AllieH

Hello BDW Brides! Here you will find the answer to almost all of your questions about EDR/EDCR - planning a wedding, details about the resort, and as much info as I can dig up to share. If you have a specific question and don't see it answered here, feel free to ask! Post #2 - Resort 101 (Contact Info, Restaurants, Gourmet Corners & Gourmet Inclusive Bars) Post #3 - Why book with Wright Travel Agency, GIVC & GI Wedding Consultants? Post #4 - Wedding Ceremonies Post #5 - Wedding Packages Post #6 - Wedding Ceremony Locations Post #7 - Wedding Event Locations, Options & Cost Post #8 - Private Wedding Events - Entertainment Options and Costs (DJ's, etc) Post #9 - Let's Eat Cake! Post #10 - Blooming Gorgeous! (Flowers) Post #11 - Photographers & Videographers Post #12 - Get Pampered! (Spa Info) Post #13 - Ceremony & Event fabric options (chair bows, covers, table runners, overlays & table cloths) Post #14 - Wedding Reviews Post #15 - Wedding Photos & Video Links Post #16 - Resort Reviews Post #17 - Bride Roll Call! Shoot me a PM with your user name, and wedding date and I'll add you to the list Post #18 - Things I wish I would have known Post #19 - Memorable Moments Collections Post #20 - Symbolic (Non-Denominational) Ceremony Script Post #20 - Reserved for future use Post #21 - Reserved for future use If there's anything you'd like to see added or updated, please send me a PM. This is a living thread, and it'll take a village to keep everything current. The original El Dorado Royale forum will still be alive and active - please feel free to use it to chat about wedding planning and specific questions. Or you can move in here and make yourselves comfy! Thanks! Allie Note: Many pictures have been removed temporarily while the thread undergoes renovation. Thanks for your patience! Important note: the information in this thread and on BDW has not been verified and is not guaranteed. The resort may change their wedding packages, pricing, details, etc. at any time without giving notice. This information is just to be used as a guideline and not as a contract of what the resort or BDW guarantees. When you are ready to book and sign a contract with the resort, you will need to rely on the information they have given you.

some great stuff Shannon!!! can't wait to see more.

Interesting! We were able to choose one of the pasta dishes as our vegetarian entree. We did a pick & choose menu though, and the vegetarian option was actually our 3rd entree choice (but we didn't have it printed on our menus). I'm wondering if they are saying you have to wait based on the set menu format. I'd suggest asking them for examples of vegetarian options, and maybe you can generalize from that? or take a cop out and say "vegetarian option will be offered" as a footnote on the menu. Quote: Originally Posted by LKocelko I don't think that's right. I was able to choose a stuffed pasta as mine when I chose which two meal options we were offering.

GAIL! Va-va-va-VOOM woman. You are a HOTTIE in that dress. You will be sooo gorgeous on your wedding day. Love it!!!!

yay Kristina!!! Dallas has so many awesome bridal shops. Have fun with the process, and do take your time. Visit several shops and try on different styles and designers. You may surprise yourself and choose something you never would have imagined. Trust the consultants in the shop - they know their dresses, and they know which ones will flatter each beautiful bride. Good luck!!

ok Lindsey, I have a deal for you - my parents can be your in-laws (they are pretty cool, for the most part), if you're parents will be MY in-laws hang in there girl. focus on you & your FI, and those adorable dogs!! aw girls, I'm sorry! people just plain suck sometimes. I don't know what it is about weddings - destination or otherwise - that just truly brings out the worst in people. We've all been in your shoes and dealt with various degrees of what you guys are going through. It doesn't get more fun to deal with. You really just have to put your own mindset first - you're celebrating, whom ever chooses to go will be there, and those that don't, it's their loss!

It's funny isn't it? We just put down our deposit to go back to EDR in November to celebrate our anniversary.

very cool! congrats to you both!

YAY welcome home!!!!! Congratulations to you both.

More than likely it'll be pretty windy - the beaches there tend to be! That said, if it's your dream, just do it. It's not so windy you can't handle it or won't enjoy it. I'm a firm believer in not compromising your dream - especially when it comes to your wedding.

Gail - the steak & lobster are YUMMY. I think it was one of our favorite meals there. It's a great choice!!

what about doing an imperial (one long) table vs. the individual tables? I think it'd be just fine at Tucanes, no matter what. There are smaller venues like the Health Bar that would be just as beautiful, or even on the beach if you would like to change. No matter what you decide - own the space! It's your celebration, so make the most of it. Who cares if there's lots of room for dancing or visiting?

Have you looked at Aruba, Bonnaire or Curacao? They are 14-15 miles off the Venezuela coast (north). I've been to Aruba & Curacao - they are gorgeous islands. I've heard Bonnaire is equally beautiful.

thank you Cherany!!!! Your wedding is coming up soon! and your quote in your signature re: Del Sol CRACKS ME UP!

Wow Nikki, we never had any issues with that, and our group was pretty rowdy. Interesting. Quote: Originally Posted by TheWolferts AllieH- I am pretty sure that there are restrictions of Royale guests using poolside chairs and swimup bars on the Casitas side. They generally dont enforce it, but I believe they can. I have read reviews that of people being asked to leave the Casitas pools, but I believe the resort only used that card because the guests were being too rowdy.

Hi Amanda! congratulations on your upcoming marriage. Unfortunately I'm not familiar with their policies regarding the free unlimited private events special - but it's easy to imagine that it'll be planned more once you get onsite (or at least closer to your wedding dates) as far as locations go. That would give someone who is "paying for" a private event first choice in locations. One good rule of thumb - it never hurts to ask. The worst they can say is no. You might try asking Lomas about these promotions and how they work via the chat feature on their website (All EDR & Azul weddings are planned by Lomas - though EDR's wedding coordinators are in Cancun, and Azul's WC's are in Miami I believe). http://www.weddingsbylomastravel.com/

hey Jenny!! Happy Friday any fun weekend plans?

Oh yes!! there is no restriction that Royale guests can't go hang at the casitas swim up bars, pools or restaurants. You'll see a few beach beds that are "Reserved for Casitas Guests" and also the ones reserved for the nobs in the Presidential Casitas. Other than that, anyone can enjoy the Casitas side amenities. The pools over there are much less crowded, so it'd be easy to make your own party with your guests. I think you've covered the dress code then. Just know they are pretty relaxed about it at night - there isn't a need to wear heels, dresses, ties, etc. dockers/khakis and a polo or sundress or capris are just fine. Some people do dress up, others don't. it's just what you're comfortable with. Quote: Originally Posted by nbateman thanks so much!! I appreciate your feedback!! Are royale guests allowed to venture over to the casitas restaurnats/pools/etc? The other side of this card includes information about the dress code, even during the day, I mentioned cover ups and/or shirts and shorts and shoes. Do you think that'll be ok? I'll include the extras about the timing and room service and gaviotas, thanks again!

Jess - congratulations on your marriage. those photos are gorgeous!! I agree with Lynda - your candid & honest review will be helpful to other brides. I'm sorry everything didn't go quite as well as you expected/hoped. Can't wait to see more photos from your wedding!

I don't have any words of wisdom on the fabric for the gazebo. You can mix those fabrics, I think it'd be fine to have a sheer (organza) with a solid (satin) runner. Are you doing the 8-seat round tables (this is generally the standard, depending on the # of guests you have). If so, those are generally 60" round tables, so you probably want a 90" round (15" drop) or 108" round (24" drop) overlay. The sizes are the diameter across the fabric. The $5 is really for decorations and items you bring yourself. The set up fee for anything you rent from Lomas is included in their pricing. Originally Posted by JEM236 Not to come back to this topic, but I am thinking about bringing our own decorations (thanks to the helpful posts and messages from other brides!). How much fabric was purchased by some of you for the drapes on the wedding gazebo? What size table overlay would work on the tables that are provided at the Health Bar for the reception? How do you girls feel about mixing and matching fabric on the tables at the reception? Can I do an organza overlay with a satin runner or should they match? Also, does the $5 set up charge apply to both decorations supplies by Lomas and decorations you bring yourself? Feel free to PM me too Thanks!

Tova - he's going to fall over when he sees you!!!

HA! atta girl...so how many pairs do you have now? I'll keep an eye out in case they add any of those colors.

It wasn't so much that I cared if people knew where we were - it's that our decisions to hang out at different spots changed from night to night. Heck, there were a couple of nights where we started out at one spot, and ended up somewhere totally different. I'd suggest waiting until you get there and check out what's going on to decide where you want to meet everyone each night. Then you can let folks know as you see them vs. have something already planned. Or it can be a "we'll be at the beach bar between 7-8pm every night if you want to catch us" - that can be your launch point to decide where else to go... Quote: Originally Posted by LKocelko I don't want everyone to know where we'll be haha. We're having the welcome dinner Friday, the wedding Saturday, and then after that it's each man for himself!

this is awesome!! I vaguely remember getting a small list of the restaurant times, but it didn't include the bars or snack corners. So I think this would be really helpful. I would suggest a note added to check restaurant's days and times, just in case there are changes. and all of the restaurants aren't open every day. I think there was one night Kampai was closed, and another when Rincon was closed. Rincon has dinner hours also, from 6-10pm. You may also want to add that room service is 24/7, and typically takes about 30 minutes to deliver. (try the lobster quesadillas - we loved these!) There are two D'Italia restaurants - one in the Royale side, and one in the Casitas side. I've heard the menus are identical, but the service was a little better/nicer in the casitas (we ate at the D'Italia casitas several times!!) The other thing with the restaurants that you may want to mention is that there is a dress code at lunch - no swim suits, except at the pizzeria. Ladies will need a cover up & shorts, gents need a t-shirt and must be dry. Bars: There's also a champagne bar above D'Italia Casitas. They have most other alcoholic beverages too, but this place was always quiet when we were there. It's on the 2nd floor, and has a lovely balcony that looks out over the beach. The other bar to mention is Gaviotas - this is the one on the beach across from Kampai. It was one of our favorite locations. They don't have hours listed, but I think it opened around 10 or 11am, and closed around 9 or 10pm. Hope that helps!!

Your mom sounds like mine!! She found her dress at Dillard's, for about $100. (isn't she cute?!?) Quote: Originally Posted by safety75 My mom is in her early 60s and petite and I am having a hard time finding ideas for a dress for our beach wedding. Please share what your mom will be wearing or where she found her dress!