El Dorado Royale (EDR) Brides - POST HERE!

[amanda50388]

LKocelko-

I got married this year on April 30th and we were there for 10 nights, the weather was amazing during this time, we had no rain what so ever. I also, 

truly feel the Casita is worth the extra money with the free wedding package because you got more in the free one rather than the cheapest one which i believe was $900 something. If you go to the lomas site and compare you well see you get more with the free one. We also, had about 30 guest including us and had a private reception at tucanes which was worth the extra money to have that private alone time with our guests and we were able to pay our own music, which we played off our ipod with there amp they provided, we also brought our own decorations with us too. Hope this helps some.

Originally Posted by LKocelko 

Hi everyone! Just put down a deposit to save the date for our wedding, May 11th 2013 at 3:30 PM. We haven't gotten a WC or anything like that yet, but this forum has so much helpful tips and information! It's great that everyone is so willing to help and provider insider information. At this point I'm a little overwhelmed, I feel like there's so many decisions to make! We went with a DW since my fiance and I will be primarily paying for it ourselves, so this seemed the most economical. Including ourselves, we aren't expecting more than 25 people to come. Of those people it will only be parents/siblings (+ their significant others) and each of our best friends. Because of that we aren't having a huge, typical "reception" and weren't going to hire a DJ or anything - probably just go the iPod route. We had originally just planned on using the package deal and have our reception at one of the restaurants, but based on everyone's posts I'm starting to rethink that. Anyone have a similar size wedding, and have any recommendations as to if it's worth it to go private? It's kind of hard to swallow paying for that, since we will be at an AI, but if it's that much better to do private I'd be willing to pay. I think this is the big decision we are trying to make right now.

 

We hadn't wanted to do the 7 night casita stay ($$) in order to get the free package, but now I'm also rethinking that. Is it worth it to pay extra for that, and just do the few add-ons to the free package? We weren't planning on doing tons of flowers or decor, and think the beauty of the beach will be enough. If anything, we'll just bring some ribbons, shells, etc. from home to decorate both the ceremony and reception. I do know we'll want to have a bouquet for me and my MOH, and a boutinnere for my FI and his BM. Sorry for the novel! Hopefully once the ball starts rolling things will become more clear. We're just really worried of little expenses adding up quickly. Thanks everyone!

 

P.S. Anyone been down in May? We're wondering how the weather will be.

[TammyWright]

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  don't  forget to sign up for the webinar.  there will be great wedding planning info.

 

the weather in may is awesome!

Originally Posted by LKocelko 

Hi everyone! Just put down a deposit to save the date for our wedding, May 11th 2013 at 3:30 PM. We haven't gotten a WC or anything like that yet, but this forum has so much helpful tips and information! It's great that everyone is so willing to help and provider insider information. At this point I'm a little overwhelmed, I feel like there's so many decisions to make! We went with a DW since my fiance and I will be primarily paying for it ourselves, so this seemed the most economical. Including ourselves, we aren't expecting more than 25 people to come. Of those people it will only be parents/siblings (+ their significant others) and each of our best friends. Because of that we aren't having a huge, typical "reception" and weren't going to hire a DJ or anything - probably just go the iPod route. We had originally just planned on using the package deal and have our reception at one of the restaurants, but based on everyone's posts I'm starting to rethink that. Anyone have a similar size wedding, and have any recommendations as to if it's worth it to go private? It's kind of hard to swallow paying for that, since we will be at an AI, but if it's that much better to do private I'd be willing to pay. I think this is the big decision we are trying to make right now.

 

We hadn't wanted to do the 7 night casita stay ($$) in order to get the free package, but now I'm also rethinking that. Is it worth it to pay extra for that, and just do the few add-ons to the free package? We weren't planning on doing tons of flowers or decor, and think the beauty of the beach will be enough. If anything, we'll just bring some ribbons, shells, etc. from home to decorate both the ceremony and reception. I do know we'll want to have a bouquet for me and my MOH, and a boutinnere for my FI and his BM. Sorry for the novel! Hopefully once the ball starts rolling things will become more clear. We're just really worried of little expenses adding up quickly. Thanks everyone!

 

P.S. Anyone been down in May? We're wondering how the weather will be.

[AllieH]

I have a couple of websites for chair sashes for under $1 each. If you're interested in them, I can PM the info to you. I got mine from another BDW bride, which was an even bigger bargain! 

 

You have plenty of time for the centerpieces and such. Don't sweat it. 

 

I would advise you to decide fairly quickly if you want a private event, and if so, where you want it. The popular places (Gazebo 55 for the ceremony and Tucanes for the dinner/reception) book up fast. We requested them 9 months out, and almost didn't get Tucanes. 

 

Originally Posted by LKocelko 

I haven't yet, but I definitely will now! We're going to go really minimal on decor I think. Probably go to a craft store and buy our own ribbons for chairs, instead of spending like $5/chair. Then just some small centerpieces, maybe something with shells or something. I haven't gotten that far
 

 

 

[LKocelko]

Thanks everyone, super helpful! I think I do want to go with the private reception, just to give it more of a wedding feel. Hopefully it won't end up being too $$ with the few number of guests we're having. We have a meeting with our TA Monday, so I'm excited to get more information

[LKocelko]

Also, since we're planning on bringing our own decor (centerpieces, chair sash, etc.), can anyone advies on the fee to set-up? I was hoping we could just have some guests help, but it looks like that's not an option anymore. Is it a flat fee, per item, per guest? We're trying to plan the budget and I don't want to be shocked by all these fees I keep reading about. Thanks ladies!

[AllieH]

This is the million dollar question!! It seems to be different from bride to bride. I tried to force them to quote me ahead of time, and they gave me a really outrageous number. I've heard it's $150 flat fee to hang the paper lanterns from Tucanes, and then they may or may not charge you to set up additional items.

 

We have the following items for set up:

paper lanterns (Tucanes & Gazebo 55)

aisle markers (paper lanterns w/ ribbon)

parasols (for Gazebo)

chair sashes for both

table runners for Tucanes

shells & sand with their vases for centerpieces

menu/thank you card for Tucanes

place cards for Tucanes

guest book/mad libs

cupcake toppers

paper fans & tissue packs for ceremony

personalized napkins & striped straws for the bar at Tucanes

 

My goal is to get it all in for the $150 fee. We'll see how that goes!! I will let you know in a week or two what happens with us.

 

Originally Posted by LKocelko 

Also, since we're planning on bringing our own decor (centerpieces, chair sash, etc.), can anyone advies on the fee to set-up? I was hoping we could just have some guests help, but it looks like that's not an option anymore. Is it a flat fee, per item, per guest? We're trying to plan the budget and I don't want to be shocked by all these fees I keep reading about. Thanks ladies!

[Shannon Burgess]

Thanks for the advice girls!! I've been looking for a small portable device that packs a punch for less than $200...but I may end up going with the one Lomas has to offer.

[Shannon Burgess]

Originally Posted by AllieH 

 

This is the million dollar question!! It seems to be different from bride to bride. I tried to force them to quote me ahead of time, and they gave me a really outrageous number. I've heard it's $150 flat fee to hang the paper lanterns from Tucanes, and then they may or may not charge you to set up additional items.

 

We have the following items for set up:

paper lanterns (Tucanes & Gazebo 55)

aisle markers (paper lanterns w/ ribbon)

parasols (for Gazebo)

chair sashes for both

table runners for Tucanes

shells & sand with their vases for centerpieces

menu/thank you card for Tucanes

place cards for Tucanes

guest book/mad libs

cupcake toppers

paper fans & tissue packs for ceremony

personalized napkins & striped straws for the bar at Tucanes

 

My goal is to get it all in for the $150 fee. We'll see how that goes!! I will let you know in a week or two what happens with us.

 

Valeria told me the Lanterns if you bring your own is a $150 fee, then she told me to tell her everything additional and she would quote me a price seperately. I am kind of scared to find the set up fee. I want to take strands of Christmas lights to put around the poles at Tucanes because they charge $50 each if we use theirs so I asked Valeria how much the set up fee would be for those and she has yet to respond. I am interested in hearing how much yours ends up being Allie, please let us know. Who is your WD?

[jnitschke]

LKocelko, I'm getting married only a couple of weeks after you: May 25th!!! My WC is Alejandro, and he's been awesome so far.  He always gets back to me within 2 days when I have a question.  Right now we're in a rush to try and get our invitations in the mail before the end of the month, that is if Hurricane Sandy doesn't completely screw with my weekend.

 

I have to agree with Allie, I think private reception is the way to go.  I figure with a small group, which ours will be about 20 people also, the cost to have the private meal isn't actually all that much..and you're going all that way- you might as well do it up right and make that night something special, something to standout from all the other amazing nights at the resort.  If you don't want to have the "dance party" kind of reception, you could always do a quite dinner on the beach.  That alone would be special, I mean how many chances do you get to have a catered dinner on the beach?

 

When we looked at what was actually included in the free wedding and what was included wasn't really the things we wanted, the extra cost of the room just wasn't worth the value of what we were getting as part of the "free" package, since we'd have to pay to change so much anyway and we're doing a symbolic ceremony instead of a legal one.  We weren't too crazy about the blood tests being done in Mexico or the 4 day rule for your witnesses.  That being said, I haven't gotten any quotes yet... so all that might change.  Nikki said that the extra cost of the casitas rooms, is completely worth it just based on the increased luxury in those rooms.  We're splitting our stay between both, Royale before the wedding and Castias after (to make it seem more "Honeymoon" like). 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by LKocelko 

Hi everyone! Just put down a deposit to save the date for our wedding, May 11th 2013 at 3:30 PM. We haven't gotten a WC or anything like that yet, but this forum has so much helpful tips and information! It's great that everyone is so willing to help and provider insider information. At this point I'm a little overwhelmed, I feel like there's so many decisions to make! We went with a DW since my fiance and I will be primarily paying for it ourselves, so this seemed the most economical. Including ourselves, we aren't expecting more than 25 people to come. Of those people it will only be parents/siblings (+ their significant others) and each of our best friends. Because of that we aren't having a huge, typical "reception" and weren't going to hire a DJ or anything - probably just go the iPod route. We had originally just planned on using the package deal and have our reception at one of the restaurants, but based on everyone's posts I'm starting to rethink that. Anyone have a similar size wedding, and have any recommendations as to if it's worth it to go private? It's kind of hard to swallow paying for that, since we will be at an AI, but if it's that much better to do private I'd be willing to pay. I think this is the big decision we are trying to make right now.

 

We hadn't wanted to do the 7 night casita stay ($$) in order to get the free package, but now I'm also rethinking that. Is it worth it to pay extra for that, and just do the few add-ons to the free package? We weren't planning on doing tons of flowers or decor, and think the beauty of the beach will be enough. If anything, we'll just bring some ribbons, shells, etc. from home to decorate both the ceremony and reception. I do know we'll want to have a bouquet for me and my MOH, and a boutinnere for my FI and his BM. Sorry for the novel! Hopefully once the ball starts rolling things will become more clear. We're just really worried of little expenses adding up quickly. Thanks everyone!

 

P.S. Anyone been down in May? We're wondering how the weather will be.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AllieH 

YAY Congratulations!!! I so remember being right where you are now. You will get a WC assigned -probably Natalia or Valeria, as they seem to do most of the WC for EDR.

 

I think a private dinner/reception is the way to go. Instead of looking at it like you're paying for food at an AI, look at it like you're paying for the wait staff, bartenders and a private space for that 4 hour period. Most of the meal options are fairly inexpensive (especially when compared to what similar service would cost at a reception in the US). You won't be able to have an iPod with dancing without some sort of private event (cocktail or dinner/reception).

 

When we were choosing the packages, we looked at all the "buy up" package inclusions, and decided we didn't really want most of those things. For us, it made more sense to spend the $$ on our room (Casita) vs. decorations and stuff for the wedding that we really didn't want to begin with. So we are doing the Free Sweet wedding package, with just a few add ons.

 

You are correct though, the little add ons start adding up quickly! Have you looked at Lomas' Wedding site with the choices for the add ons, packages, and banquet kit?

[jnitschke]

Originally Posted by Shannon Burgess 

 

Hi Girls...I am having a private reception at Tucanes and I don't want to spend $1500 on a DJ so I thought about just bringing a device to play my ipod,,,Those of you that have done this or are planning on doing the same thing, what kind of ipod connector did you use or plan on using?? I don't want to spend over $150 for the device but I want it to be pretty loud and not sound "cheap". Any suggestions?? 

 

Thanks!!

Shannon 

 

My fiance has a Jawbone Jambox.  It's tiny, maybe 5 X 3 X 1.5 inches.  It works on bluetooth, the battery lasts about 8hours... and it's LOUD we use it to do sound when we're outside by our bonfire all the time, never a problem.  So if we don't do a DJ that's what we were going to bring.  It was pricey, about $150, but at least for the same amount of money you get to keep the speaker afterwards.  That's my suggestion.