El Dorado Royale wedding advice

We have finally made a decision and are going with EDR. We are confirmed for June 20, 2008 at 5pm. We are dealing with Monica who has been fairly responsive so far.

Really wanted Casitas Gazebo. Wander what it looks like today and how much beach there really is. We are going to have 25-35 people total. Any thoughts for ceremony backup?

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?

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?

Sorry for all the questions, but I am just getting started with all this. Lost speed dealing with another HORRIBLE hotel that should not be in the wedding business. You can PM for more info on that.

Thanks everyone for your help! I could not do this without this forum! You guys are awesome!

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!!

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!!

Quote:

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.

Quote:

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.

Chapel_area_for_BBQ_Cocktails.pdf

Gazebo 55 terrace.pdf

Tucanes Palapa.pdf

Tucanes patio.pdf