Excellence Riviera Cancun Brides?

[kjb0528]

@@JulieStaad yeah slightly earlier than 5 would be perfect, if they offered it. I was thinking of putting 4:45 on my invitations anyways so that it really does start exactly at 5pm. From what I've heard the ceremony only lasts 15 mins so there should be a good amount of time for pictures still. We aren't doing a first look but I may try to still knock out some picts beforehand that just don't have the two of us together.

[kathryn78]

Whats everyone's thoughts on tipping for the wedding? I didn't see anywhere that tips were included. Not sure how much to tip? Thinking leave an envelope for the servers and bartenders to split. Also, what about the DJ, wedding coordinator, photographer?

[JenniferH114]

@@kathryn78 - We did not tip our photographer or DJ. They did awesome jobs, but I guess we just think of those as more professional services. You pay good (a lot) of money for their services, so tipping didn't seem necessary to us. We also asked around (including our engagement photographer), and others seemed to feel the same.

 

We did tip the servers/bartenders. I think some guests tipped the bartenders, too. Also, we tipped the wedding coordinator. She was excellent.

[kjb0528]

I'm curious about this topic as well. I've looked around at other posts but it seems people are all over the place. I'm thinking about tipping the servers/bartenders for our welcome dinner and reception and the wedding coordinator. I am not planning on tipping the photographer or DJ. How much are you guys planning on tipping and on what basis (i.e.. % of total cost, an amount per guest or a flat amount per server?)

[lynne1609]

Ladies who have already been married at the Excellence, did you have a translator for the wedding ceremony (those that don't understand Spanish) and did you have to have your wedding certificate translated to english for changing your surname on bank, etc back in the UK?  Did you request additional copies of your certificate and did you have them to being home with you or are they posted?  These are just some of the questions I have with only having 4 months left to go.  

[JenniferH114]

@@lynne1609 - The ceremony is in English. We only did a symbolic bc we thought the legal ceremony was too much for us. I'm sure someone else can speak to the paperwork.

[lynne1609]

@@JenniferH114 Thanks Jennifer, wonder if it's different for the legal ceremony.  I thought the ceremony was in Spanish and you had to pay extra for a translator.  I find some of the information a little ambiguous in the documents the wedding planner sent so will send them an email to confirm exactly what else is needed. 

[Tighev]

Hello Everyone!

I'm brand new to this site. I signed up when I saw how helpful this forum was and how much information everyone shares.    I'm getting married on July 26th at Excellence Cancun and my coordinator is also Thamara. Since I booked my wedding back in August, Excellence has changed my coordinator 2-3 times. I'm hoping that they don't change again.   Thamara is helpful, but it does take a week or so for her to email me back.  I'm planning on having my cocktail hour at Las Olas and my reception on the beach. The ceremony will be on the pier at 5pm. As of now, we have 17 guests including myself and my fiance. We are only expecting maybe 4 more people to book.

 

Time has flown by and I'm starting to get a little nervous about making final decisions and figuring out decorations that I might want to bring from home. I'm a no frills kind of girl and the least amount of work I have to do, the better. But I'm thinking of bring my own table runner and napkin rings as extra decoration for the reception. And maybe some small votive candles to fill any empty space on the table. I plan on asking Thamara if the candles are something they would be able to provide without any additional cost so I don't have to bring it down.

Please share with me any ideas you guys have in mind as far as decorations you might be bringing from home, as well as favors!  I'm killing myself trying to think of favors. I want to find something that would be useful for all my guests.

Also, what are people plans as far as luggage and getting all your stuff down there?  I feel like I should carry all my wedding paraphernalia on the plane with me and pack all my clothes for the week in my checked luggage. I have a feeling this is not going to be easy and I'm going to be begging friends to carry stuff for me in their carry-ons as well!  lol

 

Looking forward to being a part of this forum!!

[lynne1609]

@@Tighev Welcome to the forum and Congratulations on your wedding. You get married the day before I arrive so I'm going to miss your wedding. You will find at present your messages will be slightly delayed as they will be dealing with Brides who are getting married sooner but they will get back to you. My WP is Alejandra and her responses to me are sometimes a week. Don't worry, but I also know it can be frustrating.

 

The tables and chairs will only be decorated in white cloth so it will be wise to arrange your own runners etc. I am also having my reception at Las Olas and it was suggested to have battery operated tea light candles as it can be a little breezy there being on the beach and candles may not stay lit. I'm going to carrying mine as my hand luggage but I would suggest if you can split some stuff between your guests (providing they don't mind). It seems the hotel will charge you for any add ons so it would be cheaper to take them.

 

My wedding is very small and intimate but I've seen others have personalised maracas as favours but maybe some other brides will be able to provide some more ideas.

 

My suggestion is if you need an answer urgently then just send a reminder. These WP are dealing with many Brides enquiries as well as sorting out the weddings happening each day so it may be a little time before they respond but they do get back to you.

 

Won't be long until your big day arrives, I know I'm excited and nervous as well.

[Tighev]

Thanks so much for the response. I will definitely get the battery operated lights...excellent idea!

I thought of a few more questions that maybe you guys can help me with:

-My ceremony is at 5pm. What time should I make my hair appointment?  I'm going to be doing my make up myself, so only my hair will be getting done.  And how much is a hair trial?

-Does anyone have any pictures of a cocktail hour at las olas? or reception pictures on the beach?

-I picked the gold package and wanted to make such I have the time frames correct. From my understanding I get a cocktail hour plus a 4 hour reception. Is that correct? or is it a cocktail hour plus 3 hours for the reception, which totals 4.

 

Any information would be appreciated!

 

And Lynne, come by and say hello when you guys arrive! We'll be the loud group from New York by the pool. I'm sure you won't be able to miss us. haha   We leave on Friday though.