jenconrad

Quote: Originally Posted by jcooper79 Did you already book the resort photographer? Or do you do that once you get there? I told the WC at the US office which pkg I wanted. I got the Real Pkg. I guess she just notes it on your file. Oh and it is also on the wedding checklist I am submitting this week. Hope this helps! Jen

Quote: Originally Posted by bridetobe1515 When my travel agent called the Gran to find out about the day passes, after the $60 promotion was over, they said it was $150/day!!! My dad is booked there and I'm really worried they are going to have to pay a fortune. I can't even book a rehearsal dinner in fear that we will spend a fortune on the day passes. So, I just emailed Zulma and she said that the bridal flowers are $90 and the bridesmaid flowers are $70. I'm confused because mine should be free with the luxury package, and I was quoted $60 for the bridesmaids. I also asked if there was a cheaper option on the bridesmaids flowers and she didn't answer that question =( I'm starting to get frustrated with the lack of communication and misinformation. I mean how are you supposed to budget correctly if you get 10 different answers from everyone? It also takes forever for anyone to get back to you. I know they are overwhelmed and I honestly wouldn't care about the wait if once they did email you back it was the answer to the question you asked!!!! I'm 3 months away from my wedding and I feel like nothing is planned. It scares me that you don't pick out flowers or anything until the day before the wedding! I mean nobody from the resort will help me on this or give me any difinitive answer on anything. Who is your WC at the US office. I am getting married two weeks before you and am sending in my wedding checklist and my choices this week as per request from that office. (I also have the luxury pkg) Maybe Zulma is busy with the wedings that are sooner than ours? Whatever price that is on your checklist from when you paid your deposit should be honoured. Do you have a travel agent? Mine has been communicating back and foreth for me with great success. Hope this helps, sorry you are having troubles Weddings are supposed to be fun!! Jen

OK....so the resort is totally sold out for most of the week of my wedding. We have a few stragglers that want to come. Does anyone know how much it costs to stay at the Gran Porto but pay for passes everyday to be able to use all the facilities at the Royal. So basically they sleep at the Gran, but party with us all week! Any info would be greatly appreciated, I tried searching but got overwhelmed. Jen

Quote: Originally Posted by Natalie79 I finally read through most of the thread!! hehe I just signed the contract for my 10-30-10 wedding at the Royal. I'm sorry to hear about all the difficulties everyone is having. My WC, Doreen has been great answering questions on the phone but is not too great over email. But it definitely seems super hectic over there. I went for a site visit a couple weekends ago, and the resort is amazing. We didn't get to stay there unfortunately, but we did have access to the Gran Porto, which is very nice too. Since I booked with the "new" pricing, the vendor fee was $350, so I am using the Royal's photographer. Luckily they use Dorremix for the DJ! I have a question about getting a group rate...They told me I need to put down a deposit for the 1st night of each room. That seems a little crazy to me. I tried getting a TA to help me with this but he said he can't get in touch with them. Does anyone have a block of rooms there without a deposit?? Welcome to the forum! We are using the resort photographer as well. Hoping for the best with this! My fiance is the one really nervous about the quality, haha. I am going to bring some examples of shots etc that we like, so hopefully that will help.

Does anyone know the payment options for the final payment when its due...my visa limit is definitly not luxury wedding size. haha. Can we do a wire transfer of funds etc? Haven't heard back from the WC's in the US in over a week. Thanks, Jen

Quote: Originally Posted by FutureMrsYak Thanks for the feedback ladies, I think it will be much easier for us too. When we told my mother she was like well everything is fake, your wedding is not your real wedding, your reception when we get home really isn't your reception...but I think it's what we will do. That's a good idea Jen, saying we signed the certificate the day before...that's what I'm going with too!! One other question, has anyone found out when you do the wedding at home, is there a way not to do the vows and ring exchange? I literally want to go to city hall sign paperwork and say OK now we're married, but I'm not sure if that is legal...I guess I could call city hall and find out. I have been looking up exactly what we are going to have to do and here in Nova Scotia all you have to do is this.... "No particular form of ceremony is required in a marriage that is solemnized by a judge or a justice of the peace designated by the Minister except that in some part of the ceremony, in the presence of the judge or justice and witnesses, each of the parties shall declare I do solemnly declare that I do not know of any lawful impediment why I, A.B ., may not be joined in matrimony to C.D . and each of the parties shall say to the other I call upon all persons present to witness that I, A.B ., do take thee, C.D ., to be my lawful wedded (wife or husband) after which the judge or justice shall say By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Solemnization of Marriage Act , I hereby pronounce you, A.B . and C.D ., to be husband and wife" So I would look up your own local Marriage act but it should be similar which means you will indeed be able to just say "ok we are married" and sign paper work. hahaha

Quote: Originally Posted by jplovesme Don't know if this has been addresssed in this thread yet, but does the Royal/Gran allow us to bring our own linens? Or use an off-site wedding coordinator to bring in flowers, linens, lighting, etc? I thought I saw that we need to pay $100 per vendor not from their resorts... Or do you ladies know if the resort has other linens available besides white? I just looked at the wedding checklist Angie sent me and it says Colour table linen is 25 USD and coloured chair ribbons are 5 USD. Nothing about colour choices though. Jen

Quote: Originally Posted by FutureMrsYak Question ladies: For a symbolic ceremony, you go through the entire wedding as if you are getting married correct? Do you still sign anything afterwards? I'm having second thoughts and thinking of do the legal stuff here (if the city hall here doesn't make you say the vows- I just basically want to go to city hall sign the paperwork, get on the plane and off we go) the thing is we are only telling our parents and no one else. Im nervous about people finding out during the ceremony we are already married. Does anyone know how real it appears doing just symbolic? I would appreciate any advice on this.... We are doing the same thing. I also worry about anyone finding out, but I have been reassured that no one will know the difference. This is because you can request the ceremony to be exactly the same. We aren't even telling our parents, as we are getting my fiance's coworkers to witness for us at home. If any one asks we are going to say that we signed the certificate earlier that day (I heard that when there are alot of weddings, that can happen anyway, so the WC's can get the legal paperwork done). So pretty much we are going to deny, deny, deny, so much so that we will probably have convinced ourselves as well. hahaha.

Your review makes me sooo excited for three months to go by! I can't wait to see your pictures!

Your review makes me sooo excited for three months to go by! I can't wait to see your pictures!

Quote: Originally Posted by bridetobe1515 That is very cool! I can't wait to see it all set up! Not sure if anyone spoke of this but what is everyone getting for their parents gifts? I was thinking of doing something with the spa, but I don't know if that is too little. One idea we are toying with is booking an excursion for our parents. Like to Xel-Ha or something. Spa is a good idea too!

Quote: Originally Posted by stevensFiance On Expedia, it tells you, you need to be 18 or older to stay at the royal, at one point I assumed it was 16 'cause I had guests book through a TA and they were bringing there 16 year old daughter, until the TA called back the next day and told them you have to be atleast 18 years of age, so they moved thier reservation to the Gran. This is interesting, as my little sister is 16 as is one of my fiance's cousins. The Air Canada Vacations book (thats who we booked with) says 16+ and we have had no issues and everyone is all paid up months ago.

Quote: Originally Posted by bridetobe1515 I'm starting to worry with all of these changes that are happening at The Royal. I am 3 months away from my wedding and I'm starting to panic and stress. Someone mentioned that there were only 15 rooms left. When is your wedding? I just spoke to my TA and she said that the Royal is almost filled. It looks like there are hardly any rooms left and I have yet to send out the invites. Is anyone on here doing a at home reception when they get back? If so, what are you doing? I find it difficult to come up with ideas that don't cost me a fortune. Hi! My wedding is in 3 months too! I can't wait! I have also been trying really hard not to be worried aout all the stuff going on down there and sticking with my it'll all work out in the end attitude . So far everything has! My wedding is April 29th and we have 38 ppl booked but I havet heard anything from my TA about it being booked up and people are adding on everyday. We are doing an AHR for 150 ppl at a hall. My maid of honour and I are incharge of decorating which is going to involve lots of DIY and borrowing. Also, the family that is going down south is helping make all the food (we are having a cocktails and appys reception) and the cake . Good luck with everyhting! Jen

Quote: Originally Posted by jesmcan Thanks ladies for the peace of mind and reassurance. I keep forgetting this is the most important day of my life ahaha not theirs. Jesmcan, Are you doing your RVSPs using Wedsite or did you mail them with your invitations? I am hopin to use a website and wondering if this has worked for you. Thanks,

Quote: Originally Posted by jesmcan Hi Trinas, how many of your guests have booked so far? None of ours have they have all just started to contact our travel agent this week. My experiance has been that people book when they want to not when you want them too. hahaha. We JUST had a groomsmen and his wife book today three months before the wedding FINALLY. And they wouldnt give us a for sure until yesterday! Craziness. We got our travel agent to hold a rate for us up to 45 days prior to the wedding which is great! So good luck with all your guests, it will all work out in the end!

Quote: Originally Posted by Lisa DSO Maybe she doesn't like Lisa's? ;-) I had to call the first time and she said she sent me info to my aol account but said that she has issues with aol users- then the email miraculously popped up while I was speaking to her. So I emailed back my booking info/deposit from hotmail to be on the safe side. Nada. Sent another ...zip. FI just called and she told him she had already emailed back the confirmation and that if he has further inquiries, please email. Funny. Btw, no email confirmations at either email account (also checked junk/spam). Yes, Angie tried to tell me the other day I had not filled out my booking form yet, which I did in August!! Caused me quite a scare, but all was settled when my travel agent contacted her .

Quote: Originally Posted by jamk32179 Hi Ladies, I have confirmed my date and paid the deposit, what is the next step in the process. I haven't heard anything from my US WC. I still have time, but just want to see how long it took before hearing from someone to start the planning process. Thanks! Jen Your travel agent hopefully will get in touch with the WC in the states for you. Then they will send you all of the attachements etc. for all the things you get to pick. Menu, flowers, cake etc and all of the pricing. I got them to send me pictures of the venues. You also need to sign the wedding contract at some point as well. I was in touch right away, though I booked 8 months before my wedding. Hope this helps! Jen

Quote: Originally Posted by kimmy44 Hey ladies! ARGHHHHH, the Royal screws with our heads and their pricing yet again! If my guests hadn't already put deposits down I might actually consider what JESMCAN is doing and look at changing resorts. But as I'm staying there, as everyone says, keep I will everything in writing and bring it down with me. It's just frustrating that we have to do this at all, the luxury package that I put a deposit down for cost $2400 US (at the time) and is now like $3200, things like this concern me as they could try and screw me over making me pay more. Now I'm all worked up! On another note about dresses, I ordered mine way back in June and I'm concerned that I'm not going to love it anymore, so don't pick your dress too early! I am getting married the day after you! We are also doing the luxury pkg and put our deposit down a while ago as well. Our TA called Angie the WC and we were told we get the rate we put a deposit on. Hope this helps!! Jen

Our ceremony is at 4 oclock. I am guessing that lasts 20-30 min. Then the cocktail hour is an hour. Obviously So, do any of you ladies know if you can request to have your reception start at 630 -7 pm rather than right after the cocktail hour (Luxury Pkg)? I feel like being done at 8pm is going to feel way too early. Also way to early to hit the town! Thanks! Jen

Can't wait for your review!

Quote: Originally Posted by jesmcan We are having it at the same time! and its the perfect time at the gazebo. There was not a person walking through there when we went. Also it is tucked away in a corner and people would have to go out of there way to walk over there. The whole wedding would be going on so Zulma said people avoid walking over there because they see the wedding going on. Also it is not the easiest way to access the rooms and there are no restaurants or anything over there so people don't really go over there. We actually ended up changing our cocktail hour to the grass area right where the gazebo is because it is more private. You will see it in my pics. Awesome! Well since I am getting married in april I will send you all MY pics. haha. SO excited

Quote: Originally Posted by jesmcan The gazebo is really big and is so beautiful!! You can def do lanterns! I am actually doing paper ones for during our ceremony. How many people are you having. I love this area because it is a very private corner. I am planning on usinig the lounge furniture during our reception on the beach. I think it is worth it. We got to see it on the beach and it is really nice. They set it up with palm trees and it looks beautifeul. Especially when the tikki torches are lit. Jesmcan- We are having our ceremony in the gazebo at 4 oclock... what is the people situation around the gazebo at this time? Thanks! Jen

I have a question for anyone who may know... We are doing the luxury package and we were wondering what the timeline looks like from ceremony to reception? How long between the ceremony and reception? We are trying to time how long we want our photographer for! Any insight would be great! Jen

Quote: Originally Posted by jesmcan Thanks Steph for the info By any chance does anyone have the rates that were posted before the increase? I realized I did not receive anything I was just going by what was listed on the website. I want to have a copy to bring down with me to the site visit next week just in case they try to pull one on me lol If someone does could you e-mail it to me at [email protected] I really appreciate it I'm sending it too you now! Jen

Hi there You are so lucky to be able to do a site visit! I am sure you have been told that a million times, haha. You probably are already checking this out, but any info you can get on an outside, closeby florist would be great. I wonder if the week of it would be to close for them to get an order done..another thing I am wondering is exactly how the beach setup for the luxury package will be done..dancefloor or no dancefloor, speakers or no speakers...etc. Have a great trip! Jen Royal Playa del Carmen April 29th, 2010!