Any Grand Palladium brides?

[JND2012]

Awesome.  Yeah, we don't really have a budget and are definitely doing the private reception (we have to anyways, over 40 guests), know that the package is $20 extra pp after 8, etc.  we're bringing our photographer, and because we know her personally she's only charging us the cost of the trip.  I've heard a few horror stories about other people who've done DW's about hidden expenses that they didn't budget for, so it's relieving to hear that you didn't experience that!

 

I sent Rocio an email yesterday regarding the ceremony date, has anyone gotten answers about when we can start making our request, and how?

 

Latest blunder:

So yesterday was the deadline for our deposits.  I asked our TA to confirm the dates of the trip, as I was under the impression that the entire trip had been moved ahead.  I found out that apparently I agreed to having the guests from Toronto there from the 20th-27th, and from Vancouver 22nd-29th.  when I received the email asking me, I didn't realize that the airport code was only for Vancouver and I agreed.  I'm having a bit of a panic attack because it would be devastating for me if I had to tell my Mom and sister that they would only see us for 5 days and would miss anything pre-wedding...  I only see them once a year as it is and it's my wedding!  TA was contacting Transat to see if we could move the dates for our Toronto guests to the 22nd, as they only fly out of Vancouver twice a week at that time.

 

Fingers crossed, I'm so worried!  I really am kicking myself in the a$$ for not being more thorough in my reading =(
 

Originally Posted by StephyD 

I guess the budget depends on what you really want. 
We didn't have a strict budget.  We just went and looked at what we wanted, compared the options, and choose whatever we saw fit. We did have an initial amount in mind for the overall budget but we went about 30% over... which is alot, but to us doesn't seem like a big deal considering we had the most amazing day of our lives.  It was all worth it.  If you can't afford it, I'd say don't go for it.  We of course didn't go overboard on things, we stuck with what we wanted and could afford.

 

I don't think there were any surprises or hidden expenses... The only thing I was a bit confused with was the wedding package at the Grand Palladium.  Since we had so many guests and wanted a private reception, we had to pay alot of extras (chairs for the ceremony, sparkling wine toast, dinner, etc.)  It seemed like nothing was included in the package.  Remember that it covers only 8 guests!

 

They have plenty of times for the ceremony but you do have to pick a time when you book your date.  They can have up to 3 weddings a day but only one per time (does that make any sense?).  They do this in order to allow you to choose the location you want for the ceremony without having to worry about someone else booking the same location (both gazebos, church, beach, etc).  This you can pick when you get on site.

 

Our reception was at La Laguna (private) from 7PM to 11PM.  We did dinner and some dancing.  At 11PM, the DJ stopped playing but they will stop your music as well if you're using an ipod.  They didn't push us out but guests started leaving soon after the music stopped anyways.  I'm not quite sure how the dancing works at the a-la-carte restaurants, not sure whether you can have music and everything?  Other past brides could probably answer this one...

 

 
 

 

 

[nicole - 20]

Just paid our deposit to Claudia Rodriguez for our pictures!! =) I fell inlove with her work!

 

What does everyone think is the right amount of time for pictures? I think we are going with the 3 hour package, I just hope its enough time. Also I was thinking about doing my TTD later on in the week when the guests leave. Can't decide if its worth the $1800 for the pictures. 

[Manda123]

Hey JND!

Apparently we can make requests for next year starting next week. I emailed her yesterday to find out which specific day next week, but haven't heard a response yet. I'm pretty anxious too!

 

Question - you are getting married next year, right? Why are your deposits due so early? I'm getting married early January and ours aren't due until October... or so I thought. I hope I'm not missing something!

 

Originally Posted by JND2012 

Awesome.  Yeah, we don't really have a budget and are definitely doing the private reception (we have to anyways, over 40 guests), know that the package is $20 extra pp after 8, etc.  we're bringing our photographer, and because we know her personally she's only charging us the cost of the trip.  I've heard a few horror stories about other people who've done DW's about hidden expenses that they didn't budget for, so it's relieving to hear that you didn't experience that!

 

I sent Rocio an email yesterday regarding the ceremony date, has anyone gotten answers about when we can start making our request, and how?

 

Latest blunder:

So yesterday was the deadline for our deposits.  I asked our TA to confirm the dates of the trip, as I was under the impression that the entire trip had been moved ahead.  I found out that apparently I agreed to having the guests from Toronto there from the 20th-27th, and from Vancouver 22nd-29th.  when I received the email asking me, I didn't realize that the airport code was only for Vancouver and I agreed.  I'm having a bit of a panic attack because it would be devastating for me if I had to tell my Mom and sister that they would only see us for 5 days and would miss anything pre-wedding...  I only see them once a year as it is and it's my wedding!  TA was contacting Transat to see if we could move the dates for our Toronto guests to the 22nd, as they only fly out of Vancouver twice a week at that time.

 

Fingers crossed, I'm so worried!  I really am kicking myself in the a$$ for not being more thorough in my reading =(
 

 

 

[JND2012]

Hmm...  I wonder how this will work.  I'm a bit nervous that we'll not get the date/time we want (I don't really know how the times work, or what time is best?).  I wonder if everyone calls at one time or if we have time to call and make the reservation.  So confusing!  Do we have to call or is there a way of doing it online? 

 

I'm going to be there January 22-29, 2012.  I honesty am really confused as to why we had to make our deposits within 90 days as it seems that everyone else I talked to has a lot more flexibility!  Maybe it's because we're with Transat Holidays?  Which airline are you flying with?  Do you mind telling me how much they quoted?

 

We basically had to make two $200 deposits in order to save 40 seats, and then our guests had 90 days to make their $200 deposits.  Today the remaining seats were released for sale.  Now we have until October 31 to pay the remaining amount, and we get one price adjustment (From Toronto they quoted $1468, from Vancouver $1650 - I guess we wouldn't be able to compare unless we were flying from the same places!).  It's a bit frustrating as we had to put a bit of pressure on those who wanted to attend, and also, we haven't even sent out invites because we didn't know the actual date of the ceremony and the dates of the trip clearly weren't confirmed either.  We're going to send out invites more as a formality once we find out the date and time.

 

And my TA fixed things for me so all of us will be flying on the 22nd-29th!  Thank goodness, my family would have FLIPPED if they came and left 2 days later than everyone else.
 

Originally Posted by Manda123 

Hey JND!

Apparently we can make requests for next year starting next week. I emailed her yesterday to find out which specific day next week, but haven't heard a response yet. I'm pretty anxious too!

 

Question - you are getting married next year, right? Why are your deposits due so early? I'm getting married early January and ours aren't due until October... or so I thought. I hope I'm not missing something!

 

 

 

[StephyD]

We just worked with Claudia Rodriguez for our wedding on March 31st.  I can't wait to get our pictures

 

We booked her for 8 hours + 1 extra hour.  She arrived at 1PM, came to our room for getting ready pictures and sent someone to my hubby's room for the same pictures.  We had pictures taken with family and friends after our 3PM ceremony... then couples pictures... pictures at the cocktail and throughout our dinner reception.  She left at about 10:30, since we were running a bit behing on schedule for the reception.
 

 

IMO, the TTD is soooooooooo worth it!   We had so much fun doing it and I'm sure the pictures are going to be gorgeous!

Originally Posted by nicole - 20 

Just paid our deposit to Claudia Rodriguez for our pictures!! =) I fell inlove with her work!

 

What does everyone think is the right amount of time for pictures? I think we are going with the 3 hour package, I just hope its enough time. Also I was thinking about doing my TTD later on in the week when the guests leave. Can't decide if its worth the $1800 for the pictures. 

 

[StephyD]

Our guests all had to make their deposits up to 60 days prior to the departure date.  We paid 100$ per reserved seat in advance and got our money back once everyone had paid their balance.  We reserved the seats in September so guests could start reserving whenever they wanted keeping in my they had to pay their balance by the end of January.  We didn't have a time limit as to when their deposit had to be paid since we garanteed the reserved seats by paying 100$ per seat...

 

We were also with Transat Holidays.  It might depend on the TA?

[Caroline1110]

Hi nicole - 20

 

Do you by any chance have any prices for Claudia Rodrigez? I sent her an email requesting prices a while back, but I've yet to hear from her. Also, has anyone heard anything about the resort photographers? I have the price list for them, I'm just not sure about their quality compared to other people.

 

Also, we're having our dinner at an a la carte restaurant. Does anyone know what the set up is? Is there a private area? Round tables, rectangular tables?

 

Lastly, does anyone know if we're permitted to have candles on the the tables at dinner, as well as, at the cocktail hour? I'm trying to cut down on some flower costs if possible, so I was thinking of candles instead.

 

Thanks,

Caroline

[Caroline1110]

Sorry, I missed your post Stephy. Maybe you also have info about Claudia? Also, maybe I'm just clueless, but for TTD sessions, do people wear their actual wedding dresses, or do people use another white dress? Does the TTD session cost $1800 on top of the regualr photos?

 

 

[nicole - 20]

Hello Caroline1110

 

Basic Photo Package its $1500 for 3 hours

Special Photo Package is $2250 for 5 hours

Golden Photo Package is $3350 for 8 hours

 

All packages come with a credit for online orders too.

 

The TTD depends on where you decide to do it. Puerto Morelos $1,500 and Cenote sessions $1,800. If you do it at the resort its just $1000.

 

Stephy for your TTD did you just do it at the resort?

 

Originally Posted by Caroline1110 

Sorry, I missed your post Stephy. Maybe you also have info about Claudia? Also, maybe I'm just clueless, but for TTD sessions, do people wear their actual wedding dresses, or do people use another white dress? Does the TTD session cost $1800 on top of the regualr photos?

 

 

 

[StephyD]

You are allowed to bring candles.  They do have an option for candles already.  Ask Rocio to send you a picture of it.  It's a lantern and you could just put some rose petals around it as a centerpiece.  It looks nice.

 

As for the table set-up for the a-la-carte restaurant, not sure.

 

I did wear my actual wedding dress for the TTD, although some brides prefer to wear another dress and not ruin their real dress.  To me, it didn't matter.  Plus, my dress didn't get ruined at all.  It was all wet and full of sand, but that's it.  No tear, nothing, and I even had some lace on it.  The water actually cleaned it as it got pretty dirty underneath after the wedding day

 

We did our TTD shoot at the Grand Palladium.  I didn't want to pay any extra to go to a cenote or Playa del Carmen.  The grounds at the GP are gorgeous, they have a nice rocky beach which makes for amazing pictures.