bre

We have hired Sol Tamargo's associate, Vincent (need to get his last name). Matt and Sol will be on their honeymoon during our wedding. We are putting Vincent on the guest list and getting him a room for one night. Has anyone else signed their contract with EDR? In it it stipulates: "Musicians, Photographers, etc. not booked by the hotel's wedding department are the sole responsibility of the person hiring the service." I'm not sure how they would try to enforce a $500 fee if it is not previously disclosed in the contract. We'll see what happens but whatever is the outcome, I know in the long run we will be MUCH happier with photos from Vincent, rather than the highly unprofessional hotel photographer we met during our site visit. Also, the hotel photographer isn't available for receptions- where all the fun photos come from.

We had an engagement party this summer so I did a little research on the etiquette. A number of articles I saw said people can have multiple engagement parties- you might be given one by friends, your parents, or host one yourselves- so the invite list is up to you. We invited only local friends/family who were also going to be invited to the wedding but our main intention was to have our families meet since the only other time has been at my FI's father's wake. We didn't want to go from that to by the pool in Mexico. IMHO, I would skip the far away family/friends and keep it to people close by since it's just an engagement party. Plus, if it's obvious that people won't be able to attend it could be perceived that you are looking for gifts even though they aren't customary at an engagement party. We were shocked at how many gifts we got. Good luck and have a great time!

I lived on O'ahu and Kaua'i and loved every minute of it! A muumuu is a traditional Hawaii dress. they are often thought of as long and very wide/flowy, but there are some very fit/sexy/modern ones available too. Lavahut - Hawaiian Shirts, Dresses, Aloha Clothing and Island Gifts :: Women :: Hawaiian Dress not traditional but very cute shop: http://www.muumuuheaven.com/main/apparel/dresses.php

I love that you are going non-traditional. we went with blue and white dresses from Ann Taylor but for Hawaii there are SO many great options!! My one caution with a sarong is that it works as beach wear b/c if it flies open in a breeze you have a bikini bottom on underneath. I would suggest looking for a dressy and YOUNG style muu muu. I know the word sounds scary but if you've been to Hawaii before you'll know what I'm talking about. There are some very good retailers there with beautiful dresses. You should ask you WC for some suggestions. By the way, I'm incredibly jealous that you are getting married there!!! I lived there for five years and always dreamed of getting married there but it was too much to ask our families to travel their from the east coast, especially mine which all made the journey for my college graduation. Best of luck! Aloha, Bre

I'm worried it's going to be a total pain... Has anyone seen on theknot.com a bride name change kit? Buy Wedding Bride Name Change Kit - Wedding Bride Name Change Kit Online - Discount Wedding Bride Name Change Kit "This great kit makes the name-change game as easy as saying "I do." Includes everything needed to change your surname, including official forms for Social Security, IRS, DMV, voting, and passport -- plus 14 pages of instructions and a thorough name-change checklist. CD includes form letters to send to banks, doctors, credit card and insurance companies, and more!" I might get it just b/c I have no idea of where to start!

I'm going to buy him a painting. It won't be anything extravagant, but something that will hang in our home for years to come and can be a daily reminder to our special day.

Can you get them to try them on before they say no? Then if they really do feel uncomfortable, you'll be in a bridal shop with them and can try on other styles of dresses that work better for them. What about just choosing a color from a designer and letting them choose the style? That way, you get the color you want and they can feel comfortable.

Quote: Originally Posted by RaydensMama Robin would love a black wedding band. So if anyone sees something like that Id love to see a pic! Tungsten carbide rings are available in black. Tungsten is nice b/c it's virtually indestructible, have a nice weight (as opposed to titanium), and are unique. But they are hard to engrave and not all jewelers carry them. this page has some good examples of black ones: Tungsten Carbide Bands - Wedding Rings Thungsten Rings for mens & womens

We are using a travel agent from Destination Weddings Travel, so she made the initial contact for us at EDR. But you can also email them at this address [email protected]. The first thing you want to be sure of is that you can confirm that date and time you are looking for. be sure to send your $100 deposit and get confirmation of your date, time, and location at the resort if you know it. Then you can start on your save the dates. We are currently working with Valeria from Lomas and she is very good. Just be sure that whomever you work with you keep track of all of the details and save your emails. You may want to reconsider a room block. Our travel agent advised us against it since it means a lot of money up front for us and if you don't get the numbers you think, it could cost you in the end. But do whatever works best for you and your guests. I Just didn't trust my guests, so I didn't want any sort of responsibility! Good luck!

Quote: Originally Posted by sheaa Bre, are you concerned with the Hurricane? I have not contacted Valeria yet to see how they go about this. If the hurricane was to damage the resort, so you think it will be repaired by January? I was very worried before but based on what I saw on the news and some research online I think the resort will be fine. I haven't contacted Valeria yet. I thought I would wait a few days. I think we lucked out with this one!

I like the idea of a bottle of tequila. While I think the gesture of these elaborate OOT bags is very kind and generous, when I put myself in my guests position, I'll have already brought all of my toiletries/sunscreen/etc. Plus, at an AI we have room service and a stocked mini-bar- way better than trail mix! And it's hard enough to zip my bags at the end of a trip without all kinds of things I didn't expect. While the charges to deliver to rooms are also a consideration. It is standard practice. Think of how long it would take them to deliver or how many they could possibly have at the front desk, some resorts have 4+ weddings a day! Right now we are planning on a letter with the schedule to be sent 2 weeks before, plus I'll bring extra copies to hand out on-site and a really nice favor at the wedding. Rather than a collection of less expensive (though thoughtful) items, I would personally prefer something a little nicer. But that's just me.

I honestly think this might be a good thing for EDR. During our visit in May we found the reservation system to be quite a hassle and one night they lost our resservation for Kampai (hostess was a nightmare but manager was great). We ate dinner at about 9 every night and the restaurants were always half empty even though the resort was sold out. So I wouldn't be too concerned about long waits unless you insist on eating at 7, but we're all going to be on vacation! THis might be good for groups too b/c I heard it was rather hard to get reservations for larger groups (6+). Maybe this will make it easier.

Quote: Originally Posted by Heligirl My wedding is in a month in Playa.. has anyone thought of an option B.. I of course have travel insurance but have 40 other guests coming. Hmmmmm Good luck to everyone out there and be safe!! I spoke with our travel agent today about the possibility of relocating in case their is major damage to our hotel, even though we are five months out (I'm a worry wort!). She was very reassuring and said that our insurance would cover it and that the wholesalers that the agents work through have been through this many times before (unfortunately!) and they are very accommodating. So hopefully, you won't need an option B but if you do, there are experienced people ready to help you. Hopefully, all will be okay though!!!!

I didn't have a chance to post the photos last night. I'm not working tomorrow so I'll try to get them up, somehow, then. The Casita Gazebo was decent in terms of privacy but not great. I thought it had the best set up though, but I was also partial to the wooden walk way and I like the style gazebo much better, but that is purely personal preference.

Quote: Originally Posted by sheaa Bre, when are you guys arriving? We will be there the 14th-21st. Maybe we can meet..? We are there 15-23. We should definitely meet up and have a drink!!

Quote: Originally Posted by brigopens I have a question: which ceremony place has everyone chosen? I have chose the casita's location, but I am starting to rethink it. I defintily want it on the beach, but I would like a more private area. Does anyone know if it is possible to have a more secluded area on the beach (big enough for 50 + people). Is it possible to have it on a location that is not one of their gazebos? We are doing it at the casita's gazebo. When we went to visit in May I walked the entire property at 5:30 one morning (too anxious to sleep!). I really liked this one b/c the gazebo was very simply and there is a wooden walk-way which will be helpful b/c I insist on wearing heels. I'm 5'4" and my fiance is 6'4"- plus I love shoes! I took pictures of almost all of the gazebos. I'll try to post them from home tonight. If you are looking for privacy you may want to look at the white gazebo on the beach. there are no beach chairs or beds near it. also, if I recall correctly there was another gazebo at the far right hand side of the beach (facing the water) that seems to be a pretty quiet area as well. Good luck!

thanks ladies for the advice and the compliments. I'm feeling much better about the dress now! Maybe I'll be a little hot but we only get to do it once, right? Why not go with a dress I love? Okay, worries are put aside. Now on to everything else!

Quote: Originally Posted by brigopens Want to hear the crazy thing? They just told me today, that the speaker/iPod set-up we requested is charged "per event." AND, that they are counting our reception as 2 events since it's technically a cocktail hour and then the desserts!!! I'm not even mad because it still has me laughing! There's no way in hell I am paying $500 for them to bring that out and set it up once. I would honestly choose to move the site of the reception half way through just so they have to move everything before I would pay double the price!!! This must be one of those "Lomas things"... Hope I don't have to say that too many more times!!! I know it's ridiculous!!! But it's still cheaper than the DJ and WHO KNOWS what they would play... Which WC are you working with? It is getting to be somewhat of an annoyance to hear about all these silly fees that aren't stated anywhere. I wonder if it would be worth contacting Faith about this? She's their head of marketing based in the US. My travel agent contacted her when we were hearing from the WCs when they were going through the staffing changes. As for food, we are going to do a sit-down plated dinner. I like the idea of the dessert bar though. That should be fun! and tasty!

Quote: Originally Posted by bride_2_b08 Hi Bre, I just noticed that you were getting married at the El Dorado. Have you mentioned to them that you are bringing your own photographer? Not to scare you but I think I read somewhere on here that they charge $500 to bring your own photographer unless you are paying for a 3 night stay for them. Just something you might want to look in to. Michelle I have seen this posted ALL OVER this site. It seems that whenever anyone talks about EDR that hijacks the thread. I wonder what the policies are like at other hotels?? The contract that we signed does reference outside phtogs but makes no mention of any additional fees. It simply says they are our sole responsibility.So we are getting him a room for one night and putting him on the guest list (an additional $263). Thanks for the heads up though!

Quote: Originally Posted by annieroy Hello Bre! I am sure you will have great pictures with Vincent ! I've read somewhere that he is French... try to learn a few words to impress him... I can help since I m French Canadian ! Hi Annie, Matt mentioned that. I do know some french. My Mom is french canadian too (french is her first language) so she'll be enough to impress for all of us. Good tip though!

Quote: Originally Posted by cessyboston hi... where in boston ar you from...good luck planning the only thing about silk is when you sweat it can stain that would be my only concern......its so beautiful.....happy planning...... We live in Medford, just a couple of miles from downtown. it's super convenient since Pete is a chef in Back Bay and I work in town too. What about you

Hi ladies, thanks so much for the warm welcome!!! We are really excited about The EL Dorado. We stayed there in May for a "research" trip and fell in love. Can't wait to get back, especially because it means it will be time for the big day! Bre

thanks! future hubby suggested the same thing. I think he hopes that means he can change too! I'm not opposed to the idea but I figure I only get to wear it once, so I'm going to want to wear it all day. Heck, I want to wear it now!

what about seeing if you can get a replica made by someone local? I've heard this can be a less expensive alternative.

the photo didn't post. here is the link to the dress http://www.amsale.com/bridal/amsalec.../060728477.jpg