writing my EDR pre travel book - question!

[BandE2008]

I am sending a pre travel book to all guests, giving them information and to help keep them excited etc!

 

I want to talk about EDR dress code, so under Restaurants I have the following. Is what I say accurate?

I also will remind people about it again in my section on what to pack:

On the EDR grounds, there are several restaurants for you to enjoy.

In planning for what to pack, it is important that all guests are aware that there is a “Casual Elegant†dress code and this has been reported to be strictly enforced. This means no T-shirts, tank-tops, sweats, shorts, Bermudas, tennis shoes or beach sandals. Specifically, men must be wearing closed toed dress shoes to dinner. Women can wear open toed dress shoes that adhere to “Casual Elegant†code (i.e., no flip flops).

Also of note: The restaurants can not accommodate tables with more than 6 people in a regular seating.

 

 

 

EDITED:

 

SEE BELOW FOR DRAFT ONE!

I wanted to share for future brides if the information is helpful for them.

[BandE2008]

Also, in looking at another BDW post with welcome books etc., she had some restaurants saying "reservation required".

I thought you couldnt do reservations at this place (unless you were in a Casita)?

Im confused! Sorry!

You dont need to reserve do you?!?!?!?!

[BandE2008]

OMG - one more question

Are dress coses enforeced everywhere other then Health Bar, Pizza place, and the Rincon Mexicano?

SORRY!

[shannon]

Hey! Yea, they used to do reservations- but don't anymore... Reservations are not required, or done- by non-Casita guests.

 

If you are a Casita guest, you can make a reservation for dinner---otherwise, they'll give you pager (like in the US) and you can have drinks at a close bar until your pager buzzes and you can be seated! So only Casita guests are allowed to make reservations. We tried to make reservations for a party of 6- and they wouldn't let us- the biggest reservation they allowed us tomake is for a party of 4... So the first night we all went to JoJo's (22 of us) and Vince and I couldn't make a reservation for the group- so we just hung out at the bar right beside JoJo's until they were able to seat everyone. Which was nice, actually--- bc obviously, they couldn't sit all of us at one table, so it gave us all the chance to chit-chat, etc...

 

The dress code applies to all enclosed restaurants. There was no dresscode at JoJos', none at the pizza cabana place--- we ate at La Isla twice for dinner and I wasn't paying attention--- not sure if dresscode is enforced there-- it is "open" (no walls)?!?! But Fuentes, Cocotal and the Italian place- all enforce dresscode.

Most of the guys wore khaki pants, polo shirts and closed shoes-- like work, business casual- and the girls wore sun dresses or capris with sandals or heels...

[BandE2008]

Thanks

I just want to clearly let my guests know this

so they can plan accordingly

and i want to give them accurate information

[MelanieS]

We were able to sit at tables of 8 several times during our week at EDR. Four of us were in the Casitas and made our reservations and they would put on the reservation that we would all 8 like to eat together. We got a table for 8 at Kampai and also at D'Italia and El Cocotal. We usually ate around 6 or 6:30, so that might make a difference since it was earlier in the evening before the big rush. La Isla doesn't have the dress code, nor does La Fondue as both are open air restaurants. However, Kampai does in the evenings, but we never had any problems going there for breakfast wearing flipflops.

[BandE2008]

So it sounds like

1) there are no reservations anywhere for any guest, casita or not anymore

2) only dress code in air conditioned places (all open air places you can wear anything)

and

3) only dress code at dinner / supper, nor for breakfast or lunch.

 

Thanks everyone!

[MelanieS]

Casita guests can still make reservations and are encouraged to do so.

[BandE2008]

Alright

 

How does this sound:

 

On the EDR grounds, there are several restaurants for you to enjoy.

In planning for what to pack, it is important that all guests are aware that there is a “Casual Elegant†dress code for all restaurants that are indoor, air-conditioned, and enclosed during dinner meals. This dress code has been reported to be strictly enforced. This means no T-shirts, tank-tops, sweats, shorts, Bermudas, tennis shoes or beach sandals. Specifically, men must be wearing closed toed dress shoes to dinner. Women can wear open toed dress shoes that adhere to “Casual Elegant†code (i.e., no flip flops).

Also of note: The restaurants do not accommodate large tables (max 6 people). Only guests staying in Castia suits can get reservations. If there is a wait, you will be given a pager and can go have some pre-dinner drinks!

Don’t forget 24 hour room service is included for outside restaurant hours or don’t want to leave your room!

 

Thanks for our help ladies!!!!

[BandE2008]

I thought I would share with everyone:

 

HERE IS MY FIRST DRAFT!

 

( I thought the information might be helpful for future EDR brides).

 

Of note: This isnt a welcome book, I am sending this in August (3.5 months before wedding) when the full payment is due, to give people information, and to keep them excited.

 

 

 

page one

Just our monogram and names, date, etc

 

Page two

Welcome Letter

(we took a lot from another bride on here, hope thats okay!)

 

Dear Family and Friends,

 

The countdown to Mexico is on! Only a few short months until we are in the sun and sand enjoying what the Riviera Maya has to offer.

 

We are both so happy and feel very blessed to be able to have our wedding at the El Dorado Royale (EDR)! We are especially honored that you are considering traveling so far to be a part of our marriage celebration.

 

Marriage is not a culmination; it is a beginning; the beginning of a life that will grow and change in ways more wonderful than we can imagine. Many years from now when we look back upon our life, love, and our wedding day, we will remember that it was not the flowers, music, nor food that made our day so special; our memories of sharing the beginning of our life as husband and wife with you, our friends and family, will be what we cherish the most. We thank you for considering sharing in one of our happiest occasions.

 

Included is some information and tips to help make your trip a wonderful experience. We hope that your vacation to Mexico will be as memorable for you as it will be for us. This is as much a vacation for you as it is us and we do not want to hold anyone to any schedules, etc. While we will have some optional group activities planned during the week, the only “set scheduled day†of the trip will be our wedding day, November 26th, 2008.

 

If you have any final questions before we leave please feel free to contact either of us by phone or email, or our travel agent who is more then happy to answer any questions: Barry Davis (ph# (403) 286-6582). You can also find more information with regards to the hotel at El Dorado Royale a Spa Resort - El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels - Riviera Maya Mxico and with regards to our actual wedding on our personal “wed-site†at www.bande.ca (username: *** // password: ***).

 

With Love and Appreciation,

 

 

Page Three

Who will be there?

 

We are delighted that so many close friends and family are able to join us! At this moment, the following persons have booked their trips:

 

(then following is a list of our guests - already 30 booked - and how we know them)

 

 

 

Page four

Luggage

I have been informed by our travel agent that luggage allowance on Air Transat (the company most guests flying from Canada will be using) will be a combined weight (not per bag) of 45lbs.

The following chart was taken from the Air Transat website regarding allowances:

CARRY-ON

Free23 x 40 x 51 cm (9 x 16 x 20 in)

10 kg (22 lb.)Baggage exceeding either this weight or size must be checked.

Only one carry-on bag per person is allowed.

It is strongly recommended that medication, personal documents, valuables, electronic devices and jewellery are kept in carry-on baggage, since the carrier will not be held liable for any loss or damages to such items.

Diaper bag accepted free of charge when travelling with baby.

Please note that in addition to carry-on baggage allowance, the following items are permitted onboard: camera, laptop computer, and purses.

CHECKED

Free20 kg (44 lb.)Any number of pieces are accepted as long as the overall weight does not exceed the weight shown in the left column according to the point of departure and destination. The overall measurement of each checked-in piece (length + width + height) must be less than 62 in (158 cm) and weigh less than 32 kg (70 lb.)

EXCESS

$10 CA per kilogram each way for all destinations

max. 32 kg (70 lb.) per itemPayable at Air Transat check-in counter.

If any individual baggage weighs more than 32 kg contact our cargo department for details at least 72 hours prior to departure.

 

Air Transat provided the following Travel Tips pertaining to luggage:

•Passengers are urged to leave all of their checked baggage unlocked, to avoid the need to forcibly open bags that require further physical inspection. Passengers are advised to use cable or zip ties as an alternative to baggage locks.

•Checked baggage containing items that are prohibited on board an aircraft may be opened for further inspection. To ensure that your checked baggage does not contain prohibited items, please refer to the websites below.

•All liquids, gels or aerosols, with no individual container exceeding 90ml, must be packed in a clear re-sealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 litre.

•For more information on how to pack for your next trip you may call the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority at 1-888-294-2202.

•Information on prohibited items is available on the following websites:

Air - Transport Canada

http://www.catsa.gc.ca/english/travel_voyage/list.htm

Canadian Air Transport Security Authority / Administration canadienne de la sret du transport arie