txbrideinmexico

Lori, For my guests flying in from Texas, they will pay about $500 roundtrip for flights. The room rates we got iwth the TA are pretty much the same as you can find online. The only difference is she got us $50 for the first $1000 spent, and then $50 for each $500 after that. The lowest grade room at GC will be just shy of $1000 per couple for four nights. So, a little less than $2000 per couple for four nights.

Kaitlyn - I'm sorry you are so frustrated! I feel like I am pretty low maintenance as far as wanting customizations/extras but I also am a little disappointed in the resort's offerings. I completely know what you mean, I don't really mind picking from their list because I was expecting that, but the lack of response is so frustrating, and you think they could help you customize at least a little bit!

Also, speaking of yall being quicker to answer a question than my WC.... Does anyone know what the standard/free table chair set up looks like? I'm trying to decide whether to add the bows/nice linens/etc...

Happybride2be: I also live in Houston! Emily: I also have Claudy and she does the same thing. At times she will respond within a few hours, but then it will take a week and only half my questions are answered. It's very frustrating! I haven't tried phone calls yet though, maybe she is more responsive that way... When do we get an onsite coordinator and how do we know who that is?

I had not noticed they changed the menu, but I did notice they changed the packages. We reserved the "Classic Catholic Wedding" which I can no longer find on the website (maybe I'm just missing it...?). They have Classic Wedding and Royal Catholic which includes things I don't want to pay for, i.e. a photogrpaher when I am bringing an outside one. I emailed this morning to confirm that we still get the old package/price. For other girls in the chapel: What is everyone doing for their ceremony music? I'm actually leaning towards the mariachis. My Mom says she's been to a Mariachi Mass before and it's actually really cool and traditional.... Also, have you been in contact with the priest? I just emailed him this morning and I'm not sure what to expect back from him. I have questions about the flow of hte ceremony and the rehearsal and generally would just like to talk a few times before the wedding. Has he been helpful for yall?

Welcome Ornxoxo! Some answers from my experience so far: - Do I need to establish all the wedding details before putting down the deposit? Can I change the package, the reception site, or other things after putting down the deposit? I put down the deposit to hold the chapel and have been slowly making decisions along the way. There are additional deposits for other things (so far just DJ for me) as you make more solid plans. If you are wanting to negotiate at all I recommend trying to do so before any deposits are down. I have found them completely unwilling to work with me on any pricing or extra inclusions. - I still don't know how many people will be coming to our wedding. Do we have to wait to know the numbers before deciding which package or booking the hotel? I was told I had to give a final number 60 days in advance. I just guessed when they asked at the beginning of the process. The numbers will matter somewhat in choosing venues but an estimate wil be fine. - I see $400 fee for booking a ceremony at 4pm on a Saturday, but not for the earlier times. Is this something new? I don't know if it's new, but I don't think there is a way around it. Be careful as there are also fees for outside vendors and a time gap between wedding and reception... - Does anyone hire a MC to run your reception? Does the DJ do that? I'm counting on the DJ to do this... but I haven't confirmed yet. - How are the photographer and videographer from the hotel? I've heard bad things about the hotel photographers. We booked Sascha Gluck. There are a lot of popular photogs reviewed on this site to sift through and find the style you like. Good luck! Can't wait to hear more about your plans

Lori, We decided to book without a site visit. We got engaged in October and our wedding is in May so for us it was a matter of not having time and wanting to save the money. We were also sold on the chapel. I'm a little nervous about booking something without seeing it first, but I did a lot of research and I'm pretty confident in the decision. I would put your deposit down in advance though. We got a date with only about 7 months in advance, but it's a Monday (holiday weekend) so it was still available. Good luck!

Kaitlyn, I ordered some things for my welcome bags already because I needed to burn some FSA money before it expires in the new year. I got mini sunscreen bottles, chap sticks and mini first aid kits. The first aid kits are a little weird I guess, but I put way too much in FSA account this year so I figured what the heck... it's a good thing to keep in your suitcase anyway! I plan to add apsirin and tums or something like that.Vitamin C is a great idea and you can get a huge pack of Emergen-C at costco/sams. I think hangover cures are pretty common in welcome bags and I admit to having used them before after weddings! My welcome bags are starting to sound like a mini pharmacy... I am also going to make little weekend programs with ideas for things to do and any scheduled events, and a little door hanger "Do not disturb... I partied all night at __&__'s wedding". Lastly, we are going to run through the market when we arrive and see what other little goodies we can find for the bags. Maybe some cheap souveniers or something. What are yall doing for escort/place cards? I saw a few cute ideas online: mini drink umbrellas iwth tags tied to them, or maracas also with tags, or with a name in sharpie. Anyone else going for the buffet? My WC said you actuallly get some of each item on the list for the buffet menus. My family loves to eat so I definitely want as much food as possible... It's $40 per person, only $10 more than the 3 course meal and you get way more food options. The risk is do you get a lot more food, or just a tiny bit of each choice? Did I mention we are a big food family?

Catfish, I'm relieved to hear good things about the DJ. My biggest fear is no one will dance. But knowing my family and friends that is a dumb thing to be worried about... I am not getting the light up dance floor because it's just an easy place to cut costs. Initially I thought it sounded tacky too, but I saw some pictures of a reception with it and it looked like so much fun that I may add it if the budget allows. It made for great pictures too and guests seemed to be really into it!

We are using the resort DJs. Honestly I didn't see any reviews first, and am just kind of crossing my fingers on this one!

I feel like someone has already brought this up, but the search tool couldnt find it, so... Has anyone opted for the buffet dinner at their reception? How much was it per person and how many foods do you select? I.e the menu shows a huge list of food for each buffet and I'm doubtful you get all of those selections. I know you need 50 people (or at least to pay for 50) and so far it looks as if we will hit that number. Thanks guys! My WC seems nice enough but we have a little bit of a language barrier and I am having trouble getting complete answers to my questions. Yall have been very helpful!

For those who have visited, is there a place at the Gran Caribe we could have an informal get together? Most of my guests are arriving Saturday May 25 and naturally, all the private areas are booked that night - probably for some of your receptions =) I just wanted to host a short happy hour to greet guests and let them get to know eachother. I think even just saying "meet by a certain pool" would work fine... Plus that makes it free to me if it's not a private event. We are expecting 40-75 guests. Our other thought is to go offsite. Based on google maps there is a Margarittaville right across the street. Can anyone confirm if that is walking distance or tell me about it if they've visited? My family is nuts about Jimmy Buffett so I think that would be a fun option, and we always want to visit another Margarittaville location!

That's insane! I really want to just go buy some darn flowers the day before and do my own centerpieces. I am just not into paying for things I'm not crazy about. I'm considering doing this for bouquets too... I'm not super picky I just don't like wasting money. Is anyone else trying to do their own centerpieces and flowers?

Is anyone else planning to just throw welcome bags together in Mexico? I'm also concerned about hauling things down there, and I'm expecting us to have 50-75 guests. I may purchase the bags here and have some koozies made, but as far as mini tequila bottles, snacks, whatever else we can find I'd rather just deal with it there. I'm also saving centerpieces for Mexico. My Mom and I are devoting a day to go into town and make these purchases. Am I crazy?

You're way ahead of me Emily, and my date is May 27! I think for trying to plan a wedding in 7 months I'm doing well though. I have: purchased save the dates (going out as soon as they arrive this week), reserved block of rooms (via my agent), reserved our airfare and hotel, reserved the chapel and reception site, taken engagement photos, made a website. We've also got the ball rolling on our marriage requirements for the church (catholic ceremony). Next on the list is find a photographer, dress shop, make invitiations, and figure out our wedding party. But I agree there is SO MUCH TO DO and not enough time to do it in!

Thanks everyone! We are looking at a date in May 2013 right now which is very soon, but it happens to work with all the schedules we are trying to work around... So much to do if we go with that! Where are yall having your receptions? I was told the options for our date are a ballroom, the terrace or the beach. Alicia, I can't wait to hear all about your site visit! We are not planning to do one so any information is hugely appreciated!

Hi Girls! Just wanted to say hello and jump into the conversation if I can! We just decided on Gran Caribe/Royal because of the Catholic chapel onsite. We are looking at a few dates right now, so nothing in stone yet. I'm excited to hear about everyone else's plans!