ROYAL PLAYA DEL CARMEN BRIDES: were kids allowed for the day? ...and other questions

[heidi&alex]

Antonia, how many guests are you expecting? Just asking to see if perhaps that's why I'm being charged more. Thanks!

[antonia321]

Initially, when we did the booking back in July/August we told them we would have a minimum of 60 guests and maybe as many as 100.

We are pretty much at 100 now with more than75% staying at The Royal.

We also guaranteed them a good amount of guests booking early on with deposits. That might have helped.

What about you?

[heidi&alex]

That's probably the difference then... we're having a pretty small wedding - about 30 guests. Wow! 100 guests - your wedding is going to look so gorgeous on the beach with all the tables and lounge set up! I wish we were having more guests just for the atmosphere of all the people and tables on the beach! lol...

[steph_n_taz]

Oh my, I can't wait to see Antonia's pictures, with her 100 guests!!
Once again you ladies have totally answered my questions. I am definitely thinking The Royal is the place for me, because like Heidi I wanted a place that was as gorgeous and classy as an adults only, but I wanted the kids in my family to feel welcome as well. As for the presidential suite, I guess it isn't really a money saver in the long run, I'd be just as happy having an oceanview room with a jacuzzi maybe :)
For the cocktail party, I guess the more guests you have, the cheaper it may be, which is the case with a lot of things in life. I'm expecting maybe 40-50 guests, well that's what I'm hearing now, but I know plans always change.
Thanks again so much! If I do choose The Royal (which I probably will, my fiance loves the place!) I'll be sure to let you know. I'll also think of you two if/when I have any more questions.

Steph

[steph_n_taz]

Antonia and Heidi, how early did you book your wedding? Do you think it is too soon for me to book for May 2009?
Also, did you contact weddings@realresorts.com or did you go directly to the wedding coordinator to book your date?

Oh and how many weddings a day do The Royal perform? The less the better!!

[antonia321]

Hi Stephanie!

I think I found the direct e-mail of Patty, the coordinator at the time in a Destination Wedding Magazine.

I started contact with the resort in May of last year, tentively booked and did a site visit in early August then officially booked. The down side is that they do book multiple wedding ceremonys on the same day. There are cancellations and they do not require deposits when you reserve.
I'm no longer doing my ceremony at the resort gazebo but when I was I had a 5:00 slot so it could flow directly to the cocktail and beach reception. Initially when I booked, the 5pm time was already taken and they had me at 3. I wanted to cry. Luckily that other wedding cancelled.

Some weddings are very small though. 10 people or less so its not so terrible. Its sweet to see.

[heidi&alex]

Stephanie,
We didn't start planning our wedding until this past January - I was non stop researching places online the first two weeks in Jan, and by the middle to the end of the month we had our date confirmed with the Royal. We first called them and talked to the wedding coordinator (wondering about how strict the policy was with children) - we then moved to emails with the wedding coordinator. I believe the Royal does up to 3 weddings a day - I found it hard to find everything in one resort so I had to let go of a few things such as that... plus I'm hoping that with my wedding date of June I'll be the only one (will be emailing soon to find out!). Again, really loved the look of the Royal and best solution for me as far as having children. It was also important to me that we weren't too far from any action - I love that the Royal is only a block or two away from 5th ave.
I've never been to Playa del Carmen... I've traveled a ton, though, and am excited (albeit nervous) to see somewhere new for my wedding!
Let us know if you have any other questions!

[steph_n_taz]

Heidi,
I totally agree with you on the action around The Royal, I love how 5th is just a walk away. I know my guests would love it.
Well, I've contacted Zulma and hopefully she'll get back to me regarding reception locations, I'll let you ladies know what she says.
I'm actually wondering if I could use a smaller ball room for my dinner and dance, my fiance isn't to keen on having dinner on the beach or anything like that. Do you know anything about the ballrooms, and what the price might be like? I just hope they're pretty. I know the website mentions the ballrooms that can be used for wedding receptions. Antonia, when you did a site visit, did you see any of these ballrooms?

[antonia321]

Hi Ladies!
The location of the Royal is IDEAL! Its a block away from all the action but still a beautiful resort retreat for luxury and relaxation. Guests will have so many options besides just hanging out at the resort. The town of Playa del Carmen is SO charming! We're doing a bachelorette party there also and will venture out to the clubs, just walking distance away.

There is a beautiful ballroom that is also an option for receptions and as alternative for bad weather for outdoor receptions. It looks like a 5 star hotel ballroom that you'd see in the US. The price is the same regardless where you have it. You can also have your reception in the garden area which is on the grass near the statues of the mariachis in the resort photos or near the gazebo where it is paved. The only thing you cannot do is take over a restaurant just for your party.

[heidi&alex]

Hi girls! Just wanted to let you both know that a girl from the forum just posted her wedding slideshow from the Royal. She was married there Mar 1/08. I've been in touch with her both before and after her wedding and she's been great in answering questions! Check out her slideshow if you haven't already
http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t17201
She looks gorgeous and the Royal looks fabulous! Something to get you excited!!!