Majestic Colonial or Elegance Brides Post Here

[Oryx]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pamphilia ...i am also waiting on some better rates for January. i am a travel agent, and am getting impatient with myself...LOL.

LOL Pam! Too funny.

[Amelie-Mellow]

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Originally Posted by cristina2011 Hello fellow brides!! My fiancé proposed to me at the Majestic Colonial on April 7, 2010, so this resort is very dear to me! I was so overwhelmed with excitement that I didn't even thinking about visiting the WC on our last remaining day, even though we both have always planned to have a DW. We're hoping to return next spring for our wedding, but the prices are so steep that I'm concerned our guests are going to have an issue. Does anyone have any booking suggestions? I'm afraid to take the plunge without waiting it out a bit... Has anyone booked this resort 6 months in advance without problems?? Any good travel strategists out there?! Although our trip in April was a last minute deal, it worked out to $1409/person incl. tax.

Hi Cristina,
Congrats on the engagement! I have been working with an amazing DW company out of Toronto. Weddings by Oceans is who they are and they have been able to get me pretty awesome deals for my guests. My most recent quote*which might be out of date* for the Majestic Colonial was 1535 + 331.16(taxes) for 7 nights, including flights out of TO.

Hope this helps- let me know if you have any questions.

[MBBride]

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Originally Posted by jkgirl83 Cristina I'm not sure about rates for Spring, but I have been getting group rates coming back around $1,600 per person for early January my travel agent suggested to wait a little bit but that normally the sale/last minute rates aren't that much cheaper and sometimes aren't available for the Colonial. Not sure if this is true...but it's what I was told. Congrats on your engagement!! Good luck with everything! Lisa and Pam - glad to hear from some January brides!! What location and times did you go with for your ceremonies? Are you doing a private dinner or reception?

Hi jkgirl83,

I'm having a symbolic ceremony at 3pm at the gazebo and then the reception at Jellyfish restaurant. What about yourself?

As for rates, my guests flying out of Toronto are paying $1575 incl tax. I booked in Feb/10 so about a little under a yr in advance. I wanted to make sure there were enough spots of the plane for all of my guests and to ensure the date at the resort. I wouldn't suggest waiting too last minute, unless you are having a very small group going. So far we have about 35 people booked and expecting about 10 more for last minute booking.

The only thing I would suggest about booking is that you need to shop around for TA's. I have found that certain companies were more expensive to book with. For example, I went with itravel2000 and am flying with Air Canada Vacations, however when getting a quote from Air Canada directly, it was much more expensive. Definitely get quotes from a few places before deciding on the TA.

Lisa

[jkgirl83]

I am having a symbolic ceremony at the gazebo at 5...I wanted 4 but couldn't get it, so we will just have to make due! We are doing dinner at the steakhouse, and then renting the Parrot Bar for a private reception. I am still deciding if we should go with a DJ or just use the Ipod.

 

Thanks for the tip on itravel, I called them today to see what they come back with. We are hoping to get everything booked soon as we are probably expecting about 30-35 people.

 

Congrats on booking PhotoPhil Lisa! One of my old co-workers just used him for her wedding and WOW, amazing work. I had originally contacted him for pricing and to see if he was available on the 11th (the original wedding date I wanted, but couldn't get at the hotel), and he was, but now that I am on the 10th I have to re-check with him. He had told me that he had a wedding on the 13th at the Colonial, I guess you are the lucky bride he was talking about!

[Jenn&Kraig]

We are using a TA from Sell Off Vacations in Winnipeg, she's been great!! She mentioned the Majestic resorts don't typical have huge sales, so if you are holding out for that, you may want to reconsider...

 

Flights out of Winnipeg cost $2050.00 taxes in for one week to the Elegance, which is more expensive out of the 2 resorts. We do have a guest flying out of Toronto who's ticket cost just under 2 grand. We are flying direct via Air Canada, which is nice cause apparently they have a larger weight restriction on their luggage than other airlines.

 

We anticipated it would cost roughly 2 grand with a group rate, and we were pretty darn close!! we know it may be a bit pricey, but we told all our guests a year out that this was our plan and that it would probably cost 2 grand, just so there were no surprises!

 

It is your wedding!!! And you don't want to stay in a dump!! lol

[MBBride]

Katie- We also debated the Dj issue as well and in the end we decided to book Dj Mannia b/c of all the great reviews, plus I heard some stories on how the ipod/docking system wasn't working properly. Another great reason for booking Dj Mannia is that he will also act as an MC (which is great so we don't have to ask someone from the wedding party or friends to do it and have them be nervous all night). It really depends on your budget, but from what I hear from other brides, it's definitely a cost worth paying for.

 

If it makes you feel any better about the price- from what TA have told me, it's typically cheaper in early January so hopefully you'll be able to get a good rate. Hopefully you're able to book Phil...I love his work so hopefully he's able to get down a day sooner for your wedding...good luck!

 

Jenn- That's great to know about the luggage restriction- I'm also flying with Air Canada. Also nice to see another Winnipeg bride! I think the price does shock people b/c they're so used to seeing the last minute seat sales. Despite how far in advance you tell people, some will still complain about the price. But in the end, like you said, it's your wedding and you don't want to stay in a dump!

 

Lisa

[Jenn&Kraig]

Hey Lisa!!

 

Congrats fellow wpger!!! We are getting married only like a month apart at sister resorts!! lol

 

Do you mind me asking the cost for DJ mania? I heard he's like 200.00/hr is that true?

[MBBride]

Hi Jenn,

 

It's $850 for 4 hours ($150 additional hour after that)- includes sound, lights, mic, equipment...

 

Let me know if you have any other questions!

 

Lisa

[Oryx]

He charged me $900 for 4 hours... maybe it went up. :/

[JR14]

I have often read to REALLY read the fine print when booking hotels and wedding packages.

 

Do you have to book group rates for rooms directly with the hotel and then book flights seperately to get a wedding package deal? Or can groups book through TA for vacation packages and just arrange the wedding details with the hotel WC?

 

I'd like to hear back from anyone about any 'hidden' costs at the Majestic.