FAQs

Question

Why Guanajuato?

Answer

Locations abroad have been an important element of our relationship. We met while completing our MBA program in Madrid, Spain, and Max proposed to Talia while on a vacation in South Baja, Mexico. Saying our vows abroad just feels right to us, and we're going with it. As for Guanajuato, Talia's parents have been living in Guanajuato since September 2019, and while visiting them, we fell in love with the city - the colors, the energy, the people! Guanajuato is a setting that brings our wedding plans to life, and we are super excited to share this marvelous city and its people with all of our guests!

Question

Where are you registered?

Answer

We are NOT expecting any gifts. Seriously - your presence IS your present! We understand, however, that some of our guests would still like to get us something. If that's you, we do have a registry to help you find the perfect gift! All items are compiled on our Zola registry, which is accessible through our wedding website. Regardless of whether it is from the Zola store, all items on the registry can be viewed through Zola. If you plan on purchasing gifts outside of Zola, please contact us for our address and to let us know to expect a package. Electronic gifts can be sent to maxtaliawed2020@gmail.com. PLEASE: Do not bring gifts with you to Mexico!! We will have full suitcases with everything else, and gifts have the potential for causing issues with customs. Thank you.

Question

What type of weather should we expect?

Answer

Guanajuato is high desert, which means the days are usually warm (around 75 F / 24 C), the evenings are cool (around 63 F / 17 C), and the nights can range towards chilly (around 53 F / 12 C). September also marks the end of the rainy season in Guanajuato, so it is likely that it will rain during your visit. Rain usually comes in the late afternoon and lasts for 30 minutes to an hour. The air can be fairly humid, but it is rarely muggy thanks to the altitude. The wedding venue is outside, but we will have tents set up in case *cue Alanis Morisette song* it decides to rain on our wedding day. That being said, an umbrella, a jacket, and practical shoes for potentially wet walking are recommended for your stay in Guanajuato.

Question

What is the dress code?

Answer

The dress code is casual cocktail (No clue? We had to look it up too - please see FAQ "Casual Cocktail?"). Keep it classy and comfortable - no suits or heels required. Please do refrain from wearing sneakers, shorts, and jeans, though (that's a little too comfortable). There are no color restrictions (which wedding etiquette sites assure us are a thing) except for leaving the white dress wearing to the bride. It is an outdoor, late afternoon/evening affair, so you should plan for some layers (see weather FAQ). Also, LADIES, PLEASE NOTE: the venue is cobblestone, which doesn't mix well with heels. Flats are probably a better choice, but if you really need the heels for the perfect look, bring a pair of flats as back-ups and for dancing. The dancing will potentially include some lively folk dance. Restrictive or formal clothing may make this difficult, so feel free to bring t-shirts, sneakers, etc. for this portion of the celebration. Comfortable shoes are highly recommended!

Question

Casual Cocktail???

Answer

Yup, apparently this is what you call the vibe that lives somewhere between comfortable and extra dressy. But since even the internet can't seem to agree what "Casual Cocktail" means, we've provided websites below that give a fairly comprehensive description of what we're trying to get at. (You will need to copy and paste the URLs into your browser since Zola doesn't support hyperlinks.) Please note that the websites tend to be very exact in some cases about types of fabrics and colors/prints, but we're definitely not going to be fashion police. To quote our favorite pirate, these are "more what you call 'guidelines.'" As we said above, please just steer clear of shorts, jeans, and sneakers, and if you want to fancy it up to full cocktail, be our guest - we'll be in fancy dress too! Still have questions? Give us a call! Women: https://www.leaf.tv/articles/what-is-a-casual-cocktail-dress/ Men: https://mens-fashion.lovetoknow.com/mens-fashion-tips/casual-cocktail-attire-men

Question

Are children welcome?

Answer

We really adore all your little mini-mes, and we love hearing about all the ones we haven't yet had the pleasure of meeting! However, we would like our wedding to be your night off. Space at the venue is restricted, and the area has some hazards that make it unsuitable for children. We understand that some guests may be extending their stay into a family vacation (much needed after 2020), so if you are bringing your little ones with you to Mexico, please let us know, and we will coordinate with our wedding planner and friends and family to identify qualified child care providers for the afternoon/evening.

Question

Are dates welcome?

Answer

If your invitation says "and guest", please bring a date if you wish (just make sure to RSVP for them). If not, we prefer you just bring yourself and your sense of fun and adventure!

Question

How do I RSVP?

Answer

Please RSVP through our website (furthest tab on the right.)

Question

Is there transportation to and from the wedding venue?

Answer

Yes! Our wedding planner has arranged for a shuttle to run between downtown Guanajuato to the Casa Museo Gene Byron where the ceremony and reception will be held. More information on exact times and pick-up/drop-off locations of the shuttles to come.

Question

What time should I arrive?

Answer

We suggest arriving at the venue about 30 minutes before the start of the ceremony. We suggest arriving in Guanajuato no later than mid morning on Saturday or as early as you like if you want to make a bit of vacation out of it! We will be there for about a week before and at least a few days after the ceremony. Please note that the airport is about 40 to 30 minutes away from Guanajuato city center, so plan your travel itinerary accordingly, especially for those who are flying in late or on Saturday.

Question

Are the wedding and reception in the same location?

Answer

Yes, both the wedding and reception will take place in the courtyard of the Casa Museo Gene Byron in the Marfil suburb of Guanajuato City.

Question

Can I take pictures during the ceramony?

Answer

We are asking that our ceremony is device free. This means that all cellphones, cameras, go-pros, etc. should be kept off for the duration of our ceremony. Let our photographer capture the perfect shot (we'll make sure to share the photos later). Just sit back and enjoy the intimacy of the moment with us. At the reception, however, snap away! All we ask is that you remain respectful of our photographer and videographer. You can post photos on your social media using our wedding hashtag #TaxHarrihan.

Question

Are food & drink being served?

Answer

Of course! We are treating our guests to a full dinner during the reception. In addition, we invite you all to enjoy a few drinks on us over the course of the evening, including snagging a brew from a local beer van during the cocktail hour immediately following the ceremony. Tasty non-alcoholic options are also available (yay agua fresca!).

Question

Can you accomodate special diets at the wedding?

Answer

We will do our best to accommodate any special needs of which we are aware. When you RSVP, please let us know if you have any restrictions or allergies.

Question

What other events are planned for the wedding? We want to spend more time with you!

Answer

We want to spend more time with you, too - that's why we invited you! It's also why we've put together a few extra wedding events: 1) We will be out at a bar on Thursday evening and invite any early arrivals to grab a no-host drink with us if they'd like. 2) Friday night we are hosting a callejoneada (see callejoneada FAQ) for the guests, which should be a fantastic kick-off to a weekend of celebrating. 3) Lastly, we will be celebrating our first morning as a married couple with brunch on Sunday morning; guests are encouraged to join us for a no-host brunch if they desire. Although all events are included in our schedule for information's sake, please be aware that only the following events are hosted events: the callejoneada on Friday night, the rehearsal dinner for the wedding party, the wedding, and the reception.

Question

What is a callejoneada?

Answer

A callejón is an alleyway or small passage. Guanajuato's city center is restricted to foot traffic and, much like a European city, is home to a maze of cobblestone alleyways that wind through its historic districts. A callejoneada is essentially a walking tour of these alleyways, but with flair! Tour guides dress in 17th century garb and regale their audience with jokes, history and lore of the city, and Mexican folk music. It is not uncommon for tours to cart around an upright bass (which they can play while walking - skills!). Our callejoneada will follow the rehearsal dinner on Friday evening and includes an English-speaking guide and drinks. There are some good examples of what to expect on YouTube and Google if you want to learn more. Our cajelloneada will be of the traditional tourist variety and is not the wedding cajelloneada where the whole wedding walks through the streets following the ceremony (we found the traditional puppets to be a little intimidating).

Question

Should I bring cash? Or will a credit card be sufficient for my Mexican purchasing needs?

Answer

ATM machines are throughout the city and accept VISA and MasterCard debit or credit cards to withdraw cash; ATM fees vary by bank. Often ATMs will detect that your home account is in a different currency and will offer an exchange rate for your transaction. Usually it is best to decline since many US Banks do the conversion at a more favorable rate. Credit cards are accepted at many, BUT NOT ALL, locations so it is best to ask before you make a purchase. Cash use is far more extensive than in the U.S., so we do recommend carrying cash. Many ATMs dispense 500-peso notes, which can present problems since many businesses and taxis will not be able to make change. Try to find ATMs that pay in mixed bills such as the BanBajio ATM near Plaza de la Paz. Finally, for security, do NOT use free-standing ATMs; use ATMs built into the wall of the building.

Question

What are the tipping protocols in Mexico?

Answer

Tipping is a thing in Mexico, although it is sometimes different than it is in the U.S. or other countries. The following website explains the tipping culture in Mexico fairly well. Please note, that taxi tipping, though always appreciated, is not expected unless the cab driver helps you with luggage, groceries, or other bags. https://www.mexperience.com/mexicos-tipping-culture/

Question

Anything esle we should know about travel to Guanajuato?

Answer

Try not to drink the tap water. Most hotels will provide bottled water and you can purchase large bottles of water at corner convenience stores/grocery stores. It is recommended to use bottled water even for brushing your teeth (Max didn't, and he survived, but better safe than sorry). We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle with you to refill for your days/nights out on the town. Also, please note that Guanajuato is quite high in elevation. At 6,709 feet, it is well over a mile above sea level, rising 1500 ft higher than even Denver. Max and I didn't notice too much of a difference, but for our guests who are habituated to life at sea level or who know they have issues at higher elevation, it is recommended to be prepared: drink lots of water, go easy on alcohol (it'll hit you harder & dehydrate you), and make sure to bring (and wear) sun protection!

Question

What is the COVID-19 situation in Mexico?

Answer

Our guests' and family's safety is truly paramount to us, which is why have postponed our wedding twice until a time when vaccinations are widely available. As we have all discovered over the past year, COVID has been changing the way our world operates on a monthly, if not weekly, basis, and we will do our best to keep you up to date with any relevant COVID related news. As of May 2021, Guanajuato has opened vaccinations up to all adults over 50. The city and state have been operating using tiered precautions, such as masks, social distancing, restricted capacity, widespread temperature checks and sanitizing shoe "baths" to enter stores, and the collection of contact details at stores and restaurants for exposure tracking. In talking with Talia's parents, who have been in Guanajuato throughout the entire pandemic, we are convinced that Guanajuato has taken equal, possibly greater, measures to protect against the spread of COVID than have many US states.

Question

Are there any COVID-related travel restrictions?

Answer

Please see greater details on travel in the time of COVID in our Travel page.

Question

I still have a question - what's the best way to get in touch with you?

Answer

Phone is definitely the best way to get a hold of us (we also like it because we get to chat with you!). Give us a call, and if we don't answer, leave us a message. If calling is impractical because you are, say, out of the country, we also do fairly well at replying to messages on WhatsApp, Facebook, Google, Signal, etc. But if you can call, a safer bet for a prompt answer is always the phone. For guests who don't have messaging capabilities, email us at maxtaliawed2020@gmail.com