***Melia Las Dunas Brides***

[LIW]

You will need a converter unless your appliance is dual volatage. If you have time, you might want to pick up a cordless curling iron. If the barrel is big enough, you can use it as a straightener too.

[ashey063009]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drextc Wanted to know if the plugs at the resort are the same as ours or if we need to buy a converter. Thanks! We leave tomorrow morning!!!!!!!! Gettin' hitched in t minus 4 days!!!!!!

Bring a convertor-- pay for good quality and MOST IMPORTANTLY-- Bring a cordless backup! My convertor didn't work and I was stuck with frizz everyday. Damn.

Have an amazing time! I can't wait to see the photos when you get back!! Good luck with everything, and congrats!

[motherofthegroom]

Ok, these are great questions and answers, poor Ash who had a disaster made of her hair, but oh well, these things happen right?

 

One last question that's bugging us? did you tip the night of the wedding and if so who and roughly how much? before or after etc...

 

tks!!

[purpleshells]

yay a thread just for us!!

[Melidell]

Quote:

One last question that's bugging us? did you tip the night of the wedding and if so who and roughly how much? before or after etc...

I don't know the amount or have experience yet myself, but I think it is customary to tip or bring a gift to your wedding coordinator, and I plan to tip (or rather have someone tip for me) anyone who is working at the wedding or reception, like the trio or any servers if it's a private reception. We always tip our servers when we eat at a la cartes at a resort, so I just figured it was our responsibility as hosts to tip these guys for the group for their work during the reception. Still not sure how much though, so any insight from those who have been there would be appreciated.

Quote:

yay a thread just for us!!

I know, right? It's awesome! Nice to see you here, btw.

[niclec]

I am also curious as to what the tipping trend is for the Wedding Coordinator adn the staff at the private restaurant. We are 5 weeks away and panic is setting in!! I have nothing left to do but wait...I am wondering if this is more stressful than planning a big at home wedding...

 

Any recomendations on what location to use? We are about 40 people, and I want to make sure there is lots of room.

[niclec]

Also - I know Ashley had a terrible experience with the hair dresser, but did anyone have a good or great one?

I am getting an updo...

[Melidell]

From what I've seen the larger gazebo off of the lobby or the beach are probably your best bet for your ceremony- the beach gazebo would be a bit small for that many guests from what I've heard. You should get a private reception with that many guests so that will be really nice! I think maybe 15-20% of what the meal would cost shared around the wait staff would be reasonable for tips, maybe? So at about $30 a head for 40 guests= $1200 meal = about $240 in tips max? But maybe that should also depend on how many servers you have, too- less waiters= less tips required? I'm not totally sure about this either.

[RonNMel]

My FI and I had our eyes set on getting married in Varadero, but when just had a first meeting with a TA (to explore what the options are, know what it takes to get married in Cuba, etc.) she suggested the Melia Las Dunas, saying it was a very popular destination for weddings (also Sol Melia is her favorite resort group).

 

I'm reading lots of good things about it, but so far nothing enough to make me change my mind. Anybody want to try and convince me as to why I should switch to this hotel?

 

Also, I guess my main concern would be that there doesn't seem to be much to do in Cayo Santa Maria outside the resort, as opposed to Varadero...

[sjmacphe]

Hey Mel (?)

I really think you have to be 100% happy with your choice so I don't want to try to convince you too much hehe, I have never been to Varadero OR Cuba period and honestly I was tired of trying to research the THOUSANDS of options out there, I took the advice of several TAs who specialize in DW that this resort puts on beautiful weddings and the prices are quite competitive (but overall Cuba is better than most other places). Also, I don't mind the idea of not being close to a big city - they still have several excursions you can do in the area - you can even do an overnight trip to Havana if you want to. I'm planning to do at least 2-3 day trips off resort (in the 2 wks we will be there). But there are pros and cons to every resort - so you have to really pick the area you like. If you have your heart set on Varadero there are tons of great hotels there too. Good luck deciding!