El Dorado Royale (EDR) Brides - POST HERE!

[TheWolferts]

Our travel agent had to ask the hotel for our credit and it took about a month after our wedding to "process." I'd ask you TA about it now, rather than waiting, just in case they try to pull a fast one on you!

Originally Posted by amanda50388 

We booked through our travel agent, but I just remember them saying to us/ telling us that we get a discount, so i was just wondering what it all was. I hope that its all the stuff you listed below once we book next year. We are either talking El Dorado again or Sea sides. Not for sure which one yet, but I guess we will decide more next year.

[TheWolferts]

I completely understand with the close friends and family throwing the "we cant afford it" but in all actuality, they could afford it, they just chose to take vacations elsewhere... and then post the pics of facebook... of their multiple vacations...

 

It's very frustrating and I remember it never got easier for me to handle. My husband kept saying he wish I didnt take it personally, but how can you not?! Close friends or family choosing to not share one of the most important days of your life because they dont feel like it. I am still a little peeved at some of the people we invited, but what can you do? Just remember that the people who care about you most and have the finances will be there!

Originally Posted by mstigger 

Good morning ladies!!!

Couple of questions for all of you and a little venting on my part

 

When did you send out your actual invitations and how early was your RSVP by date?

 

What seemed like it was going to be a decent turnout has really kind of fallen off as everyone we seem to know has decided it's too expensive for them even though they were all on board when we booked it. So probably going to be a very small, intimate ceremony for us and just the dinner at their restaurant.....I am good with all of that, that's actually what I wanted all along but you know how it is when your parents get involved, they want you to invite everyone they know!!

 

So, here's my venting part. My FI lives in WV and I live in SC, no problem there but I have friends in both states. I actually graduated from high school in WV. One of my HS friends was actually instrumental in getting my FI and I together for all of this good stuff, so I asked her to be my maid/matron of honor. I only wanted 1 and she was so great when I was debating our relationship, so anyway it appears I made a great decision by asking her. My BFF here in SC was so excited about the wedding, couldn't wait to go to Cancun even if she had to go alone for a long weekend. I went so far as to plan my date around her final exams as she is a Professor at a local community college.

She went away on a cycling charity ride and came back to have this conversation with me via text:

 

"Would you be really mad if I didn't go to Cancun for the wedding? I've just been thinking about it and it's a lot of money."

 

I said of course not, I understand that it's expensive and we were hoping we could get someone to room with you to make it less expensive.

 

She then proceeded to tell me that if she was going to take a vacation that wasn't the kind of vacation she would take anyway and didn't want to spend that kind of money on a vacation she wouldn't enjoy. (She recently quit drinking and apparently thinks that's all there is to do there.)

 

I just said that I understood and it was no big deal.

 

Then she said that her and the group she was cycling with talked about biking through Italy next May and she would much rather do that!!

 

I could not believe it!!!! So money was the excuse and then when it came down to it she just got a better offer!!!

 

Sooooo, I'm disappointed in our friendship and hurt and a little pissed off. I know I should just get over it, but DAMN!!!!

 

Oh and she wasn't even dating anyone and now she is engaged and getting married in May and going to Italy......

 

So, do I still send her an invitation or not bother wasting my time since my invites are messages in a bottle and a huge DIY project.

 

Ok, that's it for now.....sorry so long and drawn out. I think I'm still a bit in shock, how can that be a BFF??

[msbritbrit57]

Originally Posted by CanadianLindsey 

 

 Feel free to ask questions instead of reading all 200+ pages, the answers may be different now anyways! I agree with the other girls, Gazebo 55 and Tucannes are the way to go! And book fast so you don't miss out on them. Having a private dinner is worth the extra cost so you can have some privacy and do things like, decorate, speeches, dance, slideshow or whatever traditions you want to incorporate. If you have dinner in a restaurant they won't let your group even sit together let alone do anything else.

PS Casitas are amazing! I want to live there forever!! 10 days will be heaven for you

To add to the recommendations for Gazebo 55, we got married there and it was just gorgeous. You can see some our pictures from the location at http://saraniweddingsblog.com/2012/06/08/brittani-travis-cancun-destination-wedding/ (also recommend Sarani, who is one of the recommended photographers for Lomas and thus has no outside vendor fee). 

 

We did our reception at the Mexican Gazebo behind building 5, and it was so perfect. The resort fought us on doing it there, but the wind at all of the locations on the beach was extremely strong during our stay, so the receptions in that area looked very uncomfortable the week we were there. It may be better other times of year, but for our wedding week (mid-May), on the beach for a reception would've been bad. The Mexican Gazebo area also shielded the very light sprinkling of rain we got during our reception as the palm trees over it create a canopy over the tables. It was also very private, and the DJ set up in the gazebo area, creating a sort of stage for the various points in the evening.

[AllieH]

MsT - I'm sorry. I know it's tough to get over these "friend" situations. It's not really a consolation, but I think it's happened to all of us DW brides. Just let time & maybe even some distance heal it over. 

 

We sent our formal invites out in late July, with RSVPs due Sept 1st. Our wedding is Nov 5th.  I have about half of them (20) back now for the people who are going (and just 3 or 4 back from those who aren't going with us).  And of the ones who have sent them back, several didn't indicate their entree choice, so we had to follow up with them anyway! 

 

 

 

 

[chiquita8302]

MsT- I totally agree with Allie- but I feel better that we've all been in teh same boat. Everyone who encourages you as you decide to do this that then backs out- ARGH! We've had a lot of those issues and it's so frustrating.

 

I did our invitations in a non-traditional manner... I sent them out probably 2 months ago? (kind of in lieu of a STD). And the RSVP is due Nov 15th (as is final payment) and the wedding is March 1. This way I gave everyone all the info up front, they had plenty of time to plan, and now once I get the RSVP's in November I'll do another note to everyone as kind of an okay, get excited it's coming! Kind of thing with dinner choices and what not. Since I sent everything out so early, I felt okay about requesting the responses so prematurely... but it also gives me and my guests about a month cushion should anyone's financial planning have a kink- in reality there is another month allowed for changes. I've really only gotten the "No's" back so far from those with kids and what not who we knew wouldn't be able to make it. I'm looking forward to starting to see some yes's!!

 

 

Originally Posted by AllieH 

MsT - I'm sorry. I know it's tough to get over these "friend" situations. It's not really a consolation, but I think it's happened to all of us DW brides. Just let time & maybe even some distance heal it over. 

 

We sent our formal invites out in late July, with RSVPs due Sept 1st. Our wedding is Nov 5th.  I have about half of them (20) back now for the people who are going (and just 3 or 4 back from those who aren't going with us).  And of the ones who have sent them back, several didn't indicate their entree choice, so we had to follow up with them anyway! 

 

 

 

[Goldielochs47]

I am so annoyed. Paid for my room last week for my DW to EDR and now my Travel Agent is telling me that the Free Anniversary Package is not included if I have my vow renewal, specifically a wedding can not be combined with the "free anniversary package. I feel so duped!!!!!! And on top of that EDR sent me my invoice which stated that if "Additional decor brought by the wedding party will have a $5.00 per person. WTH!!! I just wanted a simple vow renewal for my 25th anniversary. I know I read on here that other brides were able to bring some decoration and have their friends put it out at no additional charge!

[TheWolferts]

Goldielochs47-

 

I think the anniversary package is specifically a first anniversary thing, as I was told we had to use our free anniversary package within one year of us getting married and we have to provide our marriage certificate.

 

I think I snuck in as one of the last brides that was able to convince EDR to not charge me $5 per event per person for set up. I think other brides with future wedding dates have been having issues with bringing your own decor. What TA and WC are you working with?

Originally Posted by Goldielochs47 

I am so annoyed. Paid for my room last week for my DW to EDR and now my Travel Agent is telling me that the Free Anniversary Package is not included if I have my vow renewal, specifically a wedding can not be combined with the "free anniversary package. I feel so duped!!!!!! And on top of that EDR sent me my invoice which stated that if "Additional decor brought by the wedding party will have a $5.00 per person. WTH!!! I just wanted a simple vow renewal for my 25th anniversary. I know I read on here that other brides were able to bring some decoration and have their friends put it out at no additional charge!

[CanadianLindsey]

 I get the feeling that, like most big corporations, Karisma is trying to nickel and dime every guest and bride. When I was married there Dec2010 I only had to pay that $5/guest fee if I required the resort to put out my decor items. Obviously they are trying to force couples into buying/renting their stuff or pay the fee. Really uncool and a scam I feel. And I'm not sure how they will "police" that rule since my WC was gone as soon as the tables and linens were set up(according to my friends that decorated for us) and I never saw her at the recption at all!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goldielochs47 

I am so annoyed. Paid for my room last week for my DW to EDR and now my Travel Agent is telling me that the Free Anniversary Package is not included if I have my vow renewal, specifically a wedding can not be combined with the "free anniversary package. I feel so duped!!!!!! And on top of that EDR sent me my invoice which stated that if "Additional decor brought by the wedding party will have a $5.00 per person. WTH!!! I just wanted a simple vow renewal for my 25th anniversary. I know I read on here that other brides were able to bring some decoration and have their friends put it out at no additional charge!

[amanda50388]

Originally Posted by Goldielochs47 

 

I am so annoyed. Paid for my room last week for my DW to EDR and now my Travel Agent is telling me that the Free Anniversary Package is not included if I have my vow renewal, specifically a wedding can not be combined with the "free anniversary package. I feel so duped!!!!!! And on top of that EDR sent me my invoice which stated that if "Additional decor brought by the wedding party will have a $5.00 per person. WTH!!! I just wanted a simple vow renewal for my 25th anniversary. I know I read on here that other brides were able to bring some decoration and have their friends put it out at no additional charge!

We got married on April 30th of this year and yes we did have a fee as well because they would not allow us to set up are decorations, it was actually not to bad of a fee. It was also nice not have our friends have to do anything, that way we didn't have to worry about them at all. The wedding coordinators took care of it, they wrote what we wanted down and did everything exactly the way we wanted it to be, it was perfect.

[riz157]

Hi Ladies, I'm hosting a private reception and wanted to get opinions on what you thought were the best apps/ entrees? Also, I'm thinking of having the welcome cocktail party at the health bar or La glorieta.... Thought? Thanks!