El Dorado Royale wedding advice

[Lauren_Hirshon]

In terms of ceremony backup, I like gazebo #55. From what I understand there are no "whales" in the background. That was a big concern for me. I have pictures I can email you if that would be helpful.

I am not sure about the private reception locations and was actually getting on the forum to post about my confusion! So I have 45 people and a band and was planning on doing the reception at Tucanes. In a recent email Monica out of the blue tells me that the Tucanes location wont work with a band (she has known all along that I will have 50 or less people and a band). When I asked her about other choices all I was informed about was the beach. It is not my first (or second or third choice to have the reception there...). Gaviotas I was told holds a max of 30 and I cant tell from the emails what the covered pool looks like. Where else could I hold the reception? Any suggestions?? I was really wanting Tucanes.

In terms of rehearsing - I too am getting married in the states before and doing the symbolic ceremony. There is a non-denominational minister who is English speaking. I was informed that in Mexcio rehearsals are not typical. You have to pay an additional fee to have the minister come to the rehearsal. Depending on which email you go by, I have been quoted $175 and $500 to have the minster come for the rehearsal. (save all your emails. I am finding Lomas to be inconsistent). it is on my agenda tommorow to figure out the large discrepancy and to hold Monica to the first and significantly cheaper price.

Hope that helps a little!!

[Lauren_Hirshon]

In terms of ceremony backup, I like gazebo #55. From what I understand there are no "whales" in the background. That was a big concern for me. I have pictures I can email you if that would be helpful.

I am not sure about the private reception locations and was actually getting on the forum to post about my confusion! So I have 45 people and a band and was planning on doing the reception at Tucanes. In a recent email Monica out of the blue tells me that the Tucanes location won’t work with a band (she has known all along that I will have 50 or less people and a band). When I asked her about other choices all I was informed about was the beach. It is not my first (or second or third choice to have the reception there...). Gaviotas I was told holds a max of 30 and I can’t tell from the emails what the covered pool looks like. Where else could I hold the reception? Any suggestions?? I really wanted Tucanes.

In terms of rehearsing - I too am getting married in the states before and doing the symbolic ceremony. There is a non-denominational minister who is English speaking. I was informed that in Mexico rehearsals are not typical. You have to pay an additional fee to have the minister come to the rehearsal. Depending on which email you go by, I have been quoted $175 and $500 to have the Minster come for the rehearsal. (save all your emails. I am finding Lomas to be inconsistent). it is on my agenda tomorrow to figure out the large discrepancy and to hold Monica to the first and significantly cheaper price.

Hope that helps a little!!

[bre]

Originally Posted by maggiemaylou

For our private reception locations (we are wanting to do BBQ deluxe I think), they sent us all beach pictures. I am not real thrilled with the thought of eating in the sand. Any suggestions?

You may want to consider Tucanes. From what I have read this is a popular spot for groups 20+. It's in the center of the resort, but oddly private. There is a palapa building that dinner is served under. It's also next to a pool with a large patio for dancing. Though in June, you may want to consider using the Royale Salon, especially if you are going to have dancing, b/c the humidity could be really high.

Originally Posted by maggiemaylou

Also would love your thoughts on this: We are using "free" dinner the night before for our "rehearsal" dinner. Do they actually let you rehearse? We are doing a symbolic ceremony (legal in the states week before) - any idea as to who conducts this ceremony and is it in English? The wedding is at 5pm, and depending on cost, we are going to try and do cocktails/appetizers at 6:00pm and dinner at 7:30pm. This may be pushing it and their packages don't really allow for our time frame. We also want to have some dancing like a normal reception (with drinks of course). Any thoughts as to how we could pull this off?

We are doing a legal ceremony and were told that they do not do rehearsals. Apparently this isn't a common thing in Mexican culture. They will walk you through it all when you meet with the planners when you arrive on site.

If your ceremony is at five, you can do cocktails starting at 5:30 going to 7:30. With your dinner event from 7:30-11:30. The private dinner dinner event is when you would do dancing.

[brandoo]

Originally Posted by bre

We are doing a legal ceremony and were told that they do not do rehearsals. Apparently this isn't a common thing in Mexican culture. They will walk you through it all when you meet with the planners when you arrive on site.

We were told that you can request a quick and dirty run-through once you get there, but you can't really plan it ahead of time... then again we were just going to run through some things with Valeria and our wedding party, not so much the justice of the peace.

Originally Posted by bre

If your ceremony is at five, you can do cocktails starting at 5:30 going to 7:30. With your dinner event from 7:30-11:30. The private dinner dinner event is when you would do dancing.

Am I mistaken, or can private events only go until 11pm?

Could I see these pictures you guys have of the beach locations? I actually wanted ours on the beach and was told they didn't have an area for that since hurricane Dean erroded their beaches...

Another idea, as far as receptions go, is to have it out at the Gazebo 55 terrace location or the "beach chapel terrace"... these two have a "semi-beach" feel since they have some sand around, but are much more level than the beach, otherwise Tucanes is very nice!

[Dreamgirl08]

Originally Posted by brigopens

There are plenty of posts around here explaining this relationship. Everyone who has a wedding at EDR plans it through Lomas. Valeria works for Lomas. They work along with EDR to do the planning...

We're using a fantastic TA who has taken care of everything travel related, so I'm not sure who she has been booking all of our rooms with. I would imagine that it's Lomas, but could be direct with the resort.

As far as other travel arrangements (don't forget transfers from airport to resort,) you'll need to do them on your own or get someone to do them for you. If you need help with that PM me and I can hook you up with our TA who has been basically perfect!

You will use Valeria to plan all of the on-resort events and the details of your wedding. She will help you book all of your amenities (spas, massage, honeymoon dinner, group dinner, etc...) She will also help organize the ceremony with regards to time, location, minister, etc...

Hope that helps clear things up for you.

Thanks for the offer, I just PM'd you :)

By the way, we love your wedding slideshow!!!