Excellence Riviera Cancun Brides?

upstatekj · July 31, 2014

@@HNeal - so exciting!! Can't wait to see pics! how much is the outside vendor fee for photographer, $400 or $500?

upstatekj · July 31, 2014

I agree about the breeze @@upstatekj! I wanted to go with the Lobster House, but it might not be available and I am not sure if we will end up with 35 guests. But I think Las Olas might be a better fit. Which package are you going with?

I'm going with the gold package!

Sabes44 · July 31, 2014

@@HNeal - so exciting!! Can't wait to see pics! how much is the outside vendor fee for photographer, $400 or $500?

Its $500 for an outside vendor fee.

Sabes44 · July 31, 2014

I'm going with the gold package!

I think I am going with the gold package too, just trying to decide if its worth the extra $...

HNeal · August 1, 2014

@@HNeal - so exciting!! Can't wait to see pics! how much is the outside vendor fee for photographer, $400 or $500?

@@Sabes44 is correct. It is $500 for the outside vendors. The resort is covering the photographers dinner though which I appreciated.

CancunTrish · August 5, 2014

Hi brides! My fi and I are getting married at ERC 10/4/14 and we have 75 guests total (including us). I am struggling with where to hold the reception and would love any input!

Despite it being the beach, we are still having a formal wedding (girls in long chiffon gowns, guys in grey tuxes) and I want the reception to fit that "look"... we wanted Lobster House but Gloria told us we have too many guests to fit. Even if we could fit I am concerned it might be too hot for guests. Former ERC brides- any input on temperature in Lobster House in early october?

Otherwise, Gloria suggested Barcelona (breakfast buffet) but there are screen dividers throughout the restaurant or that restaurant attached to Barcelona but we though it was too "blah". What do you ladies suggest?

As for the ceremony I am stuck as well. I am concerned that with the pier guests might have a hard time walking to the pier over the sand, and don't know where our wedding party would stand (4 on each side) because the pier is narrow.

If we did the gazebo, does anyone have suggestions for the sand for both the bridal party and the guests? Has anyone ever rented wooden flooring to lay down? I have heard about the burlap runner but I didn't think that would be good for heels?

Any input is MUCH appreciated. Thanks ladies!!

upstatekj · August 5, 2014

75 guests - good for you!! and congratulations! Contrary to what some may think, the Lobster House is not hot - the ocean breeze provides a very consistent and welcomed breeze which is great for dancing guests, esp in October. I've heard the foyer gets warm (not sure of the capacity for that area) and I don't know much about Barcelona (sorry!). I guess it depends on what look you're going for and how much decorating you want to do. Have you thought about garibaldi square, outside? For me, I want to take advantage of the beach setting with minimal decorations and try to hold the ceremony on the beach gazebo, cocktail and reception at las olas and lobster house. I'm anticipating around 40 guests though, which those areas can accommodate.

Although the pier is breathtaking, I've read that you can only sit 2 on each side (4 to an isle), which would give you like 15 isles - the ppl in the back may not have a great view. Also, the pier is great for photos so I'm taking advantage of it being vacant so we can get the pics we want after the ceremony.

I would not suggest wearing heels in the sand - sounds like an accident waiting to happen. If you're deadset on wearing them, the garden gazebo may be a great choice! Hope this helps - rest assure, it will be amazing whatever you choose!

upstatekj · August 6, 2014

@@CancunTrish

75 guests - good for you!! and congratulations! Contrary to what some may think, the Lobster House is not hot - the ocean breeze provides a very consistent and welcomed breeze which is great for dancing guests, esp in October. I've heard the foyer gets warm (not sure of the capacity for that area) and I don't know much about Barcelona (sorry!). I guess it depends on what look you're going for and how much decorating you want to do. Have you thought about garibaldi square, outside? For me, I want to take advantage of the beach setting with minimal decorations and try to hold the ceremony on the beach gazebo, cocktail and reception at las olas and lobster house. I'm anticipating around 40 guests though, which those areas can accommodate.

Although the pier is breathtaking, I've read that you can only sit 2 on each side (4 to an isle), which would give you like 15 isles - the ppl in the back may not have a great view. Also, the pier is great for photos so I'm taking advantage of it being vacant so we can get the pics we want after the ceremony.

I would not suggest wearing heels in the sand - sounds like an accident waiting to happen. If you're deadset on wearing them, the garden gazebo may be a great choice! Hope this helps - rest assure, it will be amazing whatever you choose!

Wrathwitch · August 6, 2014

Hi brides! My fi and I are getting married at ERC 10/4/14 and we have 75 guests total (including us). I am struggling with where to hold the reception and would love any input!

Despite it being the beach, we are still having a formal wedding (girls in long chiffon gowns, guys in grey tuxes) and I want the reception to fit that "look"... we wanted Lobster House but Gloria told us we have too many guests to fit. Even if we could fit I am concerned it might be too hot for guests. Former ERC brides- any input on temperature in Lobster House in early october?

Otherwise, Gloria suggested Barcelona (breakfast buffet) but there are screen dividers throughout the restaurant or that restaurant attached to Barcelona but we though it was too "blah". What do you ladies suggest?

As for the ceremony I am stuck as well. I am concerned that with the pier guests might have a hard time walking to the pier over the sand, and don't know where our wedding party would stand (4 on each side) because the pier is narrow.

If we did the gazebo, does anyone have suggestions for the sand for both the bridal party and the guests? Has anyone ever rented wooden flooring to lay down? I have heard about the burlap runner but I didn't think that would be good for heels?

Any input is MUCH appreciated. Thanks ladies!!

First Congrats! You must be getting pretty excited!

FWIW, I don't think the pier would be a good idea for that many guests. I saw the pic of the venues and I have to say that if I was footing the cash to go to this, I wouldn't want to be relegated to back row and there would be a lot of narrow rows. I think your best bet will be the beach or the gazebo.

If people are going to have to wear heels and dress shoes *shudder* *wink* then the gazebo seems your only choice. I am sure the age demographic will be varied and you don't want anyone getting hurt trying to walk over wobbly planks.

I would, like the rest of the ladies, LOVE to see your photos when its all over! It would help those of us with longer waits by giving us something to drool over

JenniferH114 · August 6, 2014

@@CancunTrish - I could be wrong, but I thought I read somewhere that ceremonies at the gazebo can only accommodate smaller groups (like under 25). Maybe double check with Jessica? Again, I could be wrong.

We went back and forth on our reception location, but we decided to go with Barcelona. We are getting married on a Saturday, so the Lobster House is not an option. The ceremony will be on the beach and the cocktail hour will be on the pier, so that will fulfill some of the tropical ambiance we are looking for. We are getting married in May, so it will be quite hot out. Not even taking in account our guests, I know that I get overheated (and crabby when hot!!) very easily, and I’ll be wearing a full wedding gown. I thought the A/C option, though it might not be freezing like we are used to at home, will prove to be a nice break from the heat for everyone, not just myself. In terms of the ambiance of Barcelona, we are having a DJ, so that will add lighting. Also, my mom is extremely creative and has lots of experience decorating, crafting, planning parties, etc. We plan to bring a number of decorations, including table centerpieces, chair sashes, maracas, etc. to liven up the room.

We are heading to Cozumel in November and have plans to take the ferry over and meet with Jessica one of the days. If we look at the space and it’s totally not for us we have plenty of time to change our minds.

I'm not sure if I'm adding pictures correctly, but if they worked they are a centerpiece and cake my mom made for our engagement dinner with family last month. We plan to make the centerpieces for our reception and replicate the cake as best we can.