FAQs

Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

Please only RSVP once you’ve booked your hotel accommodations. We suggest booking your stay by the end February of 2022. Rooms must be reserved with a credit card and payment of one nights stay. The hotel will charge the rest of the stay 45 days prior to check in date (3/27/22) Guests are welcome to make reservations elsewhere. If other accommodations are made, resort passes to Grand Velas are available for $280 per guest. This covers 4 pm to 2 am on the day of the wedding, 5/14. Please let us know if you choose to do this so we can give a list to the resort.

Question

Are there any other events that I should know about around the wedding?

Answer

*all events located on Grand Velas Riviera Maya property* Rehearsal dinner located at Chaká in Zen area of the hotel for immediate family and wedding party/wedding party dates only, 7 pm on Friday 5/13 Wedding ceremony located on the Grand Class deck overlooking the beach, 5 - 6 pm on Saturday 5/14 Cocktail hour with Reception following located at Ocean Terrace, 7 - 11 pm on Saturday 5/14 Wedding after party located at Koi in Zen area of the hotel for everyone who’d like to continue the party, 11 pm - 2 am on Saturday 5/14….there will be a taco bar and a dj Post wedding brunch for anyone who would like to join at Azul, 10:30 am on Sunday 5/15 This is your vacation! Enjoy yourselves!

Question

What airport is near Playa del Carmen, Mexico?

Answer

Cancun International Airport (CUN) is located about 30-35 minutes from the Grand Velas Riviera Maya Resort. This is the shortest path to the resort.

Question

How do I get to the resort from the airport and vice versa?

Answer

Private transfer shuttles can be booked through the resort. This is the easiest option for transportation to and from the airport. This should be done in advance when flight information is finalized. Shuttle booking link: https://bluedreams.com.mx/caitlinandchristopher Please note, this link is for a private shuttle that fits up to 6 guests. The price is $320 for the entire vehicle (not per person) round trip, or $160 for the entire vehicle one way. The shuttle price will be added to your bill at the resort and paid for at the end of your stay. If you do not want a private shuttle and don’t mind sharing space with strangers, non private shuttles can be easily booked through the airport. Cash gratuity for any airport shuttle transportation is recommended. Car rentals are also available through the airport if you’d prefer. Upon arrival, after you clear customs and retrieve your luggage, exit the airport and go directly to your transportation OUTSIDE. Anybody else who addresses you is trying to sell you a timeshare or other transportation (they are very convincing) ignore them and keep going outside. Your transfer company will be waiting. They will have your name.

Question

What does "all-inclusive" mean at Grand Velas Riviera Maya?

Answer

Within one rate you have access to a la carte meals at eight signature restaurants. You also have included 24-hr suite service, minibar in suite stocked daily, top-shelf beverages, WiFi, taxes/gratuities, private concierge service, pool/beach concierge service, Life Fitness Center, and recreational activities. Those under 18 can enjoy the onsite Kids and Teen Clubs. Spa and salon services available at additional cost.

Question

Who do I go to for help with resort information?

Answer

The resort website is super helpful! Also feel free to contact them directly by phone if preferred. Phone: 877 418 2963 https://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com/ If you are one who likes to have your full itinerary set up early, contact Mariely Cortez Ceseña for information regarding guest services. She is the Groups Specialist and will point you in the right direction for dinner reservations, excursions, spa appointments, etc. Phone: 877 519 2930 Email: mcortezc@velasresorts.com If you are more like Chris and I, feel free to wait till after you check in to worry about reservations and various guest services. Each area of the resort comes with a 24-hour personal concierge. You will be introduced upon arrival. They can help set up anything you need after check in. The easiest way to contact the concierge is through WhatsApp. It is recommended at least one person per room download the app for easy communication. There are three sections to the resort (Zen, Ambassador and Grand Class) with individual lobby’s. Plenty of guest service representatives will be available in these areas, happy to help with anything you need. These are the main “go to” points of contact. They will help you with any questions and/or services needed during your stay.

Question

Resort Dining

Answer

Breakfast, lunch and dinner à la carte or buffet is available at the restaurants Bistro, Azul and Chaká. Breakfast is from 7:00 am to 11:30 am and lunch runs from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Dinner à la carte is available from 6 to 11 pm at: Frida (gourmet Mexican cuisine), Cocina de Autor (creative cuisine, this is a 2+ hour experience w/pre-selected menu of several courses), Piaf (traditional French cuisine), Sen Lin (Asian cuisine), and Lucca (Italian-Mediterranean cuisine). Reservations are needed for dinners. This can be done ahead of time via website or the groups specialist. This can also be done during your stay via 24-hour concierge. Onsite bars: Sky Bar open from 5 to 11 pm (rooftop lounge), Aqua Bar from 9 am to 6 pm (poolside), Sen Lin Bar from 6 to 11 pm (cocktails and live music), Karaoke Bar open from 7 pm to 2 am, Piano Bar open 5 to 11 pm, and Koi Bar from 6 pm to 3 am (“sports” bar). If any wedding guest goes missing, I’m sure they can be found at one of the bars. The bars and restaurants are located all over the resort grounds. Complimentary shuttle transportation is provided and may be needed depending on what section your room is in. The concierge and/or lobby attendants can help with this. Please reference the resort website for information regarding dress codes and menus for each individual restaurant/bar. https://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com/dining

Question

Covid?

Answer

Yes, unfortunately covid is still a thing. Covid testing is not required to fly into Mexico (although recommended), however a negative test is required to fly back into the US. The resort provides free testing for guests by appointment (typically the day before you fly home). Remember to bring your passport to the covid test appointment. Each area of the resort comes with a 24-hour personal concierge who will set up testing for you. There is plenty information regarding safety measures on the resort website. For covid safety info: https://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com/stay-safe For general safety info: https://staysafe.velasresorts.com/

Question

Are kids welcome?

Answer

Please feel free to bring your kids to the resort but the wedding ceremony and reception will be adults only with the exception of immediate family. Resort rates for kids: 0-3 free 4-12 $60 per night 13-15 $100 per night Teens 16+ are considered adults Kids Club on site available daily from 9am-11pm for ages 4-12 in a supervised environment. Teens club on site available daily from 11am-12am for teens 13-18 in a supervised environment. Baby concierge service available for kids under 4. More details available on resort website under “services”.

Question

Are you registered? Where?

Answer

Many of you will travel long distances to share our wedding day with us, so PLEASE do not feel obliged to get us anything else! However if you insist, we have a honeyfund under the registry tab on our website.

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

Dress code for the ceremony and reception is cocktail/formal. Basically no jeans or shorts…other than that, wear whatever you feel good in!

Question

I can’t find my RSVP.

Answer

Please let us know if you have trouble finding your RSVP. It’s possible we misspelled a name. Sorry if this happens! For those who received invitations marked for the whole family, please search for adult children’s names separately.

Question

I need more help.

Answer

Pre-wedding, please feel free to contact Chris and/or Caitlin (mainly Caitlin) with any questions/information regarding the wedding. We will help point you in the right direction for other inquiries if needed. Email: caitzama@gmail.com If there are any questions/concerns on the actual wedding day, please contact Sarah Schrader, Katie Ceasar, or John Cunningham (if resort staff, the wedding coordinators, or fellow guests can’t help). Chris and Caitlin will be busy on the wedding day, so we won’t be of much help unfortunately.