Gran Caribe Real 2011 Brides

[Bride2B22]

I 100% agree! I have also read alot of positive reviews from brides from the Royal in Cancun and PDC....obviosuly not every wedding will be perfect, but the majority go without a hitch! i guess we just have to prepare ourselves to deal with any unexpected thnigs........although unfortunte, these negative experiences have not stopped me from doing the best that i can to make sure everything is crystal clear (on paper!) in communication and planning........Happy planning ladies!!

 

Originally Posted by happygal 

The last two negative experiences are unfortunate.  I do have to comment though that room upgrades and late check out are NOT gauranteed.  It clearly says "subject to availibility" (or something like that) on all documents I have read.  Although an upgrade or early check out would be nice, it's not to be expected, especially if it's during a busy time of year. 

 

Ssntos-were your girls not guests at the Real?  I can imagine that you may run into some conflicts with them not being Real guests. 

 

I think we have to remember that being guests in another country, and not having the opportunity to see/taste/set things up ourselv, etces wedding planning does become limited.  I've chosen a DW b/c I want everything to be taken care of for me.  It's very possibe not everything I expect will be accommodated to a tee - but remember that appens here at home all the time, so it's even more likely it will happen over seas where you are unable to oversee the whole process.

 

I think all email communication should be printed out.  This can help avoid a lot of "he said - she said" type complaints.

 

Happy planning ladies!!!

[vchan]

Hi ladies. Are any of you hiring an outside photographer? I'm curious to know what your WCs have told you about the outside vendor fee. I seem to be getting different responses and now I'm just frustrated. I had asked my WC about having an outside photographer and see if there's any way to avoid the vendor fee since they'll only be there for a couple of hours (we're having the reception somewhere else) and here's what she said: "Sorry but you have to pay a Day pass becuase is not a guest is a outsite vendor. If you pay the Vendor Fee he can only be there 30 min prior to the wedding star. If you want him early you have to pay the vendor fee plus the day pass."

I wanted to get photographs of me getting ready too so it looks like I have to pay the day pass in addition to the $350 vendor fee. Seems really ridiculous to me!!

 

For those who have gotten married at the Gran or Royal, any thoughts or advice?

[wanda]

Hi Bride2B22,

 

We expect to get our pro pics in about 6 weeks, I will post some then

 

In the room we had our reception, I found the sound system pretty good in the dance floor area. It wasn't clear when we were sitting at our head table (during dinner music) but it's no big deal. If you're comfortable having your own playlist, I would save the money rather then getting a DJ. Although I do recommend having one of your guests as an MC and having someone else monitor the iPod. I created several playlist so the "dj" would know when a break was needed for the MC to announce for example First Dance, Cake Cutting, Garter Toss, etc. I also created a "Filler" playlist in case the playlist ended before we were ready to move on to the next song (in the next playlist) if you know what I mean.

 

Getting the playlist together was a bit time consuming but it was fun because you get to choose all the songs you want that are meaningful to you and your FI.

Originally Posted by Bride2B22 

Hi Wanda, so sorry to hear about your negative experience!! I hope you can post your pro pics when you receive them! we would love to see! I am sure the wedding was still beautiful. 

 

I do have one question....about the sound system.....did that work well for you? was the music loud enough...did it have that "party" vibe? I just dont want to spend almost 1k on a DJ when the sound system and a well organized ipod will work.....Thanks!!

[wanda]

Hi Vchan,

 

We had to pay the outside vendor fee and for the photographer's dinners, however we had them for 8 hours. It was worth it for us because we're big on photography. I have to say the Funever (the hotel photographers) are not very good (if you're really into photography). We also had our ceremony filmed by them and it was terrible! The videographer simply had the video on a tripod and didn't move it much. You can't even see me walking down the isle because one of our guest was blocking the camera. You'd think the videographer would move or ask the guest to move. In our opinion the video was poorly done. We used a different videographer for the reception (same company that took our photos) but didn't for the ceremony since it was included. It's too bad we didn't use them throughout the whole wedding.  

 

Also, they didn't take many pictures. Only 24 were included-usually a photographer will take at least double the amount so you have some to choose from. They chose the 24 for us. We had to ask to see the rest in case we wanted different pictures. I recommend you ask in advance to see all pictures if you decide to use them that way YOU get to choose the ones YOU like. 
 

Originally Posted by vchan 

Hi ladies. Are any of you hiring an outside photographer? I'm curious to know what your WCs have told you about the outside vendor fee. I seem to be getting different responses and now I'm just frustrated. I had asked my WC about having an outside photographer and see if there's any way to avoid the vendor fee since they'll only be there for a couple of hours (we're having the reception somewhere else) and here's what she said: "Sorry but you have to pay a Day pass becuase is not a guest is a outsite vendor. If you pay the Vendor Fee he can only be there 30 min prior to the wedding star. If you want him early you have to pay the vendor fee plus the day pass."

I wanted to get photographs of me getting ready too so it looks like I have to pay the day pass in addition to the $350 vendor fee. Seems really ridiculous to me!!

 

For those who have gotten married at the Gran or Royal, any thoughts or advice?

[wanda]

Hi happygal,

 

You're right about the room upgrade- it's not guaranteed. I just want you all to be prepared in case you don't get yours. They don't care about how many people you've brought down, they'll still try to make more money off of you. Our initial offer was to pay $160 extra per night. We argued for an hour until finally they brought down the price. I hope you guys don't go through this because it's stressful considering you're wedding is in a matter of days.

 

The room we upgraded to was great though. It was one of the beach rooms. As soon as you walk outside of your room, you are within a few steps to the beach. So you don't have to take an elevator or walk to the lobby to get to your room. It was really convenient. Those rooms are located right next to the Villa Terrace. If you have your reception there it's perfect! 

Originally Posted by happygal 

The last two negative experiences are unfortunate.  I do have to comment though that room upgrades and late check out are NOT guaranteed.  It clearly says "subject to availability" (or something like that) on all documents I have read.  Although an upgrade or early check out would be nice, it's not to be expected, especially if it's during a busy time of year. 

 

Ssntos-were your girls not guests at the Real?  I can imagine that you may run into some conflicts with them not being Real guests. 

 

I think we have to remember that being guests in another country, and not having the opportunity to see/taste/set things up ourselv, etces wedding planning does become limited.  I've chosen a DW b/c I want everything to be taken care of for me.  It's very possibe not everything I expect will be accommodated to a tee - but remember that appens here at home all the time, so it's even more likely it will happen over seas where you are unable to oversee the whole process.

 

I think all email communication should be printed out.  This can help avoid a lot of "he said - she said" type complaints.

 

Happy planning ladies!!!

[KathyW]

My WC is Elsa and I have it in email stating that you can avoid an outside vendor fee and guest pass if you book them a room. I booked mine a room at the Gran Caribe and its on sale right now so it cost 248 for both the photographer and their assistant.. hope that helps
 

Originally Posted by vchan 

Hi ladies. Are any of you hiring an outside photographer? I'm curious to know what your WCs have told you about the outside vendor fee. I seem to be getting different responses and now I'm just frustrated. I had asked my WC about having an outside photographer and see if there's any way to avoid the vendor fee since they'll only be there for a couple of hours (we're having the reception somewhere else) and here's what she said: "Sorry but you have to pay a Day pass becuase is not a guest is a outsite vendor. If you pay the Vendor Fee he can only be there 30 min prior to the wedding star. If you want him early you have to pay the vendor fee plus the day pass."

I wanted to get photographs of me getting ready too so it looks like I have to pay the day pass in addition to the $350 vendor fee. Seems really ridiculous to me!!

 

For those who have gotten married at the Gran or Royal, any thoughts or advice?

[ssantos78]

My gals were staying at the Gran Caribe Real and they were not allowed into my suite at the royal the day of the wedding, correct the upgrades are not 100% but certain things were promised to me for example, initially I was told I could have two options for the salad, entree, and soup (I choose soup instead of dessert) which is not stated on the packages then later they went back on their word, I was able to show enough proof that they had said this so they granted two entrees for my guest to choose from.

 

On the day of the wedding after arguing about my gals coming to the suite or spa with me to get ready. The wedding coordinator insisted on walking to my room to drop off something petty. Obviously, she was curious to see if anyone was in the suite so for those ppl assuming they could sneak in ppl you def can but do you really want to go through that on your wedding day?

 

The ballrooms are badly ventilated, it rained on our wedding day so we had to have an indoor reception it was SO hot.  Personally, after all the trouble on my wedding day I would never go back to this place, I wrote to them and they sent me a one night complimentary coupon (with blackout dates). As I stated to them and anyone who ask me, I will never step foot in this place or sister resorts.

 

On a positive not, the chapel is truly beautiful, during the reception the waiters brought out balloons, mask, and glow stick which were neat. The food was good.

 

[Jenny421]

 

Originally Posted by KathyW 

My WC is Elsa and I have it in email stating that you can avoid an outside vendor fee and guest pass if you book them a room. I booked mine a room at the Gran Caribe and its on sale right now so it cost 248 for both the photographer and their assistant.. hope that helps
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by vchan 

Hi ladies. Are any of you hiring an outside photographer? I'm curious to know what your WCs have told you about the outside vendor fee. I seem to be getting different responses and now I'm just frustrated. I had asked my WC about having an outside photographer and see if there's any way to avoid the vendor fee since they'll only be there for a couple of hours (we're having the reception somewhere else) and here's what she said: "Sorry but you have to pay a Day pass becuase is not a guest is a outsite vendor. If you pay the Vendor Fee he can only be there 30 min prior to the wedding star. If you want him early you have to pay the vendor fee plus the day pass."

I wanted to get photographs of me getting ready too so it looks like I have to pay the day pass in addition to the $350 vendor fee. Seems really ridiculous to me!!

 

For those who have gotten married at the Gran or Royal, any thoughts or advice?

 

Elsa is also my WC and I actually am hiring an outside photographer. I am using http://www.photosincancun.com/ they were booked by a friend of mines who was married last week and they said they are great! There prices are really good and the pictures are beatiful. You get 2 photographers, him and his wife who also does hair and makeup for those who dont trust the spa at GCR, all day for $1500. I am definitely going to look into having them as guest to avoid the vendor fee! Thanks for confirming that for me, he actually mentioned it to me and I was going to ask Elsa today.

 

[wanda]

What day was your wedding? Did you have the ballroom next to the lobby washrooms by guest services? That's where we were and it was SUPER HOT! 

 

Originally Posted by ssantos78 

My gals were staying at the Gran Caribe Real and they were not allowed into my suite at the royal the day of the wedding, correct the upgrades are not 100% but certain things were promised to me for example, initially I was told I could have two options for the salad, entree, and soup (I choose soup instead of dessert) which is not stated on the packages then later they went back on their word, I was able to show enough proof that they had said this so they granted two entrees for my guest to choose from.

 

On the day of the wedding after arguing about my gals coming to the suite or spa with me to get ready. The wedding coordinator insisted on walking to my room to drop off something petty. Obviously, she was curious to see if anyone was in the suite so for those ppl assuming they could sneak in ppl you def can but do you really want to go through that on your wedding day?

 

The ballrooms are badly ventilated, it rained on our wedding day so we had to have an indoor reception it was SO hot.  Personally, after all the trouble on my wedding day I would never go back to this place, I wrote to them and they sent me a one night complimentary coupon (with blackout dates). As I stated to them and anyone who ask me, I will never step foot in this place or sister resorts.

 

On a positive not, the chapel is truly beautiful, during the reception the waiters brought out balloons, mask, and glow stick which were neat. The food was good.

 

[chibride2011]

Hi there Gran Caribe Brides,

 

I am planning my wedding for August 13, 2011 in the chapel, however, I am hesistant about having the reception there...is anyone having the same concern!