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Posts posted by TealMarie
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Originally Posted by Stella Maris
Hi TealMarie,
I talked to Gloria a month before my wedding and she was able to accommodate two entrees so other people can choose. The only thing is that you have to know beforehand which guests are getting which meal before you get there at the resort. It was easy enough for me since I had 30 people. They were also able to accommodate my guest who has a gluten-free diet. They're pretty much amazing!
Thanks,
Stella
http://michellechu.com/stella-darron-married-excellence-riviera-cancun/
Hi Stella,
Woot! That's great news about the entrees, thanks! We only have 22 guests, so it won't be hard getting people's orders beforehand.
I have too many Ooohs and Aaahs over your photos (your photographer is amazing). Everything looked so lovely. You looked beautiful. I love your dress and your bouquet (yay succulents!). You just look so happy.
Your hair and makeup look awesome and I see you had your hair down which is what I want to do, so I'm glad to see it worked out for you. And it looks like you had one big long table for the reception - fun! We're thinking of doing that.
Thanks for sharing your photos!
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Originally Posted by nattie03
We had a great experience ordering the guys linen vests (waistcoats) and trousers from Studiosuits.com. They are so affordable starting at $89 depending which fabric you use. We got the custom made ones and I'd recommend getting the guys measured by a professional seamstress. My mil is a seamstress so that definitely helped plus she was able to make slight alterations to a few of the suits. The quality, packaging and overall order experience was great. They emailed me to tell me they thought a few of my measurements were off and wanted to know if they could change them. These changes definitely did help! Imo suit jackets are too hot for the Caribbean if you're having a beach wedding and were more formal then we wanted. The guys wore their own brown belts and white shirts to save on costs which worked out perfectly. They all wore the same brown shoes. We did not do boutonnieres as my husband doesn't like them and it cut down on costs too. I did tons of research to figure out our groomsmen attire and how to differentiate the groom and in the end it worked out perfectly!
Your wedding party looks awesome! Especially you two, you look beautiful! I love that he's the only one with the tie and the colour of the tie pops. Great job and good to hear Studio Suits worked out, as we're considering it for the groomsmen.
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Originally Posted by carolynac
I think this is a bit long. The walk is probably more like 45 seconds ..2 mins is if you are a snail. We walked at a slow pace like you see in movies at it took at max one min. The walk is short. I wouldn't worry too much about length of music just get a few songs and then be able to change it for the bride. We used wedding DJ app it was awesome! If you use that then you put in extra songs and not play them if you don't need them.
Good to know. 2 minutes sounded long but I thought maybe it was a long hike. I'm going to look into wedding DJ, thanks for that.
Your wedding looks like it was awesome! Thanks for the review, photos and all the specifics, it helps so much. It sounds like there's not much to worry about!
I thought we could only choose one main entree for the meal. I really want to offer two choices. Did you have to pay extra for that?
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Originally Posted by Lydia1120
I too feel like I'm all over the place...Just when I think that I've got it under contron and organized, something else comes to mind and I start on that task and leave the other half way done. lol
I own a summer business that won't give me much time to focus on the wedding so I have many things checked off my list. I'm currently working on labels for my Mugs, Thank You Notes for my bridal party, sign for my Fans and creating a "FACEBOOK" which is a "Meet the Guest Book" but making it look like a "Facebook Page". I will wait til the fall to finalize the Facebook and our passport etc. We have 78 people booked so far and another 24 who RSVP'd "maybe"...deadline is at the end of August so we'll have a better idea as to the total at that time.
TealMarie, can't wait to see the pics of your DIY napkins :-) Clever idea
Wow! Your facebook page sounds like it'll be awesome. Be sure to show us that.
Angel2 - Congrats on picking a place! It feels so great when your wedding coordinator is easy to deal with. We're lucky that ours is amazing as well. Have you picked out your dress?
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Originally Posted by DinaQtobe
Well, in all honesty there isn't much more to do! Send out invites (STD's went out in March), get FI's suit, find wedding shoes. Everything else is just a bonus to do or have for the big day. My MIL-to-be has asked my FI if she can "help" with anything and I have no idea what to say... I think I have everything under control. I think she is feeling left out, but I don't know what to have her do. (ESPECIALLY because she might not even be coming to the wedding!)
The same thing is happening with my FMIL. I let her know when we've made a decision on something but there's this long stretch where we don't have to decide on anything. She's extremely sweet and although can't help out financially, she told me that she'll help me all week while we're there and the day of to do wedding stuff. I haven't told her yet that the wedding coordinator and staff do all of it for you. I just said Thank you and once we're there she'll find out that she has all this time to actually relax and have fun.
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Do you think it'd make sense to bring some of your own makeup, especially foundation if they couldn't get the right shade? And I'll add hairspray to my packing list. Thanks.
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I can't remember who asked these questions but I have responses from Gloria on them:
For a ceremony at the beach gazebo, the walk from where the bride/bridesmaids wait to the altar is about 2 minutes. I'm trying to figure out my music timing for the walk.
The round tables for the reception can seat a maximum of 10 people, although I think I might go with 6 or 8.
The bar set up for you at the reception is an international bar so it has everything: tequila, wine, sparkling wine, cocktails, rum, etc.
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Click on the URL link that Groupon gives you to use your voucher. Once it brings you there, enter in the voucher code for your Groupon. Leave this tab open. In a separate tab, open up the retailmenot link for 50% off vistaprint (just google it and you'll find it). You'll be brought to vistaprint with 50% off everything and your groupon will already be in there. I may have had to enter the groupon code once more during checkout but I can't remember.
This thread helped me out with buying stuff on vistaprint and they even show you how you can add a free tshirt, mug, bag, notebook, etc.
Hope that helps!
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I was able to use the Retailmenot coupon for 50% off plus the $17 for $70 groupon. This allowed me to purchase $140 worth of items, but I did have to pay shipping. The free shipping is usually for orders over $50, $100, etc. So if you use the 50% off coupon and then apply the Groupon to take your total down to $0, you can't get free shipping unless you add more stuff to get you over the $50 or whatever the minimum is for it. I think in the end it was a great deal for me because the shipping was only $20 more I believe. I don't think you can get all three of those together. It'd be a great deal but how in the world would they make any money? Unless someone out there knows how to do it.
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Originally Posted by DinaQtobe
Thanks for the recommendation on the suit! We really wanted to stay under 350$ for the suit. I am hoping that we can manage that. Am I delusional? When we first started looking I was shocked that his suit might cost more than my dress! (yikes!). I think we are going to try shopping in the states. My dad got his suit for less than 200$.
I love the look of succulents! I hope once you get the boutonnieres in that you will post a picture!
Have you thought about sewing your OOT bags? When I was initially thinking of making up bags my mom offered to sew them for me. There's quite a few patterns online that don't look too difficult, but look pretty cute. Then you could customize the material to your wedding colours and wouldn't even need to add a logo! I think it's amazing that you are sewing your own napkins. I never thought of that and I might think about that one now!
The playlist has been difficult for me! I have tons of songs picked out for the cocktail hour and dinner... but the dance part is a LOT harder.
Thanks for the updates ladies!
I think Indochino suits start at $400, but shipping is free and for your first suit they give you a credit towards $75 of tailoring (in case it doesn't fit exactly right). Before deciding on their suits, I was also looking at Jos A Bank which you can find for a great deal. Sign up for their email promos and you'll see they regularly have sale where you can snap up suits for $200. They have tropical and cool fabric suits too. I also heard of Studio Suits which apparently have affordable suits but I don't know of anyone who's got any from there. I also thought we could find one in the States (Macy's, Nordstrom) but my FI is tough to fit off the rack. I thought if we'd end up tailoring one so much anyways, might as well order one made to fit for him.
I'll definitely post the boutonnieres once I get them. I found a woman on Etsy who's going to make them for me but they won't be ready until July or August because her supplier is backordered for succulents - probably because they're all the rage on pinterest wedding pins!
I did think of sewing the OOT bags but decided against it. I think they'd look so cute and you could pick the right colours, but I was weighing the effort vs cost savings (you wouldn't save on it unless the fabric was free) and decided against it. I've found a few sites online where I can order what I'd like for about $4 or $5 a bag but I'm hoping Dollar Tree brings back the ones I want which are only $1. https://www.shirtsinbulk.com/product/Wholesale-Liberty-Bags-7002-Boat-Tote_52_1047 I just want plain ones with blue straps and then I want to paint 'Hola!' on the one side and maybe something else generic on the other side, so people will use them again.
Sewing napkins is so easy and they are going to add some much needed colour to the tables. Plus I'll keep them and then we'll have really pretty napkins for dinner parties. I'll post pics of the napkins soon. I have almost all of the coral/peach ones finished, which means I'm halfway and then I'll start on the turquoise/blue ones.
I'm the same with the playlists because we aren't using a DJ, just our ipod. The dinner playlist consists of all the songs I had thought about for our first dance, walk down the aisle, etc, but didn't make the cut. So it's pretty easy. I'm nervous about making the dance one. If I put it together wrong maybe no one will dance? I'm going to search online for tips on how to make a good one. Like how many fast dance songs to slow songs ratio and how often? People need breaks to get a drink, go to the bathroom, visit, etc, but you don't want to lose the party vibe. Tough stuff! First world problems (as I roll my eyes at myself), lol.
Good to hear updates from you girls! Anyone else?
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Hahaa! Well I laugh at myself because I like to be prepared soooo far ahead of time, it's ridiculous. Obviously these are things that aren't required to be done for a long time but I figure I'd rather spend the summer at the beach and having fun, than on my computer searching for boutonnierres (frig, how do you spell that?). Everyone I know who's married has recommended doing whatever you can ahead of time and as far as you can. They said there will always be things in the last month that pop up that you never thought of and you have to take care of them. Plus I agonize over decisions for so long but once I make one I don't want to change it.
Really, at this point, as long as you have your resort/flights booked, a dress ordered (or soon), let your guests know when/where/how much and maybe looked into a photographer, I think you're good. The rest of the stuff will fall into place. It's still over 6 months away, that's so much time.
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I don't really know what I'm doing at this point either. I'm definitely all over the place.
I've posted before about what I've done so far so I'll skip that stuff. We've decided to order FI's suit from Indochino and will order it probably 3-4 months prior to the wedding. Dina, look at their website. They have great suits which you can get made specifically for your groom. My very fashionable friend has a few from there and loves them. I think we'll just send the groomsmen money and tell them to get grey pants and white button up shirts. Our bridesmaids will be mismatched, so this will work out great.
I've ordered the boutonnieres, which will be real touch succulents, greens and berries. I'm procrastinating from doing the dinner and dance playlist. My bridesmaids have ordered or picked out their dress (yay!) and they're so pretty. I'm trying to decide what to do for centerpieces and how much glassware, OOT bag items I can bring with me there in one suitcase. I'm trying to decide on jewelry and footwear (barefoot sandals for ceremony and jeweled sandals for the reception). My dress will come in late June and I'll get it altered late this summer. I can't wait to wear it again! We're also looking into a fishing charter for my FI and his groomsmen as their thank you gift. I'll be taking the ladies to the spa the day before the wedding as a thank you. I have our favours, which are maraccas! I'm sewing napkins in some really cute peach/coral and turquoise/blue patterns for the reception. I'm still looking for OOT bags which are nice enough and I can stencil some fun stuff onto. So yeah, just a random jumbled mess of no organization, lol.
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Originally Posted by UMassRN007
Hey everyone! After reading everyones amazing reiews of the Excellence RM we have decided to book our honeymoon there next Jan!!! I was wondering if anyone had any input on whether or or not we should get the Excellence club ocean front room, or the Excellence club oceanview swim up suite. Any input would so very much appreciated, thank you!!
Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a lot of past brides on the ERC threads. You should read some of the tripadvisor reviews. I read them before choosing the resort and people write the most useful stuff on there, especially about room choices. If you scroll through some of the reviews, there's a spot for 'room tip' and you can click on 'more room tips'. I've read on there about the pros and cons of the excellence club as well. People talk about which buildings are better for quiet, which are closer to the beach and restaurants, etc. I remember reading the swim up suites were nice but some people had a problem with mosquitoes, because there's a section of grass next to your private pool. But maybe that depends on what time of the year you're going? Hopefully that helps a little bit.
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Originally Posted by jillianlws
Hello ERC Brides!
I just got engaged last Sunday and I am planning on booking our wedding for Fall of 2014, I think in Oct but it's not final yet. I am not sure about the weather that time of year. Anyway, I have emailed all emails addresses they give on the website to get more wedding information like additional options/pricing, also what the groups rates are. No one has gotten back to me. Has everyone else had this problem?? Can someone give me the direct email address to the wedding coordinator, so I am able to get the needed information?
Thanks! J
Hi Jillian,
It just takes a while for the wedding coordinators to get back to you. Apparently they get a lot of requests about potential weddings everyday. Added on to that are those of us who have booked our weddings there and are constantly hounding them with questions and the weddings that take place everyday
How long has it been since you've sent them an email? I think in the beginning it took them about a week to respond to me.
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We have the Gold package as well so we'll have the ceremony video. I was considering getting them to film some of the reception but maybe not at $320/hr. Good to know, thanks.
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Originally Posted by ampanda52
I'd really like to hear about the resort Videographer/photographer too. I'm using them instead of hiring someone else. I have a friend that is taking photos too. The man I've been in contact with seems nice. Their website is www.beachweddingstudio.com Their pics look ok and they are very attentive. I've read on the Excellence Playa Muerjes thread that they were Blue Lens. Everyone on theri has nice things to say, which eased my mind a bit. If you have the gold package the videography of the ceremony is included.
Hope this helps.
Mandy
How much was it to use the videographer? I'm curious about getting them to film our reception (since the ceremony is included). Did you get to see any sample videos? I saw someone on the EPM thread who just posted photos of the their wedding taken by the resort photographer and they look awesome!
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I'm struggling with the OOT bags as well. I know they're not required but I'd really like to do them. I've picked up some stuff from the dollar store that people will probably use but might forget (mints, eye mask and ear plugs for sleeping in, advil, emergen-c powder for hangovers, wet wipes, razor in case they forget, aloe vera gel, spf chapstick, etc) but when I look at it all together I wonder if it will just look really cheap? I'd still like to get luggage tags, colourful ray ban knock-offs and those waterproof, colourful watches. I've heard of a lot of other people including a mug or bubba keg, but I just don't see it being used at ERC where I hear the service is amazing and you are never without a drink (if you don't want to be). Any suggestions of what else to include?
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Originally Posted by JessicaC07
The wipes are by DermaDoctor. I ordered them online, but I think you can buy them at Sephora as well. They are a little pricey, so I definitely wouldn't use them on a daily basis. I'm not sure if it would be great for skin to use daily either. I'll use them for special occasions where I know there is a chance of sweating, and I still need to look good. It doesn't say it on the website, but on the actual packets themselves it says that it is appropriate for use on the face, in addition to underarms, palms, feet, etc. My husband-to-be has issues with feet sweating when he wears flip flops. So I'm going to get him to try it on his feet too.
http://www.dermadoctor.com/best-sellers/med-e-tate-sweat-control-towelettes.html
Teal Marie - I like the idea of a "beachy" tropical version of Here Comes the Bride also. If you find anything good let me know, and I'll do the same!
Thanks, I'll have to stop by Sephora and see if I can find them. I wouldn't use them often either. I don't think it's natural to stop your body from sweating - but I'll make the exception for that one day!
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Originally Posted by ampanda52
Teal Marie,
Love Amos Lee! We're dancing to Flower. We had the discussion of it really being a break up song, but we love it anyway!
Jessica, thanks for reporting back about the wipes! Gonna search them out this weekend!
I'm still trying to find something to walk down the aisle to. I'd like a "beachy" tropical version of Here Comes the Bride if anyone has any suggestions! Trish, I'm going to search out that Cannon in D version with the steel drums.
Thanks everyone! I love how we all hep eachother!
Mandy
Oh my gosh I love 'Flower' for a song, good idea!
I do love the Steel Drums version of Canon in D, how cool!
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I asked Gloria about this and they provide white linens for you (tablecloths, napkins, and I think chair covers).
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I'm looking for the same ones, here's a direct link to them on Dollar Tree and I'd like about 20.
http://www.dollartree.com/Jumbo-Tote-Bags-19-/p310914/index.pro
If they don't end up getting them this summer I may order some from Ebay or Shirts in Bulk. They look super similar, but it'd be nice to get them for $1!
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Jessica - Congrats on the weight loss, your beautiful dress fitting and on your soon to be wedding! 3 weeks - that's so close! Good to know about the Med-E-tate wipes! I'd never heard of them before but I love to dance and apparently love to sweat so this would be perfect for me. Where did you get them?
We have a similar song selection problem in that we've never had a song for us as a couple. Add to that our differing tastes in music and it's a tough one. I think I might pick out 5-10 songs that I like and play them for him and see what he likes. I'm looking at Ray Lamontagne 'You are the Best Thing', Amos Lee 'Sweet Pea', Bright Eyes 'First Day of my Life', Cat Power 'Sea of Love', among many others.
My fiance will pick his music to walk to with his groomsmen. THAT should be interesting! I'm guessing 90s rap? As for the processional, I think I might have my bridesmaids walk to Sigur Ros' 'Hoppipolla'. I find it so beautiful and emotional - too emotional for my entrance though as I would probably ugly cry down the aisle.
Trisha - We also have 24 people and we're conflicted on whether to have one large, long table which gives that nice feeling of a family dinner, which I love, or to have rounds. We'll probably end up with rounds because we also have 4 vendors who are eating with us as well, so that's 28 people.
I don't know about the bar at dinner. I remember a past bride who showed photos of her reception at the lobster house and she pointed out an area where the bar was set up.
Excellence Riviera Cancun Brides?
in Destination Wedding in Riviera Maya, Cancun & surrounding areas
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Don't say sorry! All of this info you're giving to us is awesome, this is what we've been hoping for (someone who had their wedding would come back and help us out). It's really good to know about the videographer and on site photographer. No sense getting our hopes up for an edited video of the whole days events. Have you already seen the pictures the hotel photographer took of your cocktail hour? Were they any good?
Good to know about the tumblers for drinks. I'm still going back and forth on whether to get some, so it's good to hear people used them and found them useful (ie: they were bigger than the resort cups). Anyways, if there's anything else you can think of, don't hesitate to throw it on here. You've been such a big help, thanks!