What's Your Hidden Cost(S) So Far?

[081114OVCUBA]

When we were picking our resort I found a lot of places had extra charges listed in their fine print, their free packages looked they would cost a lot more than the pay packages which include some things, if you wanted anything added at all. Some seemed rather misleading for sure; some of those extra charges are REDICULOUS! They sure to try to get away with charging for as much as they can get out of us, knowing we will pay it.

 

I found the resorts in Cuba generally had less extras (and selection) to offer but also didn’t change for as many of the extras compared to Mexico and Dominican. This is a bonus and a draw back all at the same time.

 

Our package was 2300$ USD for the legal wedding (translation fees, notary public charge, document fees included) and included up to 30pax for Champaign toast, reception 3 course meal, open bar, bouquet and boutonniere, one floral arrangement (but got a second bouquet instead at no charge), cake, and chairs/table wear etc. For everyone after 30 it would have been an extra $38 each and if anyone was coming from off-resort they had to buy a day pass at 65$ ea.

 

The package also included a microphone and sound system (this would have been an extra cost for lower packages). Our only real extra costs were: Hair/makeup/Manicure = 85$ (with a wedding discount inc in our package), Photographer 120$, Videographer 200$, 3 Extra hours for the photographer @50$/hr.

We bought our own supplies for a sand ceremony and all of our own table decorations and wedding favors, they did not charge us anything to do the set ups. By the sounds of it we got off very lucky!

 

We also added in our budget a tip for the Wedding Coordinator, SPA ladies, bellboys (driving us around in the carts for hair/make up and to the ceremony), photographer, videographer, and bartenders / wait staff.

Edited August 24, 2014 by 081114OVCUBA

[kmk2016]

I can see if you bring oodles of stuff Forsure. I didn't read this anywhere in mine and I've went thru it numerous times to ensure I didn't miss something big. I'll keep it in the back of my mind just incase and won't be caught off guard. I have just the basic stuff nothing over the top so would also negotiate if need be.

 

Was yours clearly listed in the price list / contract?

 

It's tough cause I read all I've been provided by the resort but then you hear things on here so I email and get clarification. Usually the way I read it to be was true but you second guess yourself as each place is so different and things can be interpreted so differently too

 

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This isn't something that's in your contract... It's a service that you need to ask your WC about. Much like asking for pricing for special chairs or linens, or DJ... These are costs that are requested through the planning process. Some have better luck negotiating this fee once they arrive while others do so ahead of time and have it added to their detail sheet. Usually the fee must be paid locally and in cash- but confirm this with your WC as well, I would simply ask if there is a fee to have the onsite WC set up your ceremony/decor using your personal decor items. Most don't charge anything if it's just a few items but if your adding chair bows. Altar drapery, centrepieces, it can be time consuming and would need to hire staff to complete. Edited August 24, 2014 by kmk2016

[BrideToBeJolie]

I'm experiencing the same. Our wedding package covers 25 people. The charges for each additional person over 25 are really adding up!

[calgarybride2015]

This isn't something that's in your contract... It's a service that you need to ask your WC about. Much like asking for pricing for special chairs or linens, or DJ... These are costs that are requested through the planning process. Some have better luck negotiating this fee once they arrive while others do so ahead of time and have it added to their detail sheet. Usually the fee must be paid locally and in cash- but confirm this with your WC as well, I would simply ask if there is a fee to have the onsite WC set up your ceremony/decor using your personal decor items. Most don't charge anything if it's just a few items but if your adding chair bows. Altar drapery, centrepieces, it can be time consuming and would need to hire staff to complete.

Our price list is very extensive and shows set up/ tear down for things like Tiffany chairs if I want those instead if the ones provided in my package, etc so I feel they would list it. You know? It shows everything you could imagine. But I'll throw it out there to find out forsure. I also asked if I could rent centerpieces and was told to bring my own - you'd think the cost would come up there but possibly not. Thanks.

 

 

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[nadiakat17]

Yeah I need to hash this out with my WC more....I just feel if i am literally asking them to place a lantern and candle on each of 5 tables (that my MOH could do if she could) there shouldn't be like a 200$ charge, which I could see my resort doing, but then again I have to ask the exact charges

and i really hope they wouldn't charge me to bring my own real touch flowers for bouquets

[kmk2016]

Yeah I need to hash this out with my WC more....I just feel if i am literally asking them to place a lantern and candle on each of 5 tables (that my MOH could do if she could) there shouldn't be like a 200$ charge, which I could see my resort doing, but then again I have to ask the exact charges

 

and i really hope they wouldn't charge me to bring my own real touch flowers for bouquets

You are fine there/ I've never heard of any resort charging for this! Only thing they charge is if they are expected to set up or prepare something you brought from home. It's often a very nominal fee.

[linaco80]

@@nadiakat17 and make sure what does the stereo system come with, to rent my amplifier is $250 and the microphone is $50 which I was considering for our cocktail welcome party on the beach...It all adds up  I though all was included...

This isn't something that's in your contract... It's a service that you need to ask your WC about. Much like asking for pricing for special chairs or linens, or DJ... These are costs that are requested through the planning process. Some have better luck negotiating this fee once they arrive while others do so ahead of time and have it added to their detail sheet. Usually the fee must be paid locally and in cash- but confirm this with your WC as well, I would simply ask if there is a fee to have the onsite WC set up your ceremony/decor using your personal decor items. Most don't charge anything if it's just a few items but if your adding chair bows. Altar drapery, centrepieces, it can be time consuming and would need to hire staff to complete.

I thought that the fee has to be added to the wedding sheet previously,so the WC prepares the paper work for the upcoming event (DJ/Photographer etc).

I did not know that the vendor fee was usually paid locally and in cash. Now I wonder how the negotiation goes once you are there on site and how to handle it with a manager or supervisor. I have not read anything yet for negotiation at the resort and it sounds pretty fair to do. I will look for threads of brides who negotiated the fee while being there at the resort.

I thought of a lantern, a couple fake flowers, and a few candles around this- all i would bring from home, but my WC said that they were going to charge a few just to bring my own stuff ! (not sure what the cost is yet, but that is crazy)

When we were in Mexico (scouting trip) I asked that question at several resorts that we visited and the average was $5 to $7 per person and that would depend on how much stuff you bring.

I wanted to have my welcome bags delivered to my guests rooms and that was another $6 (or something like that) all adds up and the worse is to pay ridiculous prices per person on things that you did not count when the planning started 

Edited August 25, 2014 by linaco80

[kmk2016]

@@nadiakat17 and make sure what does the stereo system come with, to rent my amplifier is $250 and the microphone is $50 which I was considering for our cocktail welcome party on the beach...It all adds up I though all was included...

 

I thought that the fee has to be added to the wedding sheet previously,so the WC prepares the paper work for the upcoming event (DJ/Photographer etc).

I did not know that the vendor fee was usually paid locally and in cash. Now I wonder how the negotiation goes once you are there on site and how to handle it with a manager or supervisor. I have not read anything yet for negotiation at the resort and it sounds pretty fair to do. I will look for threads of brides who negotiated the fee while being there at the resort.

 

When we were in Mexico (scouting trip) I asked that question at several resorts that we visited and the average was $5 to $7 per person and that would depend on how much stuff you bring.

I wanted to have my welcome bags delivered to my guests rooms and that was another $6 (or something like that) all adds up and the worse is to pay ridiculous prices per person on things that you did not count when the planning started

I'm only speaking for my resort (karisma property)... Other resorts may do it differently

[linaco80]

@@kmk2016 yes!!! I know and me too that is why I wonder how it goes there at AS.

[kmk2016]

@@kmk2016 yes!!! I know and me too that is why I wonder how it goes there at AS.

Hahahah duh!

 

Yes it's paid in cash at your onsite meeting to a maximum of $250.00 I discussed this at my BDR with their planner (who is amazing) and she said just bring everything you need and they will set up exactly as you want (you can do a mock table in their office for them to copy or provide pictures/maps etc so they can duplicate exactly what you want. This does not need to be even discussed with Miami. Just don't add anything to your detail sheet that you aren't renting or requiring from them- and discuss set up and the rest upon arrival.