girlinthecity97

Ok Ladies - Because no wedding goes off without a few curve balls...can you please weigh in on the following: Sound Equipment - my onsite coordinator does not think the sound speakers will be sufficient on the pier for a group our size (roughly 60 people) and the open space. Anyone have thoughts on this? She suggests we either rent the DJ equipment or hire a DJ. HELP PLEASE!!! Music & dancing really make the reception so I would hate for the total experience to be thrown off by inability to really hear the music or keep the momentum going etc... Family Style - given the diverse preferences our guests have, we think it makes sense to go the family style route. Does anyone know if the portions are sufficient/satisfying? My fiance is concerned the portions will be limited - leaving guests hungry?

@@jhercule - I echo the ladies here! Plan via a Travel Agent. I was in your exact shoes over a year ago. When I took on the task, I thought "ha! this should be easy because I have traveled so much & know the area pretty well" but it was far from easy! The more I researched, the more confused I became (even wrote a blog about it here). Working with a great travel company/agent has MANY advantages (some obvious, some not so obvious): Help narrow down your property options by recommending a property/chain that best matches your total vision (big day/weekend AND guest experience); Provide insight on any special touches you would like to have for your weekend (e.g., shopping trips, tours etc.) often at a cheaper rate than you'd find on your own due to their relationship with various excursion companys & resorts Help coordinate transfers so guests arriving at or around the same time can be grouped onto the same shuttle - helping make their experience that much more memorable/special Help you access special (often exclusive) perks/discounts you wouldn't otherwise have access to (e.g., free 1 hour cocktail reception; $xxxx off decor costs if you book y number of rooms; free catamaran cruise if you book x number of rooms) Help provide reassurance & insights regarding things like locations at the property you choose, service at the resort etc. This is VERY important b/c the closer you get there WILL be times where you want to hit the "freak out gas pedal" and a good agent will help talk you off the pedal and provide insight/feedback you are looking for. Personal example - I asked my resort's coordinator for pics of a particular location they said I could only hold an event at. The pics weren't good so my agent sent me some so I could feel confident in my decision. On a less pleasant note, having a travel agent also comes in handy for resolving challenges like the following: Resort Issues - on the off chance there's an issue with the resort (e.g., price switch/deviation from previously agreed upon quote/contract, onsite challenges etc...) your agent can help you resolve those issues Resort/Travel Emergencies - last minute emergencies such as weather impacting travel to or from the wedding or resort closure/change in management become less scary and daunting b/c your agent can help! We witnessed this at a friend's wedding - the resort she booked closed due to a merger after she'd signed the contract and no one told her until 2 days before the wedding. Her travel agent sprang into action and found a wonderful resort, moved everyone's reservations to the new hotel, helped her get the same decor etc...set up at the new resort so everything went as planned and envisioned. . And on that note, I am stepping off the pedastal as I think you get the idea! CONGRATS & Happy Planning!

@@kfracassi - here's the link to the OOT Bag Hits & Misses thread! @@AllieH - Oy! As if I'm not stressed enough! I just got a note from friends saying their flight info changed as a result of the upcoming time zone change. I guess I need to find out how (if at all) this impacts my wedding weekend schedule.

@@TinkerSofi & @@acw271011 - thanks for the feedback, especially re motion sickness tablets. I suffer badly from motion sickness so I ordered packets of Dramamine to put in everyone's welcome bag. Based on you ladies' feedback, I am thinking this is a good call and may be used by others. Hopefully the water won't be too choppy!

@@JenniferH114 - those bags are SO cute! I think I'm going to return the ones I purchased on Amazon and get some from here instead!!! THANKS! @@calgarybride2015 - thanks for the tips. I purchased beach totes for everyone so I'm hoping they'll be used and am doing a OSK as well. I was on the fence about luggage tags but am thinking maybe I will whip some up from the sound of things! THANKS!

@@rtscent - UGH! again, SO jealous!!! I so wish that offer had been available back when we booked. That sounds really nice, I can't wait to see pics! I know your guests are going to LOVE it. @@ChiTiff - we are still on the fence about video but are considering using Mike Cantrell (if he's still available at this late date). @@CnBWedding - unfortunately, I had to fly my stylist down because no one there will know what to do with my hair and I don't have anyone in my party who could do it. A few others I've become friends with used The Styling Trio & Beso Brides (who's much cheaper than the Trio). Hope this helps. Ok Ladies - Since I'm next up (roughly 3 weeks away), the light at the end of the tunnel is FINALLY starting to show. Maybe I should do a blog on the final planning stuff....we shall see. Anyway, this post is more of a sanity check to see what else I need to do and maybe it will give you some ideas to do now and not procrastinate like I did LOL! Generations/Lomas - sent a detailed excel spreadsheet to our coordinator with everything we have requested along with prices etc. With all the emails back and forth, I think some of the info previously shared got lost or dropped....My personal rain cloud of reality aka Dear Fiance suggested preparing this "one stop shop" document as did another bride friend who got married at EDR in October. I am awaiting a couple of clarifications/confirmations then can send final payment. Items for wedding or OOT bags - the following have been ordered: - Flowers (confirmed Dear Fiance & crew will pick things up and what time) - Boat Totes via Silkletter.com - Black Waffle Cosmetic Bag [for "eeks & ouches" and skin so soft (mosquito repellant)] - 1st aid drawstring bags for "eeks & ouches" content - "eeks & ouches" content: advil packets, alka seltzer packets, emergen-c packets, band-aids & neo-on-the-go packets - Custom Mexico poster for guests to sign - flower girl pearl bracelets - mini silver beaded frames for placecards - personalized ribbons for zipper of black waffle bag - customized NC bbq sauce (nod to his NC roots - engraved "love, honor & old bay" crab mallets (nod to my Baltimore roots! GO RAVENS lol) - 2.5 oz metal mist/spray bottles for skin so soft to go in Left to Dos: - black tissue paper for OOT bags - OOT Welcome Letter - Weekend Itinerary - Catamaran Cruise Menu selections - 8.5 x 11 silver/wedding style picture frames for table numbers - design place cards & table numbers - update wedding site and wedding facebook page with info re Whassap so people can text each other at the resort while in airplane mode to avoid international roaming charges - flowergirl purse/satchels in lieu of basket - embroidered hankies for parents - clothes to wear during our stay!!! (should probably move up to #1)

Thanks Ladies - We have more of a business relationship than friendly one....I guess I would describe it as "friendly business" where we have hung out together when we coincidentally were at the same event but I do not think I would have necessarily included in the wedding otherwise (unless she asked to be included like one guest - awkward! ). I greatly appreciate your feedback - HAPPY PLANNING!

@@AllieH - thanks same here! We all owe you huge! @@rtscent - oh you hydrangeas are beautiful!!! I will check that out for phalaenopsis orchids for hair combs we are making for my flower girls and junior bridesmaid. For flowers, check out Vanessa Jaimes. I thought she was going to be expensive but she's REALLY reasonable and proactively offers "low, moderate and most expensive" options. Maybe someone from your party or a family member can pick them up for you the morning of? her location is near/at the airport so it's about a 20 min ride. SOOOOOOO jealous you get to use the Unlimited Private Event offer. We signed up in Feb 2014 so we are ineligible...so I am trying to figure out if the BBQ can be served family style or if this buffet. If it's family style, then I think I will go with that and call it a life. What about a rehearsal dinner? I think we are limited to just Chef Market? As for the reviews, I know! So far none of my guests staying there have ready those reviews and are still very excited. My EDR staying guests are beyond pumped and keep telling me they can't wait. If you encounter any skeptics, I say remind them they CAN go over to EDR and take advantage of the beaches and restaurants there. The other bride I know who married at EDR in October was upgraded to Generations, as was her entire party and they raved about it. She said everyone is already trying to figure out how to go back.

@@rtscent - aww no thanks needed! I'm just thrilled the generations ladies have a thread! Back when I created it, I was wondering if we somehow made a mistake since the resort was still in final construction stages and it seemed no one else booked! I echo your sentiments regarding everyone's great tips/discussions & @AllieH 's invaluable insights. Could I ask a huge fave re your TA?!? Would she be able to provide pics of the pool deck area or insights on how private or semi-private this space is?! We are thinking of having our welcome reception in that location but I'm unsure...we can only do it there or the beach. I hear you on the flowers thing. I am not going to fight it. Where did you get your hydrangeas from? Also what did you choose for your dinner option? I have asked our WC if we could do the BBQ Deluxe family style or is this buffet. Ladies - does anyone know how many entree/protein options you select with the Family Style & BBQ Deluxe menus? We are thinking about these for the reception dinner.

@@lauralane - Apologies but I also meant to extend sincere thanks to you as well for all your help in my meltdown moment. Between you, @@AllieH & chatting with a couple other Karisma brides I've become friends with (one just got married and another got married back in October), I think I can see the "light" and start to breathe a little. THANK YOU! So you are definitely right re the vendor fee for picking up flowers in the lobby. We had a conference call with our agent the other night and she too was basically on team "Hell No" but did say we would NOT be charged if we went in town to get them. Since we don't have a ton of flowers AND Vanessa Jaimes is located only 20 min away, my fiance, his best man (doesn't know it yet hehe) and possibly one other guy will be going to get everything from her studio the morning of the wedding. I REFUSE to give them the kind of money they are charging. It's nuckin futs. It's bad enough I'm paying $200 for what's probably $40 sheers but Mr. Numbers (my fiance) says for what it will cost in extra luggage fees etc, it's worth it to only buy and bring down what we can't manage to work with of their offerings. I also enlisted my agent's help on fighting about this but she basically said they have gotten "hip" and are really cracking down. As for the onsite team, unless some changes have been made, I am told the "dynamic duo" that cover Generations & EDR are NOT the easy breezy let things slide type. My friend that got married back in October said they were awful to deal with and had to get our TA involved to help resolve some issues she encountered. I truly hope this does NOT freak you or anyone out but I just thought I'd share because I too have read many posts on this site re the onsite folks being a lot easier to deal with and was thinking like everyone else "eh, I'll just battle with the onsite team and not stress about x". She did have rave reviews about Generations, EDR, the food and what a wonderful time her guests had in spite of. I too booked Generations for ONE kid (my niece who is in the wedding) but now have a few more coming. My college bestie locked in so her 2 little girls are definitely in and will be flower girls and another friend is bringing her twins since the resort is family friendly. As your guests book you may be surprised by how many bring their families, I was - but we are still "lopsided" room count wise. The bulk of our guests are at EDR with 10 rooms booked at Generations. I too also booked Generations for the skydeck which at the time was under construction and no where near complete. The resort itself hadn't opened yet but was in the final stages of constructions. I received confirmation it is 100% complete and I know you will have a beautiful reception there. We have decided to just trust the gut and going in reverse of you - Wedding & Cocktail hour are on the skydeck & our reception will be on the Pier. @@AllieH - THANK YOU (as always) for the cocktail hour/pics and pool deck feedback. Since you mentioned the pools closing on the early side and I read over on tripadvisor complaints the pool is freezing, I'm hoping that a pool deck reception from maybe 4-5 (or 5:30 if I can get it extended for a half hour to an hour) will be ok. I basically want to use this time to hand out my OOT bags and say hello to everyone. While I have yet to find a pool deck picture, I did find pics that laid out the sections of the sky deck so I feel a lot better re the Cocktail hour and Ceremony both being there. Pics are MAJORLY important (we had our photog booked before we secured the resort & scheduled a meeting with him when we went to the BDR) so I'm hoping what my friend says is true re people being distracted with taking pics post-ceremony since we'll be doing so, delaying the start of the cocktail hour so it won't feel like such a long time. We will also come back up should we get finished with pics early. I really want to take posed ones with the families and maybe some friends post-ceremony, then pics on the beach and other places around the resort before taking pics at the reception. He prefers it be dark for the reception. I was successful in getting them to change the times for everything so I'm ultimately hoping to do the cocktail from 4-5:30pm then have the reception go from 5:30-10:00pm. Now to actually order my OOT bags and other items and start putting that together! Thanks again ladies for your support and patience! I FINALLY feel things are coming together - now for last min guests to STOP booking (though I shouldn't complain because it's better than the alternative - last min cancellations). @@EriLu11 - CONGRATS! We are going with a Memorable Moments package for the reception. One tip we learned during the BDR is that it's cheaper to pick the MM package you like best and then you can tweak it without incurring much (if anything) charge wise, depending on what changes you want to make - unless you plan to bring a lot down. So for instance, I chose the Coast Bliss but don't want the seat covers & want plain silver charges. These are being swapped for no additional charge. I also think it's important to make "peace" with their fees/charges and budget them in or figure ways to get around it. When I was trying to decide and lurking on this site, the Karisma/Lomas fees seemed to be the biggest point of frustration (understandably). My other piece of advice is figure out as much as you can without headcount so you are a crazy chicken with your head cut off like me! I didn't decide cocktail menu or food menu citing "I need my head count" and now feel a bit overwhelmed with having to do so 3 - 4 weeks out. This goes for securing your location and decor. You can ALWAYS make changes so don't be afraid to lock in. Happy Planning!

@@AllieH - many THANKS (as always) for your wise advice and guidance. I'm feeling a bit less spazzy now but still have a ton of things to sort out. We did a conference call with the WC and welcome any advice on the following: Welcome Reception - does anyone know what the pool deck area looks like? Specifically, is this semi-private enough to host a welcome cocktail reception with our guests? We have a free one for 1 hour & the 2 location choices are the beach and the pool deck area. I think The pool deck would be the most convenient given we have a lot of guests staying at EDR who will be coming over for it. I've asked the WC for pics but haven't received anything. 2 hour Cocktail Hour - So since we are getting married on the Skydeck, the WC suggests we pick a private cocktail reception instead of going with the 1 hour reception that comes with the Skydeck package because we'd have more choices in appetizers (6/person) and a full open bar (as opposed to beer, wine & soda with the package 1 hour cocktail hour). While 2 hours seems like a REALLY long time, I'm thinking guests will be distracted if we have this 2 hour option on the skydeck....that way they'd want to take pics of us or themselves for maybe the first 30 min or so then once we leave to take pics on the beach, they'll enjoy the appetizers and cocktails? A friend suggested we go down and take our pics on the beach immediately, then come back up for pics by the gazebo and mingle with guests before heading down to the reception? Thoughts? Does anyone know if the skydeck bar area is separated enough from the ceremony area to pull this off?

@MrsCtoB - Thanks!!! I didn't think about the fact she's part of our fesitivities headcount so I definitely think I will just get her a thank you note and something cute or unique to her to add to her gift bag.

@@aliciawestern - thanks so much! I will check her out though I may do my own or let my stylist do it. If only they had a hair stylist that could do af-am hair LOL I have to fly mine down. Oh and your dress is GORGE!

@@calgarybride2015 - thanks! I am af-am and will not have hair extensions in so unfortunately, I have no choice but to fly her in because there is no one who knows what to do with my hair type in Mexico. She will also be getting a welcome bag since she'll be attending the wedding so I'm thinking you and my friends are right. @@MrsCtoB - yes, the quote she gave me includes hairstyling for myself and at least 2 others (my mom and sister) for 2 days. So far it's only me and maybe my flower girls. My Matron of Honor (sister)'s hair is short and she plans to do it herself (which she's good at) and she plans to do my niece (jr. bridesmaid)'s hair. So i am thinking of having her do my 2 flower girls which won't be much work b/c their hair is curly so it's just a matter of moussing it and placing the hair combs.

@lauralane - many thanks for the kind words and support. To get around the $800 fee, Vanessa's team is going to deliver all flowers the morning of the wedding. My fiance & his best man (and if needed a friend's hubby) are going to meet the delivery and take the flowers to the wedding office. We would have to pay the $800 fee if I wanted to have Vanessa come on site and set everything up. We are already doing that with the florist and possibly a videographer. Oh one more thing, did anyone use Lomas' cigar roller? I haven't heard great things about it for the cost. I am trying to find the card of a guy we met during our scouting trip but welcome any outside vendor suggestions OR if you know that EDR or Generations has a cigar roller already on hand. If that's the case, we won't bother with one.

@@TinkerSofi - this was an offer/promo they were running around the early part of last year for new weddings booked at a Generations or El Dorado resort. Since we booked at Generations RIviera Maya we qualified.

UGH! I have been trying to post here forever and keep wiping it out. Here goes nothing - hopefully it works this time! @@lauralane - I am using Vanessa Jaimes Floral Design instead of Lomas. I want a cascading white orchid bouquet and they quoted me $420 compared to Vanessa's $250. All of her other quotes for bridal party flowers and bouts etc... are way cheaper than Lomas even with her delivery fee factored in ($70). If you contact her via email, she either responds same day or will do so in a couple of days. I think she is a 1 woman show in her shop so sometimes she is away doing an event/wedding. She has been great to work with so far. Ok ladies, my wedding is beyond fast approaching and now somehow, I thought I needed my headcount before finalizing things like menu options and event locations now I am FREAKING OUT! I am hoping you all can help me feedback on the following: Welcome Reception - did anyone do one of these in lieu of a dinner? We have a little under 60 people coming so we thought we'd do a cocktail reception from say 5pm - 7pm to say hello and spend time with people. What location did you choose? I am thinking the beach or maybe one of the lounges/bars? Also, what appetizers did you choose and did you just do a signature cocktail? Rehearsal Dinner - I know I have seen posts about this being included in the Always & Forever package but we are choosing a Memorable Moments decor package for our wedding. Does this impact the dinner options? Where did you do your dinner and how many can attend with you? Also is there a limited or special menu for this? Reception Menu - based on food preferences selected on our RSVP cards, we have a split between beef, chicken and fish and will need 3 vegetarian/vegan dishes as well. Does anyone have recommendations for each? Do you know if we can choose one of each or is it just 2 plus a Vegetarian option? Sound System - a friend who's a DJ is coming to the wedding and is going to do a playlist for the reception and cocktail hours because I didn't want him to have to bring DJ equipment. Our coordinator says they have equipment available to rent. Is it worth the $1500 or should we just stay the course with using an ipod and the $500 speaker system for this instead? cocktail hour location - we are thinking of having the cocktail reception on the sky deck as well but I can't tell if the bar area there is sectioned off or separate from the wedding ceremony area. On the one hand I think it would be nice to let guests mingle there while we are taking some of our post-ceremony pics there as well then see them again on the pier for the reception after we have taken pics on the beach and elsewhere. Thoughts? Also, there seems to be a HUGE gap between the end of the ceremony and the reception. Did anyone else experience this? If so, was this awkward? I'm hoping we can shorten the window to less than a 2 hour gap. Was anyone able to do so? Cake - is this a separate cost? I do not see anything on the planning spreadsheet about this. Did you already send pics and get a quote? As you can see I have a LOT of loose ends to tie in a VERY short time. Thanks in advance for your help/insights! XOX - spazzed out Girlinthecity

Hi All: Our Karisma wedding package includes a free Catamaran cruise for up to 40 people & food and beverage credit to use towards refreshments during the cruise. Has anyone else done this? If so, I would love to hear your thoughts/feedback regarding: Menu - which one did you choose for food and alcohol? Cruise itself - apparently, snorkeling happens first then snacks? What did you and your guests think of the cruise in general Reception on Pier Post-Cruise - our agent mentioned something about them setting up a reception of sorts on the beach or pier so the party continues post-cruise until the shuttle returns to pick us up? If anyone has pictures or details on this and what the set up is like, please share!!! Any helpful tips/watch-outs Thanks very much for any insights/help you can share!

Hi All: I am flying my hairstylist down for the weekend to do my hair and am wondering is it customary to also tip in this situation? I am a big believer in tipping & this would otherwise be a no-brainer but given I am paying for her airfare, baggage fees, 3 night stay and services (hair for welcome reception the day before our wedding and the big day) I am unsure what to do. My friends say no, but I do not want to be rude or tacky. Can't wait to hear your insights - thanks in advance!

@@lauralane - Welcome and I totally agree with @rtscent, great info!!I haven't seen/found anything on the finished Sky Deck but did find a youtube video shot from the sky deck site. I really hope they make the gazebo white and don't put an ugly wall & tiled floor like they did at some of their other properties. @@rtscent - I too have a free cocktail reception but didn't know they limit the location you can have it in!!! On other Karisma threads the brides were able to have it where they wanted. I hope that's the case with GRM. @@nicatella - we are going with a memorable moments reception package and tweaking it because when we priced the custom set ups at the BDR they were $400-$540, which is insane! Given so many things are running over budget & depending on the number of guests we actually get, we are also thinking about bringing everything and using goodwill suitcases like @@rtscent mentioned. @@ChiTiff - WELCOME and congrats!! @@rtscent - I too am looking into bringing all my flowers with me. I got a great quote from www.bloombridal.com

@@MandM2014 - no thanks needed! I think we have all been in the same boat at some point. I know I have a NUMBER of times! Keep me posted - whatever you decide will be perfect and all that you are envisioning.

@@ng2015 - yup. I plan on putting mine in the OOT bags and handing those out (bags) at the welcome reception and will just pay the resort to deliver them for those that I have left over (e.g., late arriving guests). Thanks for the tip on wedding chicks sale!

@@MandM2014 - thanks for the tip! I'll be sure to watch this closely as we finalize plans. Sorry to hear you are rethinking a DW in Mexico but totally get your reason for reconsidering. The wedding planning process in general is stressful enough but planning a DW increases that because you have to work around so many things that are beyond your control until you are onsite days before. For what it's worth (my unsolicited feedback hehe) your guests will have just as much fun if you decide to go the FL route - still getting the tropical climate, beautiful white sandy beaches w/ turquoise water and maybe easier flights for your guests? I went to a couple one, in Marco Island (near Naples, FL) and the other in Miami and had a blast. Do not let the BDR reunion your spirits! I say follow the destination that checks off all you and DF's "Must Have" boxes! *hug*

@@AllieH - thanks for that tip! Our photog suggested going over to EDR's beach for some of our pics so I'll ask if we can go there!

@@MandM2014 - I too am really sorry to hear about your BDR experience. Like @@kmk2016, I had a much different experience when we went. I am curious to hear what you find out about the private food pricing. Please keep us posted! Does anyone know if you can do another tasting once you are down there to finalize your selections? I can't find anything in my notes on that.