amandances

Hi everyone, I'm using the $10 passport template with the passport stamp pictures and I've hit a wall!! I can type and format in the first box (upper left) but it won't let me type in the box underneath that. When I click in the box I'm just getting the dots to move the picture but can't get a cursor. Does that make any sense??? It's also not letting my type in the right side boxes on the 3rd, 4th and 5th sheets! So basically I can only type on the first left side box on each page (except for page 2 which won't let me type at all) or if the template already has writing in it. Help!!!

For anyone who brought their own tablecloths did you use 90 in round???? That's what I thought but now I'm concerned they may be too short. Thoughts? Amanda

Has anyone had the DJ Eliu Sanchez from Doremixx? My fiancee is very strict about music and wants only specific songs and types played. We are able to speak to Doremixx directly to discuss this but the hotel is not able to put us in touch with All Music beforehand. Any thought? Amanda

Hi everyone, We are thinking of using DJ Doremixx but the only DJ available for our wedding day is Eliu Sanchez. Has anyone had him DJ for them before or heard any reviews? We are getting married at El Dorado Royale and it is between Doremixx and All Music which is the hotel's preferred vendor. My fiancee is very strict about music and wants only specific songs and types played. We are able to speak to Doremixx directly to discuss this but the hotel is not able to put us in touch with All Music beforehand. Any thought? Amanda

Thank you for your answers!!!! I'm thinking regarding the candles if I use tea lights in the votive holders maybe they won't blow out in Tucanes??? Thought?? My fiancee is obsessed with them being real candles but I don't want to deal with candles blowing out all night.... So they we were just quoted our set up fee for the reception.... After being quoted crazy high prices to set up our own cafe lights across the ceiling we ended up bight the bullet and buying the lights and stars from the resort. My mother's rationalization of it was that being electric if anything were to not work they would need to make it work whereas if we brought our own lights and something didn't work we'd be screwed. I think of all the times I light my Christmas tree and one strand goes out and we can't make them work!! So we are spending a fortune on that, plus floating candles in the pool, plus lounge furniture by the pool... and I feel the set up fee they charged me is too much. A family friend is setting up all of our centerpieces (she is a florist, and we actually aren't using many flowers). The same friend is setting up our placecard table as well. The only thing the resort is setting up is our tablecloths, table runners, napkins, and charger plates. For this they are charging $55 per table (we are having 8 tables). Does that seem extremely high considering they aren't even setting up centerpieces? I want to argue it with Marisol but if you all think it seems normal then I won't. Thanks Amanda

Not sure what happened to my last posting! It was supposed to be two different ones.... Anyway.... for those who had a reception at Tucanes....if you had votives on your tables were you able to use real candles or did they blow out? Not a huge fan of LED but will use them if the others won't stay lit Thanks Amanda

Hi everyone! I'm 3 weeks out from my wedding at El Dorado Royale!!! We are preparing to send our pre travel email to our guests and I thought I had saved some really well worded ones from BDW but now am having a terrible time finding what I saved! We want to word the part about landing at Cancun airport and having our guests avoid all the guys who are trying to "help with luggage" and time share airport reps We don't want to scare any of our guests though so we want to word it properly. Any advice? A lot of people got their travel documents this weekend from our TA and of course mention was made of the resort credit vouchers (Ie. candlelight dinner, $50.00 off wine, $100 off spa, etc) Of course we got texts and calls today from people concerned that the hotel wasn't all inclusive!!! How crazy and ridiculous of our guests!! We want to word something about that and getting the vouchers from the concierge without partaking in the time share presentation. Did anyone have good wording for that? We don't want to freak people out thinking they are going to be harassed the whole time! Thanks!! Amanda

I have a question re Bathrooms at our reception! How close is the bathroom we would be using for our reception at Tucanes? If we were having a reception at home at a venue we would provide a bathroom amenity basket (ie: mints, hair spray, band aids, etc etc) in the bathroom of the venue for our reception. Being that this isn't home and we are at the resort is the bathroom near Tucanes private enough to do that? Thanks Amanda We are 3 weeks out from the wedding and about 2 from when we leave. We are getting ready to do our pretravel email and I thought I had saved some really well worded ones from BDW but now am having a terrible time finding what I saved! We want to word the part about landing at Cancun airport and having our guests avoid all the guys who are trying to "help with luggage" and time share airport reps We don't want to scare any of our guests though so we want to word it properly. Any advice? A lot of people got their travel documents this weekend from our TA and of course mention was made of the resort credit vouchers (Ie. candlelight dinner, $50.00 off wine, $100 off spa, etc) Of course we got texts and calls today from people concerned that the hotel wasn't all inclusive!!! How crazy and ridiculous of our guests!! We want to word something about that and getting the vouchers from the concierge without partaking in the time share presentation. Did anyone have good wording for that? Thanks!! Amanda

Thanks for your quick reply Allie!!! My fiancee is super concerned about the DJ going off his script (he paid his way through college DJing and wants to give the dj a super master list...I think if he had it his way he would dj to make sure the music was perfect!) Any experience if Mega DJ is pretty good about that? @@MrsHK has a speaker to rent that I was thinking may be a good compromise between renting from the hotel and just doing an Ipod speaker. It's like this: http://www.ionaudio.com/products/details/block-rocker-2010-model Also we are doing the family style for our reception dinner at Tucanes. Any idea how easy that would be to maybe do some dancing between appetizer and main course? Amanda

So great that you guys are talking about DJs!! I was just about to post about them. Our wedding is on March 29th. We originally were renting the DJ Equipment from the resort and our friend, who is a DJ here in NYC, was DJing for us but now for reasons beyond his control had to cancel the trip. We are no scrambling a bit. We were trying to decide between the hotel DJs and Doremixx (all 3 have availability). We don't necessarily need the DJ to MC everything as another one of our friends wants to do the major MCing (1st dance, etc). For the hotel DJs what was the difference between the $1000, $1500, $2000 pacakge. Is it really just more lights, etc? Doremixx sent us an email that seems really thorough and even with the outside vendor fee the cost would be $1650 which if they are better than the hotel DJs we would go with that as the price is similiar. For non wedding reception events (ie. welcome cocktails on the beach, etc) did anyone rent speakers? I know there are options that are not as expansive as the reception DJ equipment. Marisol seems to think an Ipod speaker system (even a BOSE or something of that sort which we could bring our own) will not be enough as the sound will get lost on the beach. For the ceremony they provide an Ipod dock correct? Is that enough or should we get a speaker? I know that they say they will not your guests help to set up the reception. One of our guests is a florist and will be making our centerpieces. Any advice to have her be able to set them up? Thanks Amanda

Bumping this thread up..... Where should I be shopping?!?!?! I'd be more than happy to let you know how much maracas are if I knew where to look! @@kdnolan

Hi Everyone! We are getting married at El Dorado Royale on March 29th but will be going down this week to do a tasting and site visit. We are also hoping to do some shopping for supplies, decor, etc while we are down there this week. We will be staying at the Hyatt in Cancun but are willing to go into Playa or other areas. I've heard there is Walmart and Costco down there but any other party stores or decor stores down there? What about markets and flea markets? Thanks for your help! Amanda

Hi all Going to Mexico Tuesday to do a tasting and some planning. We went to the bride rehearsal weekend last year but it was before we decided on a location so we weren't looking at individual particulars (ie: filet over lamb, etc etc) so my mom and I are going down this week. We are not staying at edr though, instead at the Hyatt in cancun since I work for the company and was able to use comp rooms there. Has anyone gone and done a tasting prior to your wedding? Our sis march 29 so we have to have everything decided within the next two weeks. They are trying to be very strict about what we can taste though. Only two app, entree, dessert which I think is kind of not enough. We are having 5 separate private with different food at each. I'm getting really frustrated about this. Also has anyone ever added something from one menu to another? They are saying if we do that, even if it is only one canapé, it becomes a custom menu and we'd no longer get the 20% off promotion we qualify for. Any advice?...... Also we had been hoping to be able to leave one suitcase of things down there since we wanted to do some shopping down there but edr won't let us. I think Hyatt is going to let me as a professional courtesy so what stores, markets, etc would you suggest???? Thanks so much! I have not been stressed for the whole year (except for people booking last minute and me not being able to plan because. I didn't have a count) now that I can plan I have so much to do!!!!!! Amanda

Hey everyone, I'm a little less than the 3 month mark now (March 29th) and feel like I have nothing done!! I am going down the end of January for a tasting and to do some shopping etc. Does anyone know if the hotel will let me bring stuff down in January to hold for March? We also want to do some shopping for supplies, decor etc. We will be staying at EDR but at the Hyatt Regency Cancun (I work for Hyatt and was able to use free rooms). I know there is a Costco and Walmart there but anywhere else you may suggest to do shopping? Local markets, etc? We are having our reception at Tucanes and plan on using paper lanterns. Did anyone else bring their own? (Lomas prices are crazy!) How many did you use. In the picture on the official EDR thread it looks like 7 per section on the sides but it's really hard to tell. Also what did you use for lighting? Are LED throwies the best? Last question (for now) did anyone bring their own linens (tablecloths, etc) I've seen websites posted here before with great prices but I'm a little nervous about there being wrinkles if we are bringing them down. Did anyone press them before travelling and then bring them with you? Were they wrinkle free on the tables? Thanks so much! Amanda

Hi everyone, We are having our reception at Tucanes. I understand the tables are round tables for 8 guests. We are planning on bringing down our own linen. What size tablecloths, runners, etc did you all use? Also they say there is a maximum size of 76 people for Tucanes. Does that include space for the dance floor? Thanks so much! Amanda

Hi Ladies! I'm approaching the 6 month mark and trying to settle on a photographer. Our Wedding is March 29th. Sarani is the only one of the "approved" vendors I liked but she herself has been booked since we first booked EDR last March. Her two associate photographers James and Lunic are available but I don't know if I like their work as much. Did anyone use them??? If you didn't use the "approved" photographers were there any outside photographers you liked? We'd be willing to spend the 3 night stay rate for someone really good. Also if you do use an outside photographer do they make you pay the 3 night stay fee for the photographer and assistant? I know it's either 3 night stay or $800. Would it be $800 total or photographer and assistant? 3 night stay is less. Thanks!!! Amanda

Hey everyone! We officially have our contract signed and room block booked for March 29, 2014! Yay! Our TA is able to get us a 2 category upgrade for our casita room. My question is what is the major difference between swim up casita and individual swim up casita? Is one of those the kind that has the little pool right outside the lazy river? Friends of our had that when we were there and that was great but that was a couple of years ago and she said the rooms names have changed from then. We definitely prefer the swim ups to the infinity on the higher floors but don't know which one to get! Thanks in advance! Amanda

We have excitedly signed our contract for March 29,2014! We have reserved Gazebo 55 and Tucanes (but may end up with too many people for Tucanes). We are booking our room block now and have a few questions. Right now we are going to hold 40 rooms but aren't sure which room types to hold. We have 20 rooms in the standard "Jacuzzi Jr. Suite'. For the remainder are the "Luxury Jacuzzi Jr Suites" the renovated rooms in Buildings 1-5? Are they that much better? We aren't sure if we should do those, or ocean view, or ocean front. I think we are going to do 10 swim ups as well as some of our guests tend to book higher end rooms. We are going to stay in the Casita side. We have a GI travel agent, do you think we will get upgraded? I know things are based on availability but should we just book the standard Casita and hope for a swim up or does it seem they usually upgrade the bride and groom? Thanks so much!! Amanda

Hi Ladies! We are in the process of choosing between EDR and Azul Sensataori (deciding if we want to do adults only or family friendly). We did the Bride Rehearsal Weekend last week which was amazing and I highly recommend if you are in the process of choosing. I do have a question. Is anyone doing the "free unlimited private events" special. We would have enough rooms for that. It is my understanding that if are having a free private event cocktail party or sit down dinner you can not choose the location or the menu until you arrive at the resort. Do you have any say in the choice of location once you get there? For instance if we want the free cocktails as welcome cocktails on the beach can we ask for that? Is the menu one of the "set menus" listed in the private event banquet kit. Also we will have a free cocktail hour because of our travel agent. What would the menu be for that. Thanks so much. We are deciding between November and March and the free promotion is only available in November. In March there is a 20% off promotion. If we don't like the free option then having the 20% off is better. Also for the dinner reservation that is included in the packages (free, pearl, sweet, etc) I understand that that is semi private. Is there a set menu for that or just whatever menu the restaurant has? Not sure if any of that makes sense but any help would be appreciated! Amanda

Hi Ladies! We are in the process of choosing between EDR and Azul Sensataori (deciding if we want to do adults only or family friendly). We did the Bride Rehearsal Weekend last week which was amazing and I highly recommend if you are in the process of choosing. I do have a question. Is anyone doing the "free unlimited private events" special. We would have enough rooms for that. It is my understanding that if are having a free private event cocktail party or sit down dinner you can not choose the location or the menu until you arrive at the resort. Do you have any say in the choice of location once you get there? For instance if we want the free cocktails as welcome cocktails on the beach can we ask for that? Is the menu one of the "set menus" listed in the private event banquet kit. Also we will have a free cocktail hour because of our travel agent. What would the menu be for that. Thanks so much. We are deciding between November and March and the free promotion is only available in November. In March there is a 20% off promotion. If we don't like the free option then having the 20% off is better. Not sure if any of that makes sense but any help would be appreciated! Amanda

Hi everyone! My FI and I are going to the Karisma Bride Rehearsal Weekend this weekend. We are staying at the Azul Sensatori for 3 nights and have added a night at the Now Sapphire. Our TA is planning some more site visits for us. What do you think of the below choices? Food is very, very important to us. We also prefer a beach ceremony. My FI is super picky so service and cleanliness is a top priority and nothing too run down.I am still trying to go againt my future MIL and do adults only so we will be seeing those as well. Also let me know if anyone has any questions they want me to ask! We will take lots of pictures to post. I'm a little overwhelmed choosing the site visits. I want to see the correct places and am a little sad I won't be able to tast the food. Azul Sensatori - Staying 3 nights. Sit visit there as part of bride rehearsal weekend El Dorado Royal - I have stayed there in the past for a wedding and loved it. Karisma is doing a presentation there from 9am-1pm on Saturday. Now Sapphire- Staying 1 night. Hopefully site visit on Monday. The other hotels I want to look at are: Family Friendly: Dreams Riviera Cancun Moon Palace (Might not have time for both) Adults Only: One of the Excellence properties - Can't decide which Secrets Maroma Iberostar (maybe...this is the last one I want to see so that can come off the list) Thanks Amanda

Thanks so much for the advice! We have been to destination weddings before in cities where guests were spread out which was great but I like the idea of a relaxing weekend and guests being able to find each other on property to get food together, swim, etc. I feel like an AI would allow that more. I guess I'm concerned about budget both for us and our guests. We are looking to have 70-90 people and a wedding of that size the costs could add up at a non AI. It feels like the actual wedding would cost as much as having it at home at that point. Home for us is NYC though so nothing is as expensive as that! The blog post was especially helpful in choosing between resorts.... Amanda

Hi everyone! Congrats to all the future brides! A big debate in our house right now is if we should do all inclusive or not. I think we and our guests will save a lot of money and worry less abou t budget. My FI thinks if we get a good rate at a non all inclusive it would cost less for all. I work for a large hotel chain so will probably be able to get good room rates but food and liquor add up! Thoughts?? Help me persuade him! Amanda

Hi all! Newbie here trying to figure out a resort in the Riviera Maya area. Food is extremely important to my FI and myself. We are both foodies and my dad is a chef so we can be pickier than most. We have been to two different all inclusives in the DR for weddings with terrible foods and don't want to risk the same thing happening at our wedding. We've been to the Riviera Maya twice before the first time for a wedding at El Dorado Royale (which we loved)and for a regular vacation at Valentin Imperial Maya (which we enjoyed besides the lunch options) The problem is as of right now we are having to look at a child friendly resort. If we can't find a family friendly resort that lives up to our expectations than the discussion of an adult only resort will have to be had with my FI's extended family. As of right now most of our guests have said they don't plan on bringing their children but my future mother in law is insisting that her niece and nephew need to bring their kids... Thanks! Amanda

I understand that some family friendly resorts, such as Azul Sensatori, have adults only area and not just adults only pools. Are there other resorts with these options? If we have to have family friendly I would prefer it to not feel completely over run by kids. Thanks, Amanda