JENDHILL

We are staying 4 nights after our wedding at the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica. I visited the property during our site visit in June and the place is just stunning. We would've had our wedding there too, but it is just a little too "far away from everything else." Otherwise, I think it is a perfect honeymoon resort. It's an newer property and the room rates are great. I almost feel like the place just isn't well-known enough yet for them to jack their rates up. I just booked our room online. Quote: Originally Posted by JENESIS We are staying at the Hilton until the Sunday after the wedding. We want to stay somewhere else for the rest of the week. We were looking at Pueblo Bonito Rose. Any thoughts?

Lora- I am getting married at the Melia San Lucas (MSL). The Melia Real is a different hotel, but I'm sure with similar management and personel. My experience with the the Melia San Lucas was actually pretty similar. The "Wedding Coordinator", Claudia, at the MSL, I found out later, is actually the Sales Manager. So she has been anything but helpful. I actually ended up hiring a wedding coordinator and she has helped tremendously. Our wedding is for 65 people and she has been able to smooth out all of our rough edges and language barriers. I can send on her information to you if you'd like to go that route. My other advice would be to call them too. I finally did that with Claudia and was able to get a bit more done. Don't stress too much though. This won't be the last time you don't receive an immediate response. I think most of the girls on this board experience it at one time or another! -jenny

Just to note - the Melia Cabo San Lucas is NOT an All-inclusive hotel. Although I believe the Melia Cabo Real is an all-inclusive and is located on the Corridor. just an fyi-

Quote: Originally Posted by TOESNTHESND The place looks nice. Have you been there before Tammy? I visited the golf course during our site visit in June. The place is stunning and immaculately manicured. We decided against it just because my FI nor I are golfers, and it really just took on that feeling. If anyone is a golfer....I don't think you can go wrong here. And the view of the Ocean is even more amazing in person. -jenny

Hi Karla- Now that we are getting ready to send in money for our deposit, my parents are also VERY skeptical about paying for everything 2 days in advance. (not just the coordination fee, but everything) There is just no guarantee. I'm about to just let it go though. I can't seem to get through. Anyone else out there have to pay 100% of the wedding upfront Quote: Originally Posted by KARLA We got the SAME exact explanation for the need to have the payment before the wedding. At least it is consistent. If ANYTHING goes wrong with this, I will let you know! I will probably be back in the U.S. before you leave for Cabo.

We're doing the same thing. Definitely a bit nervous, but it's just b/c it's not what we're used to. I let it go a couple of months ago and just realized that that's what we have to do. Coca has to pay the vendors after they are done, so the "2 days" gives her the time to divvey up the money and disperse it among them. That's what she communicated to me anyway. I tend to trust her. Quote: Originally Posted by KARLA Oh good, I was starting to get worried about the price difference. I talked to my parents yesterday and they are going to try to get that $400 down if possible. One question, are you having to pay for the full coordination fee at least 2 days before the wedding date? My parents already discussed this with Coca, but they are still a bit bothered that they have to pay before services are completed, even though this seems to be the standard with coordination. Also, the fact that they have to pay in cash or traveler's checks. Any input on this?

Hi Karla- Actually those look pretty identical. The $550 for the Mariachi, I've found outside of Coca. But have never really intended to use one. The $250 for a Trio is a Trio that I found on my site visit. I found them at the Marina and thought they were so fun. Coca has never used them before, and because they don't do weddings, I was able to secure them for $250. We don't know if they'll actually show up though. But we're going to try. Quote: Originally Posted by KARLA Since I had not decided on what type of music to have during the ceremony, my coordinator sent me some general quotes: Harp, Bass Duo - $350 per hour used at the ceremonies mostly Classical Guitar and voice per hour $300.00 Mexican Trio - $350 per hr Mariachis - $600.00 hour 8 - 10 piece (1hr is usually sufficient) Disc Jockey – $200.00 per hr all of them have most popular music lists Live Group – $750 and up per hour Jenny... I think Coca is giving you better prices!!

If it's per hour, Yes, I think that's high. I was quoted $550 per hour for an entire Mariachi Band. And most trios (classical or otherwise) have been running $250-$400. And you're just getting 2 musicians?

Hi Kashmira- We are doing a rehearsal dinner on Friday night for all of our guests. But we are also able to do a Sunset Cruise on Thursday for everyone that is already there. We are doing it for 60 people - open bar, appetizers and the boat all to ourselves for right at $3000. We're using the Sunrider. Just another option, anyway...

I'm not 100%, but I know the thought behind it: Mexican Trio is more lively, boisterous - banjo, accordian, drum. Where a Classical Trio is more..."classical" - guitar, bass, flute/harp etc.... From what I know a Classical Trio usually is a bit more expensive than just a Trio.

Hi Karla - is your Trio a 'classical trio' or just a Trio? Do you know? And if so, do you know the name of the band? Thanks!

Hi Tammy- Do you remember how much they charged for how long? And what the name of the band was called?

Thanks. On another note, Tammy, I owe you some pictures of the Melia. If you send me your email address, I can send you the link. I finally uploaded them and put them on Snapfish. There are only 10 or so, but they may be helpful. -jenny

Are any of you cabo brides packing and bringing with you a significant amount material (gifts, favors, decor). I read the OOT Bag thread that some mentioned you were shipping ahead of time etc. I really want to pack all of my material in a box, seal it and keep it separate from our luggage. I'll have a box/create of stuff- some votive candels (not glass), table linens and SOME of my gift bag stuff (am buying some of it in Cabo). But I'm nervous about getting stuck in customs or paying a bundle for the "over the weight limit." Any advice Thanks!

This topic may have already been discussed, but I'm having a hard time navigating the new site and can't find it anywhere: What is everyone doing for their ceremony music? I have considered just using a CD of music, but I fear that may be a little cheesey. Our other option would be to use a classical trio, but my fear is that they would have no idea what they're doing. I'm torn. We're having a wedding for 65 on the beach. Thanks!