AllieH

I think you'll be happy with a preview trip! Definitely try the different restaurants while you are there, and get reservations for Fuentes and Santa Fe Grill. I'd go to D' Italia Casitas too - it's our favorite! Out of 5 nights on our last trip, we ate there 3 times...

@@pddcmc - gorgeous dress!!!

the other ladies are right - HUBBA HUBBA hot stuff! you look amazing. only 2 months to go!!

YAY! now go enjoy your wedding-moon!!!

Hi there! your big day is only a few months away - how exciting! check out Bicoastal Images - Jen is on BDW (http://www.bicoastalimages.com), and I've really admired their work. She & I have corresponded on several topics, and I'd work with them in a heartbeat. They aren't an approved Karisma photographer, so you'd have to pay the $800 vendor fee. Mexican Wedding Photos is also a BDW vendor, they are an approved photographer with Lomas. Here's a gallery of their weddings at EDR. http://mexicanweddingphoto.com/doradoroyale/joline_scott/ Good luck!!!

we were never offered a choice, but I didn't ask either. I've seen some brides who say the onsite WC does the symbolic ceremony, though I think ours was someone from offsite. He was fine, and we had a 100% customized ceremony. We gave the onsite WC a copy of the script during our meeting, and they gave it to him for the ceremony. They had also said if we had provided it ahead of time, that would have been even better. I wasn't sure we really needed a rehearsal, so we didn't do one. My ceremony script was very detailed, including stage directions and various speakers. Though I did forget to inform the key members of the family of their roles, the onsite WC directed them as needed for me. I really have no complaints about the ceremony!

@@SoontobeMrsP2014 - we gave our welcome bags out at the welcome dinner (we used our semi-private dinner as a welcome dinner vs. reception). depending on how many guests/rooms you have - you may be able to tip a bellman to take you around on the golf cart to drop them off - if the $4 per room is out of your budget.

@@SoontobeMrsP2014 - welcome to the thread!! November is a great time for a wedding at EDR. not too hot, not too cool. happy planning!

I don't know that I've seen a cocktail set up at Tucanes. I know they do the high top tables for the cocktail parties, and assume you could have some options about where to set them up - under the palapa, or out around the pool. Since their standard linens are just white, I would suggest a pop of color with a sash (chair sash) or overlay tied around the table cloths. The 4th or 5th photo down is the high top tables for cocktails (standing cocktails as they call them): http://www.weddingsbylomastravel.com/gallery/photo/Events

right - there isn't an additional charge for most venues to host a private event. for example: 40 guests for the BBQ buffet = 40 x $38pp = $1,520 with that price you get 4 hours of the open bar, the food, the staff (bartender/waiters), the tables & chairs and basic white linen (table cloths and napkins) set up. if you want to rent table runners, chair bows, have a DJ, have centerpieces, or any other decorations, that's all additional.

this post on my EDR/EDCR thread outlines the private event options (the locations are for EDR/EDCR, but the banquet kit is the same for Azuls). http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/topic/73076-official-el-dorado-royaleel-dorado-casitas-royale-thread/?p=1731311 the semi-private event is usually just a dinner in the restaurant, no special decorations or entertainment. a private event is just your party, and you pay the fee per person for the food option you select for 4 hours. the bar is included, as are the staff (that's what the cost is for - the additional staff just for you). you can add additional hours, or decorations and entertainment. the private events include white table linens and basic plates, glassware, etc. HTH!

did you receive a pricing sheet that had stuff on it previously? if so, I'd resend that. if not, I'd send back a list of the decisions, and include the emails where you requested your venues and such. it sounds like poor documentation on their end...frustrating!!!

here's a link to DJ testamonials, that also includes videos http://www.weddingsbylomastravel.com/happy-couples/dj-testimonials/home/ we used DJ All Music b/c I didn't want to mess with having one of our guests MC. we were very happy with them! there is a 100 page pdf with song choices, and you can fill out the form with your requests (your WC will give you the excel sheet to fill out, and then adds that to your worksheet file). you can request music that isn't on their list, and they will try to find it.

I love the centerpieces! I think I ordered around 40-45 paper lanterns to hang around Tucanes. They will hang a nice balance for you if you have less though. I think the ceremony set up is gorgeous, but yes I'd bet it's very expensive. Think about how you'd use all of those flowers again for the reception for sure - no sense paying for them for a 30(ish) minute ceremony and then not using them again. PS - we are just back from our third trip to EDR, and still loved it as much as we did the first time. We got upgraded to the Casitas section (thanks @tammyhost)!, and were 100% spoiled the entire stay. We also swam with the whale sharks - if anyone is looking for an AMAZING adventure between mid-May to mid-September, I'd highly recommend this. Let me know and I'll give you the referral, as they indicated referrals get a discount.

All of the Karisma resorts use basic white garden chairs. the tables will be set with white table cloths and napkins. here are two shots - one from my ceremony and one from the reception set up. we added the orange (organza) chair bows and the orange lanterns. I'd highly suggest a pop of color, but you can keep it simple!

those sounds AWESOME! I can't wait to see them.

which outing would you enjoy more? IM or PDC...? two totally different experiences and looks! though I've heard there's a market on IM too that may be able to bring in some of the local feel, in addition to the beautiful island. I can't wait to find out what you decide!!! (and then see the pics)

Ladies - we are MOVING and it's time for these things to GO. Buyer pays shipping, US addresses only please. Paper lanterns: all orange: 10 tiny (used as aisle markers), 5 small, 15 medium, 2 large - $30 Orange star shaped parasol (1) - $5 Orange intuck table runners (7) - $10 Orange basket w/ orange & white striped liner (1) - $5 3 Rolls orange & white twine - $3 each

we've heard Isla Mujeres is absolutely beautiful. I'd also consider going into Playa del Carmen to walk the streets and take pics around the market. I saw a TTD session where they did it, and it was so cool with the vivid colors in the background, and street scenes.

so so pretty @@TinkerSofi!!!

congratulations!!! welcome to BDW.

If you are in the casitas, just call the Bellmen and ASK for a cart to come get you. Seriously!!! tip them, and they will come every, single, time. it may take a bit, but they will come. @@krobb317 - I'm soooo glad everything went well for you!!! CONGRATULATIONS to you both! On our last visit we stayed in the 300 building, Ocean front luxury suite (2nd floor). it was the PERFECT location, right behind the health bar. We loved it, even over staying the Casitas (Casitas were perfect for wedding/honeymoon for sure). It was honestly nice to stay in a different part of the resort, as it made our 2nd stay almost like a brand new experience. We are going back in 2 weeks, and I can't wait (yes, 3rd time in about 18 months - we love it that much). We'll see where they put us this time. If you guys have any questions, or want pictures of specific areas, please let me know. I'll try to track down the onsite WC for specific questions, and am happy to go on a photo safari to share this resort with y'all.

congrats!!!! welcome to the thread.

YES. almost no one ate our cupcakes. there were so many left, and we couldn't box them up to send with folks to their rooms (of course most of our guests were trashed by the end of the reception...). My advice is don't spend the $$ for a huge cake since you're already getting dessert. Do a small cutting cake and call it a day. I think they have one that's like $35 and perfect size.

those crepe paper roses are awesome!!! great tutorial.