are your ceremony and reception sites?

 

Happy planning!!

 

 

 

[CanadianLindsey]

We had to be out of our Tucannes reception area at 11pm so we just packed up our decor and my mom took it to her room for us and then we all headed over to the disco to finish off the night.  The rented table runners($7 each) and vases(~$15 each) were put out and taken down by the staff when they took down the tables and chairs(the table numbers, candles, guest book and favors were put out by my friends to save me the fee, but since we only had 26 guests it didn't take much time to do)

 

We did do a cocktail hour(Mexican Donkey Cocktail) for a cost of about $800 I think. It was supposed to be on the beach at our ceremony site-gazebo 55-but b/c of rain got moved to Health Bar.  It was a huge hit(our guests said the appetizers were really tasty!) and was a good way to keep the party going while we got our beach photos taken.

 

ps, you may want to bring battery tealights instead of using votives...the ocean breeze blew ours out so many times!!

 

Originally Posted by ElDorado2012 

Valeria told me the set up fee if you have the resort staff set everything up is $5 per guest. I'm planning on bringing my own decorative glass votives because I found some adorable vintage-looking gold candle holders online that I think will go with my theme well. I was just going to use the resort's tea light candles, which, according to Valeria drops the cost per votive down to $1.50. I am debating if I'm going to pay the $5 fee for the set up. One plus about paying the set-up fee is that they will also take down all of your decorations and return them to you the next day. I'm assuming if you bring your own decorations, you have to take them down as well (CanadianLindsey do you know anything about that?)?

 

I'm also curious what is "included" as far as set-up with the resort staff. CanadianLindsey - did you set up your table numbers, seating cards, etc.?

 

Flowers would be a great way to cut corners. I want a specific flower (hydrangea) that is not "native" to the area and the centerpieces and bouquets are expensive!!! Have you already decided on your flowers? Another way to cut corners that I can see would be not to have a cocktail hour after the ceremony (were you planning on this?). My fiance and I are debating if we are going to have this. For the number of guests we will have it will cost us ~$1,500 for the hour and I'm struggling with the idea of paying this vs. just having guests head to one of the bars after the ceremony instead to save $$.

 

Another cost-cut would be to do your own (and have your bridesmaids do their own) hair and makeup...

 

Stina9562 - how many guests are you having? What are your ceremony and reception sites?

 

Happy planning!!

 

 

 

[CanadianLindsey]

We had to be out of our Tucannes reception area at 11pm so we just packed up our decor and my mom took it to her room for us and then we all headed over to the disco to finish off the night.  The rented table runners($7 each) and vases(~$15 each) were put out and taken down by the staff when they took down the tables and chairs(the table numbers, candles, guest book and favors were put out by my friends to save me the fee, but since we only had 26 guests it didn't take much time to do)

 

We did do a cocktail hour(Mexican Donkey Cocktail) for a cost of about $800 I think. It was supposed to be on the beach at our ceremony site-gazebo 55-but b/c of rain got moved to Health Bar.  It was a huge hit(our guests said the appetizers were really tasty!) and was a good way to keep the party going while we got our beach photos taken.

 

ps, you may want to bring battery tealights instead of using votives...the ocean breeze blew ours out so many times!!

 

Originally Posted by ElDorado2012 

Valeria told me the set up fee if you have the resort staff set everything up is $5 per guest. I'm planning on bringing my own decorative glass votives because I found some adorable vintage-looking gold candle holders online that I think will go with my theme well. I was just going to use the resort's tea light candles, which, according to Valeria drops the cost per votive down to $1.50. I am debating if I'm going to pay the $5 fee for the set up. One plus about paying the set-up fee is that they will also take down all of your decorations and return them to you the next day. I'm assuming if you bring your own decorations, you have to take them down as well (CanadianLindsey do you know anything about that?)?

 

I'm also curious what is "included" as far as set-up with the resort staff. CanadianLindsey - did you set up your table numbers, seating cards, etc.?

 

Flowers would be a great way to cut corners. I want a specific flower (hydrangea) that is not "native" to the area and the centerpieces and bouquets are expensive!!! Have you already decided on your flowers? Another way to cut corners that I can see would be not to have a cocktail hour after the ceremony (were you planning on this?). My fiance and I are debating if we are going to have this. For the number of guests we will have it will cost us ~$1,500 for the hour and I'm struggling with the idea of paying this vs. just having guests head to one of the bars after the ceremony instead to save $$.

 

Another cost-cut would be to do your own (and have your bridesmaids do their own) hair and makeup...

 

Stina9562 - how many guests are you having? What are your ceremony and reception sites?

 

Happy planning!!

 

 

 

[CanadianLindsey]

We had to be out of our Tucannes reception area at 11pm so we just packed up our decor and my mom took it to her room for us and then we all headed over to the disco to finish off the night.  The rented table runners($7 each) and vases(~$15 each) were put out and taken down by the staff when they took down the tables and chairs(the table numbers, candles, guest book and favors were put out by my friends to save me the fee, but since we only had 26 guests it didn't take much time to do)

 

We did do a cocktail hour(Mexican Donkey Cocktail) for a cost of about $800 I think. It was supposed to be on the beach at our ceremony site-gazebo 55-but b/c of rain got moved to Health Bar.  It was a huge hit(our guests said the appetizers were really tasty!) and was a good way to keep the party going while we got our beach photos taken.

 

ps, you may want to bring battery tealights instead of using votives...the ocean breeze blew ours out so many times!!

 

Originally Posted by ElDorado2012 

Valeria told me the set up fee if you have the resort staff set everything up is $5 per guest. I'm planning on bringing my own decorative glass votives because I found some adorable vintage-looking gold candle holders online that I think will go with my theme well. I was just going to use the resort's tea light candles, which, according to Valeria drops the cost per votive down to $1.50. I am debating if I'm going to pay the $5 fee for the set up. One plus about paying the set-up fee is that they will also take down all of your decorations and return them to you the next day. I'm assuming if you bring your own decorations, you have to take them down as well (CanadianLindsey do you know anything about that?)?

 

I'm also curious what is "included" as far as set-up with the resort staff. CanadianLindsey - did you set up your table numbers, seating cards, etc.?

 

Flowers would be a great way to cut corners. I want a specific flower (hydrangea) that is not "native" to the area and the centerpieces and bouquets are expensive!!! Have you already decided on your flowers? Another way to cut corners that I can see would be not to have a cocktail hour after the ceremony (were you planning on this?). My fiance and I are debating if we are going to have this. For the number of guests we will have it will cost us ~$1,500 for the hour and I'm struggling with the idea of paying this vs. just having guests head to one of the bars after the ceremony instead to save $$.

 

Another cost-cut would be to do your own (and have your bridesmaids do their own) hair and makeup...

 

Stina9562 - how many guests are you having? What are your ceremony and reception sites?

 

Happy planning!!

 

 

 

[CanadianLindsey]

We had to be out of our Tucannes reception area at 11pm so we just packed up our decor and my mom took it to her room for us and then we all headed over to the disco to finish off the night.  The rented table runners($7 each) and vases(~$15 each) were put out and taken down by the staff when they took down the tables and chairs(the table numbers, candles, guest book and favors were put out by my friends to save me the fee, but since we only had 26 guests it didn't take much time to do)

 

We did do a cocktail hour(Mexican Donkey Cocktail) for a cost of about $800 I think. It was supposed to be on the beach at our ceremony site-gazebo 55-but b/c of rain got moved to Health Bar.  It was a huge hit(our guests said the appetizers were really tasty!) and was a good way to keep the party going while we got our beach photos taken.

 

ps, you may want to bring battery tealights instead of using votives...the ocean breeze blew ours out so many times!!

 

Originally Posted by ElDorado2012 

Valeria told me the set up fee if you have the resort staff set everything up is $5 per guest. I'm planning on bringing my own decorative glass votives because I found some adorable vintage-looking gold candle holders online that I think will go with my theme well. I was just going to use the resort's tea light candles, which, according to Valeria drops the cost per votive down to $1.50. I am debating if I'm going to pay the $5 fee for the set up. One plus about paying the set-up fee is that they will also take down all of your decorations and return them to you the next day. I'm assuming if you bring your own decorations, you have to take them down as well (CanadianLindsey do you know anything about that?)?

 

I'm also curious what is "included" as far as set-up with the resort staff. CanadianLindsey - did you set up your table numbers, seating cards, etc.?

 

Flowers would be a great way to cut corners. I want a specific flower (hydrangea) that is not "native" to the area and the centerpieces and bouquets are expensive!!! Have you already decided on your flowers? Another way to cut corners that I can see would be not to have a cocktail hour after the ceremony (were you planning on this?). My fiance and I are debating if we are going to have this. For the number of guests we will have it will cost us ~$1,500 for the hour and I'm struggling with the idea of paying this vs. just having guests head to one of the bars after the ceremony instead to save $$.

 

Another cost-cut would be to do your own (and have your bridesmaids do their own) hair and makeup...

 

Stina9562 - how many guests are you having? What are your ceremony and reception sites?

 

Happy planning!!

 

 

 

[CanadianLindsey]

Sorry to clog up the thread with my post 3 times, my computer froze when I submitted it!

[Stina9562]

 

 

Originally Posted by Jnadair 

 

Stina9562- Your dress is gorgeous!  Also, I love those coral dresses!  Coral is a color I am using too.  If you don't mind my asking...where did you find those?  

 

 

We bought our dress at David's Bridal. The dress is so amazing and can easly be worn again.

 

[ElDorado2012]

Great idea on the battery tealights - I'm going to look into that. Thanks!! Just curious - were they playing "recent" music at the disco or was it sort of older songs (like from a few months ago)? Did you ever try to make a request or give them music to play (like from an ipod)? I don't mean after your wedding, I just mean in general. Also, is there music playing at the main pool?

 

Thanks
 

Originally Posted by CanadianLindsey 

We had to be out of our Tucannes reception area at 11pm so we just packed up our decor and my mom took it to her room for us and then we all headed over to the disco to finish off the night.  The rented table runners($7 each) and vases(~$15 each) were put out and taken down by the staff when they took down the tables and chairs(the table numbers, candles, guest book and favors were put out by my friends to save me the fee, but since we only had 26 guests it didn't take much time to do)

 

We did do a cocktail hour(Mexican Donkey Cocktail) for a cost of about $800 I think. It was supposed to be on the beach at our ceremony site-gazebo 55-but b/c of rain got moved to Health Bar.  It was a huge hit(our guests said the appetizers were really tasty!) and was a good way to keep the party going while we got our beach photos taken.

 

ps, you may want to bring battery tealights instead of using votives...the ocean breeze blew ours out so many times!!

 

 

 

[ElDorado2012]

Can anyone tell me about walking in the sand with either heels or sandals on? Is it comfortable or uncomfortable in either? I'm wondering if sand gets stuck in the shoes, or perhaps kicked up as you walk (if you are wearing flip flops)? Thanks!

[ElDorado2012]

I kept getting an error message when I was trying to send this, so I'm not sure if it is going to end up getting sent twice. Anyways, thanks for the idea with the battery tealights - I'm definitely going to look into that.

 

I was just told that we need to bring our own cards that specify which plate should go to each guest. Can you tell me what you did for your food selection cards? Do you have any pics of your reception that you can share (I saw the one's on your review, but I don't think many were from the reception...)? I'm curious how they set everything up... I was also just told that they re-did the Tucanes area and now it's larger than before. Was the new area there when you had your reception? Also, did you get candle bags or tiki torches? Thanks!!
 

Originally Posted by CanadianLindsey 

We had to be out of our Tucannes reception area at 11pm so we just packed up our decor and my mom took it to her room for us and then we all headed over to the disco to finish off the night.  The rented table runners($7 each) and vases(~$15 each) were put out and taken down by the staff when they took down the tables and chairs(the table numbers, candles, guest book and favors were put out by my friends to save me the fee, but since we only had 26 guests it didn't take much time to do)

 

We did do a cocktail hour(Mexican Donkey Cocktail) for a cost of about $800 I think. It was supposed to be on the beach at our ceremony site-gazebo 55-but b/c of rain got moved to Health Bar.  It was a huge hit(our guests said the appetizers were really tasty!) and was a good way to keep the party going while we got our beach photos taken.

 

ps, you may want to bring battery tealights instead of using votives...the ocean breeze blew ours out so many times!!