El Dorado Royale (EDR) Brides - POST HERE!

[TheWolferts]

Well knowing what I know now, we would not have paid for each guest to participate in the cocktail hour. During our onsite meeting at teh beginning of our stay, I specifically asked our coordinator Martha if they could set aside the cocktail hour food for the guests that were in the wedding party. Meaning, we paid for 40 people to have 7 pieces of appetizers (some of which were the pricier items like lobster and scallops) and she said "oh sure! no problem! the wedding party will get to have their cocktail hour food... WRONG!

 

The wedding party finished their pictures with 30 minutes left of the cocktail party and she refused to let us go back to the cocktail party, claiming that all the guests had left the party and were already at the reception location. She then dropped us off at a restraunt/bar where we were told to wait for her without food and beverage. When I asked her if we could have the food she promised to set aside, she said no, they already packed everything up. I then proceeded to stand in my dress at the bar waiting 10 minutes for a drink and standing next to people eating dinner at JoJos restaruant. I also witnessed all of our guests about 20 minutes later walk passed the bar we were at (they were clearly not in the reception area yet). She managed to come back with a single tray of food, about 20 pieces for 15 people to share. So basically we paid about $900 for 20 people to eat some appetizers, and I heard from some of the guests that the waiters barely came around with food and even some of them only got 2 pieces. What a waste of money!

 

If i were to plan it again, I would subtract the entire wedding party from any cocktail reception order, even if they say you can attend your own cocktail party or that they will bring you food, since I was assured by Valeria and our onsite coordinator that this would happen, and yet it did not.

 

 

Originally Posted by ElDorado2012 

Oh no!!! I def. understand the need to decompress and cool off. I'm dying to hear what happened though!! I'm so sorry you had to deal with so much stress and problems with the reception Whenever you feel up to it, please give us the details. I've been feeling confident recently because Valeria has been on top of everything, but it sounds like that means nothing, and the competence of the resort staff is everything. We have to pay our tab in full at the resort in a little over a week, so if there is anything I should know about and possibly cancel with my reception before I pay in full, please let me know!!

[murmel]

Originally Posted by TheWolferts 

 

Well knowing what I know now, we would not have paid for each guest to participate in the cocktail hour. During our onsite meeting at teh beginning of our stay, I specifically asked our coordinator Martha if they could set aside the cocktail hour food for the guests that were in the wedding party. Meaning, we paid for 40 people to have 7 pieces of appetizers (some of which were the pricier items like lobster and scallops) and she said "oh sure! no problem! the wedding party will get to have their cocktail hour food... WRONG!

I am so sorry to hear this. The cocktail party is not just for your guests, but for you to be with your guests! (even if only for a short time, after photos) You are right to be upset. I would write Karisma, or even talk with Valeria and let them know what happened.

 

Hopefully your wedding itself was beautiful and you enjoyed your special day:)  

[AllieH]

I'm sorry too!! I agree with murmel, you should DEFINITELY bring this up to Valeria, and Rafa if needed. They need to give you $$ back or make it right!! 

Originally Posted by murmel 

I am so sorry to hear this. The cocktail party is not just for your guests, but for you to be with your guests! (even if only for a short time, after photos) You are right to be upset. I would write Karisma, or even talk with Valeria and let them know what happened.

 

Hopefully your wedding itself was beautiful and you enjoyed your special day:)  

 

 

[TheWolferts]

Thanks guys! I didnt think I was being an irrational bride and i hate that i have negative feelings towards any part of our wedding, so thanks for confirming that my feelings are justified!

[Jillsepher]

I think knowing that information is making me confirm that I want to change my plans. I was going to do the white glove but I've nixed it now. I'm just doing the Menu Option 1 now which is actually cheaper than the white glove anyway and gives me more reception time. I'm just waiting for a confirmation that they can make one plate vegetarian. That is complete crap! I can't believe that you paid for all of this stuff and didn't even get most of it. And for them to tell you your guest already left the party for the reception and then see that this wasn't the case! My blood would be boiling! And what do they do once it's "packed away"? I'd make them send the leftovers to my room! So sorry Lomas didn't deliver. Getting very nervous for Allie and I as well since we've gotten off to an extremely rocky start. I hope the negative feelings will eventually fade and all you are left with are happy memories!

Well knowing what I know now, we would not have paid for each guest to participate in the cocktail hour. During our onsite meeting at teh beginning of our stay, I specifically asked our coordinator Martha if they could set aside the cocktail hour food for the guests that were in the wedding party. Meaning, we paid for 40 people to have 7 pieces of appetizers (some of which were the pricier items like lobster and scallops) and she said "oh sure! no problem! the wedding party will get to have their cocktail hour food... WRONG! The wedding party finished their pictures with 30 minutes left of the cocktail party and she refused to let us go back to the cocktail party, claiming that all the guests had left the party and were already at the reception location. She then dropped us off at a restraunt/bar where we were told to wait for her without food and beverage. When I asked her if we could have the food she promised to set aside, she said no, they already packed everything up. I then proceeded to stand in my dress at the bar waiting 10 minutes for a drink and standing next to people eating dinner at JoJos restaruant. I also witnessed all of our guests about 20 minutes later walk passed the bar we were at (they were clearly not in the reception area yet). She managed to come back with a single tray of food, about 20 pieces for 15 people to share. So basically we paid about $900 for 20 people to eat some appetizers, and I heard from some of the guests that the waiters barely came around with food and even some of them only got 2 pieces. What a waste of money! If i were to plan it again, I would subtract the entire wedding party from any cocktail reception order, even if they say you can attend your own cocktail party or that they will bring you food, since I was assured by Valeria and our onsite coordinator that this would happen, and yet it did not. :BangHead:

[TheWolferts]

People are starting to post some pictures they took of the wedding, so I thought I would share! I cant wait to get our professional pics back!

 

 

 

 

[ElDorado2012]

Oh my gosh - sooo beautiful!!! Your hair is so cute - did you have it done at their salon? If so, did you do a trial first? Can't wait to see pics of the reception too

Originally Posted by TheWolferts 

People are starting to post some pictures they took of the wedding, so I thought I would share! I cant wait to get our professional pics back!

 

 

 

 

[ElDorado2012]

So ridiculous. How could they refuse to let you go back to the cocktail party?? And what would be their motivation for that? Do you think they didn't make all of the food you paid for and they didn't want you to get back there and figure it out, or...? I'm stumped! Also, the cocktail party is for the bridal party AND guests. I can't believe they wouldn't let you back over there. Really weird. I'm sorry about all that!

Originally Posted by TheWolferts 

Well knowing what I know now, we would not have paid for each guest to participate in the cocktail hour. During our onsite meeting at teh beginning of our stay, I specifically asked our coordinator Martha if they could set aside the cocktail hour food for the guests that were in the wedding party. Meaning, we paid for 40 people to have 7 pieces of appetizers (some of which were the pricier items like lobster and scallops) and she said "oh sure! no problem! the wedding party will get to have their cocktail hour food... WRONG!

 

The wedding party finished their pictures with 30 minutes left of the cocktail party and she refused to let us go back to the cocktail party, claiming that all the guests had left the party and were already at the reception location. She then dropped us off at a restraunt/bar where we were told to wait for her without food and beverage. When I asked her if we could have the food she promised to set aside, she said no, they already packed everything up. I then proceeded to stand in my dress at the bar waiting 10 minutes for a drink and standing next to people eating dinner at JoJos restaruant. I also witnessed all of our guests about 20 minutes later walk passed the bar we were at (they were clearly not in the reception area yet). She managed to come back with a single tray of food, about 20 pieces for 15 people to share. So basically we paid about $900 for 20 people to eat some appetizers, and I heard from some of the guests that the waiters barely came around with food and even some of them only got 2 pieces. What a waste of money!

 

If i were to plan it again, I would subtract the entire wedding party from any cocktail reception order, even if they say you can attend your own cocktail party or that they will bring you food, since I was assured by Valeria and our onsite coordinator that this would happen, and yet it did not.

 

 

[TheWolferts]

Thanks! I did a trial at the salon the day before the wedding for hair and makeup. Rafa was great! I showed her a bunch of pics and just asked her to do something similar and I loved what she created! She was also very accomodating if I didnt care for part of it. I had our rehearsal dinner after my hair appts so I asked her if she minded changing my hair a bit so that my fiance wouldnt see, and she gladly gave me a completely different up do! One thing that I was surprised about was that on the day of the wedding, she escorted me awy from the main salon area into a "bridal suite". At first I was a little upset about not being to able to get my hair done next to my BMs, but she let me run over and visit them in the middle of my appointment and I was so relieved that she had me sequestered away! The main salon was PACKED with other BMs for other weddings and it just looked stressful and chaotic! I had my own space, soothing music and chamomile tea (which later switched to champagne)! She gave me a mini facial and shoulder rub at the beginning of the wedding day appt too! I am not sure if that is standard or if she was just trying to be nice because I actually broke out into hives all over my chest the morning of the wedding, so I was clearly stressed out! She did a great job of relaxing me and I dont think I could have relaxed if I was in the main salon area.

Originally Posted by ElDorado2012 

Oh my gosh - sooo beautiful!!! Your hair is so cute - did you have it done at their salon? If so, did you do a trial first? Can't wait to see pics of the reception too

[Jillsepher]

@thewolferts- I think I remember you saying you were going to do a black and white party at the Martini Bar. Did you end up doing it? If so, did you all just show up there or did you give the hotel a heads up? Your wedding looks gorgeous and from what I can see your dress is stunning!