The Reviews
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Resort & Casino
The Pop-Up Wedding Chapel
A - The staff at the Pop-Up Chapel were fantastic. What I loved best about the Pop-Up chapel was the flexibility. We were able to bring in our own photographers, videographer, flowers and music at no extra charges. The minister added a reading and some extra vows after the traditional ones per our request with no problems. The space is bright, airy and very modern feeling. It has huge windows onto the strip and I'm told that lots of people stopped to watch our wedding but honestly, I was so focused on Dan and our minister that I didn't even notice. A friend actually has a picture of Bert, Ernie, Elmo and Grover from Sesame Street watching out wedding! The space is a bit commercial with wedding memorabilia for sale and maybe a little cheesy, but we loved it for the element of fun it added to our ceremony. It suited us perfectly as a couple.
Our minister Daniele was great. She did stumble through the ceremony and readings a bit but she had lost a contact lens earlier in the day and wasn't able to get a replacement in time for our ceremony. She was friendly and sweet and very professional. I liked her very much.
The Cake included in the legal wedding package is huge. When I asked Chelsi - one of the coordinators - how many guests it would serve she said 15-20. I had 24 guests coming, so I was a little nervous about there not being enough, but I really had nothing to worry about. We had a tier and a half left over - after my future-brother-in-law ate the whole top tier! It would have easily served twice our number. The cake is a full three tiers, covered in white fondant with an iridescent edible glitter added. Honestly, it was simple and beautiful. You get a choice of vanilla, chocolate or red velvet. The cake can't be customized or changed in anyway, but that wasn't a big deal for us since we aren't big fans of cake anyway. We weren't even going to have cake until we realized it came with the ceremony. :) We ordered a red velvet since it seems like red velvet is always a crowd pleaser. I don't even remember tasting the cake but everyone said it was really moist and delicious.
We actually served our cake to our guests immediately after the ceremony. Dessert before dinner, because that's just how we roll. :) The chapel staff was great - they had forks and plates on hand for cake service. We did the family photos and then mingled with our guests for an hour before we left to get on the bus to the restaurant for dinner.
My only regret was not planning ahead and covering drinks during cake service. I felt a pang of mortification that some of our guests had to open their wallets and buy a couple of beers or sodas at the chapel. Had it occurred to me, I would have had any drinks added to our final bill for the ceremony, but by the time I realized it had happened it was too late.
The only difficulty I had with the chapel wasn't even with the chapel really. I had contacted the Cosmopolitan months and months ago about making sure I'd be able to take first look and wedding party photos around the Cosmopolitan property and was assured that I would just need to complete a bit of paperwork confirming that the photos were for personal use only etc, etc. Well, four days before the wedding, I was asking the chapel about getting the proper paperwork in order in advance and was informed that because I hadn't booked my wedding through the Celebrations department I would not be allowed to take photos on the property and that the PR departments policy was to not allow photographers on site except those contracted through Celebrations. It was incredibly frustrating for me, but our photographers Courtney and Mike helped calm me down and come up with Plan B and just snuck around the less populated areas of the property. :)
Our minister Daniele was great. She did stumble through the ceremony and readings a bit but she had lost a contact lens earlier in the day and wasn't able to get a replacement in time for our ceremony. She was friendly and sweet and very professional. I liked her very much.
The Cake included in the legal wedding package is huge. When I asked Chelsi - one of the coordinators - how many guests it would serve she said 15-20. I had 24 guests coming, so I was a little nervous about there not being enough, but I really had nothing to worry about. We had a tier and a half left over - after my future-brother-in-law ate the whole top tier! It would have easily served twice our number. The cake is a full three tiers, covered in white fondant with an iridescent edible glitter added. Honestly, it was simple and beautiful. You get a choice of vanilla, chocolate or red velvet. The cake can't be customized or changed in anyway, but that wasn't a big deal for us since we aren't big fans of cake anyway. We weren't even going to have cake until we realized it came with the ceremony. :) We ordered a red velvet since it seems like red velvet is always a crowd pleaser. I don't even remember tasting the cake but everyone said it was really moist and delicious.
We actually served our cake to our guests immediately after the ceremony. Dessert before dinner, because that's just how we roll. :) The chapel staff was great - they had forks and plates on hand for cake service. We did the family photos and then mingled with our guests for an hour before we left to get on the bus to the restaurant for dinner.
My only regret was not planning ahead and covering drinks during cake service. I felt a pang of mortification that some of our guests had to open their wallets and buy a couple of beers or sodas at the chapel. Had it occurred to me, I would have had any drinks added to our final bill for the ceremony, but by the time I realized it had happened it was too late.
The only difficulty I had with the chapel wasn't even with the chapel really. I had contacted the Cosmopolitan months and months ago about making sure I'd be able to take first look and wedding party photos around the Cosmopolitan property and was assured that I would just need to complete a bit of paperwork confirming that the photos were for personal use only etc, etc. Well, four days before the wedding, I was asking the chapel about getting the proper paperwork in order in advance and was informed that because I hadn't booked my wedding through the Celebrations department I would not be allowed to take photos on the property and that the PR departments policy was to not allow photographers on site except those contracted through Celebrations. It was incredibly frustrating for me, but our photographers Courtney and Mike helped calm me down and come up with Plan B and just snuck around the less populated areas of the property. :)
Sahra Spa & Hammam
A+ - This was the first time I had ever been to a spa in my life and I think I might be hooked now. I spent most of the day before our wedding at the spa while Dan played golf with a groomsman. I was originally hoping to take my bridesmaids to tea at the Mandarin Oriental Tea Lounge, but one of my bridesmaids already had plans that afternoon and I tried to move tea to the day after the wedding, but there was a mix up with the reservation and we ended up no being able to do tea at all. So I had a free day and one of my friends was already planning a spa day and suggested I join her. Dan encouraged me to go along because I had been a bit of a stressed mess the week and a half before the wedding. So I went.
I booked the Sahra Journey package which consists of the Red Flower Hammam Experience followed by an Essentials Massage. For the Red Flower Hammam Experience, you lie on a large, heated stone slab and water is poured over your body. Your skin is exfoliated and oils rubbed into your skin and hair. You finish by relaxing in the steam room. It was incredible (so much better than I can describe) and so relaxing. The massage (my first ever!) afterwards was fantastic too. I felt like I was floating after my treatments were over. I relaxed in the sauna and steam rooms for a while after the treatments and later in the lounge, snacking on granola and citrus water while reading gossip magazines. The spa day was exactly what I needed.
I booked the Sahra Journey package which consists of the Red Flower Hammam Experience followed by an Essentials Massage. For the Red Flower Hammam Experience, you lie on a large, heated stone slab and water is poured over your body. Your skin is exfoliated and oils rubbed into your skin and hair. You finish by relaxing in the steam room. It was incredible (so much better than I can describe) and so relaxing. The massage (my first ever!) afterwards was fantastic too. I felt like I was floating after my treatments were over. I relaxed in the sauna and steam rooms for a while after the treatments and later in the lounge, snacking on granola and citrus water while reading gossip magazines. The spa day was exactly what I needed.
Secret Pizza
A+ - Mmmmm...the pizza here is soooo good! It really isn't that hard to find - just follow your nose down a little hallway next to China Poblano. This was our first stop after we checked in and received our luggage from bell service. We go into Vegas fairly late (more so because of a mechanical issue with one of our planes) and were starving. I'd heard about Secret Pizza via Yelp and knew we'd had to check it out. Our first night , I enjoyed the famous White Pizza while Dan had a more standard pepperoni and mushroom slice. Dan went back at least three more time during our trip, he love the pizza so much! The slices on their own a bit pricey and it's definitely more economical to order a whole pizza if you're ordering more than four slices.
Three weeks later and I'm still listening to Dan lament about how he's been spoiled for all other pizza now. :)
Three weeks later and I'm still listening to Dan lament about how he's been spoiled for all other pizza now. :)
Terrace Suite
A+ - We stayed in the Terrace Suite for seven nights and had a view of the Bellagio fountains. The room was fantastic. It had two bathrooms - great for four ladies trying to do their hair and make-up before the wedding - and I fell in love with the shower in the master bath. I only wish the water could have been a touch hotter. The suite had a full kitchen and even a washer and dryer. The dryer go a surprising amount of use on the iron dry setting getting the wrinkles out of clothes that had been squashed in our overstuffed suitcases. The terrace was incredible with comfy seating. The bed was like sleeping on a cloud. If I could have figured out how to take one of the giant square pillows home with me, I would have. I loved our room and suspect I've spoiled myself for any other hotel on the strip.
Bell Service - A+ - Bell service was great. So helpful with all our luggage, especially our over-sized bin filled with all our wedding stuff.
Housekeeping - B - Housekeeping could be a bit spotty Some mornings they came really early and other days they came really late. I had ordered a sandwich tray from Jason's Deli, two days after the wedding when we had finished all the leftovers, housekeeping would never clear the tray. Otherwise housekeeping was pretty good about cleaning our room. We left kind of a big mess (a couple of garbage bags of things we didn't want to take home and the clothes we ruined during our trash the dress - we called concierge to see if there was somewhere where we could get rid of it ourselves but they said we should just leave them for housekeeping) upon check-out though so hopefully the tip we left compensated.
In-Room Dining - A+ - The room service menu is a bit pricey but the food was fantastic. I was starving after I left the spa the day before our wedding and ordered room service while I relaxed after relaxing (relaxing is hard work for someone who'd never really done it before!). I ordered a Caesar salad and a pasta bolognese. The server who brought up my meal was attentive - setting the table for me and chatting a little and making sure I had everything I could need. The food was delicious. The salad cool and crisp and well dressed. The pasta was still piping hot when I got to it. Garlic bread warm from the oven and so fresh. I considered it well worth the cost.
Valet - A+ - The valet attendant are fantastic! We valeted our rental car a few times. Self park was super easy too but sometime we were under a bit of a time crunch and valet was so much speedier. A few of the valet attendants recognized us and would ask us how our wedding went. One even asked us about our trash the dress photo session and it was so nice that they would recognize us after seeing so many people everyday.
All in all, we were very happy with our choice to stay at the Cosmopolitan. All the staff were attentive about making sure we enjoyed our stay and the property is so beautiful.
Website: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/
Bell Service - A+ - Bell service was great. So helpful with all our luggage, especially our over-sized bin filled with all our wedding stuff.
Housekeeping - B - Housekeeping could be a bit spotty Some mornings they came really early and other days they came really late. I had ordered a sandwich tray from Jason's Deli, two days after the wedding when we had finished all the leftovers, housekeeping would never clear the tray. Otherwise housekeeping was pretty good about cleaning our room. We left kind of a big mess (a couple of garbage bags of things we didn't want to take home and the clothes we ruined during our trash the dress - we called concierge to see if there was somewhere where we could get rid of it ourselves but they said we should just leave them for housekeeping) upon check-out though so hopefully the tip we left compensated.
In-Room Dining - A+ - The room service menu is a bit pricey but the food was fantastic. I was starving after I left the spa the day before our wedding and ordered room service while I relaxed after relaxing (relaxing is hard work for someone who'd never really done it before!). I ordered a Caesar salad and a pasta bolognese. The server who brought up my meal was attentive - setting the table for me and chatting a little and making sure I had everything I could need. The food was delicious. The salad cool and crisp and well dressed. The pasta was still piping hot when I got to it. Garlic bread warm from the oven and so fresh. I considered it well worth the cost.
Valet - A+ - The valet attendant are fantastic! We valeted our rental car a few times. Self park was super easy too but sometime we were under a bit of a time crunch and valet was so much speedier. A few of the valet attendants recognized us and would ask us how our wedding went. One even asked us about our trash the dress photo session and it was so nice that they would recognize us after seeing so many people everyday.
All in all, we were very happy with our choice to stay at the Cosmopolitan. All the staff were attentive about making sure we enjoyed our stay and the property is so beautiful.
Website: www.cosmopolitanlasvegas.com/
Violet Hour Salon
A+ - I made a last minute booking with the Violet Hour Salon to have airbrush makeup done for our Trash the Dress. My makeup artist was Sylvia and we had so much fun together. I wanted to play with bright colours for my eye-make up. Sylvia used yellow, green, teal and blue and did an amazing job on my eyes. They were so bright and vibrant and it was just a lot of fun. My everyday make-up is usually pretty neutral and natural but I've always admired some of the bold and artistic makeup in magazine and in runways and I couldn't think of better opportunity for me to get to play with it.
Sylvia was fantastic - telling me that I was probably going to be her favorite make-up for a while because she doesn't get to play with crazy colour very often. It made me so happy that she was so happy about it too. We decided to go big or go home on the false lashes too and she applied big, dramatic feathery lashes. Loved them!
I did feel a little like a drag queen when were were done initially but as you wear the make up is softens up and was just perfect by the time Dan and I met up with Mike and Courtney for our Trash the Dress.
Sylvia was fantastic - telling me that I was probably going to be her favorite make-up for a while because she doesn't get to play with crazy colour very often. It made me so happy that she was so happy about it too. We decided to go big or go home on the false lashes too and she applied big, dramatic feathery lashes. Loved them!
I did feel a little like a drag queen when were were done initially but as you wear the make up is softens up and was just perfect by the time Dan and I met up with Mike and Courtney for our Trash the Dress.
Wicked Spoon Buffet
A- - We ate here twice - both times for brunch/breakfast! The buffet is fantastic. So much to choose from and everything was so good! I miss the angry mac & cheese so much! I actually had two servings of it for breakfast on our last day in Vegas. The gelatos at the dessert station are also amazing. I don't think I've ever had a gelato that was so smooth and the flavours were fantastic. My favourite was the pistachio. I wish the servers has been slightly more attentive about clearing plates and refreshing drinks though but that wouldn't deter me from returning again.
Food and Drink Vendors
Firefly on Paradise * Tapas Kitchen and Bar
A+ - Firefly was more than perfect! Firefly on Paradise is in the middle of relocating to a new location, two buildings over from it's current location and our party was held in the new building. I will admit to some trepidation when we walked into the new space two days prior to the wedding and there were boxes everywhere and it was clearly still under construction. The banquet coordinator Araceli was quick to assure us that it wouldn't look like this when we arrived for the reception and showed us the space for the dinner. She was perfectly attentive and we could really tell that she wanted everything to be perfect for us. She even made some suggestions that we wouldn't have thought of including setting up a small lounge space with couches in the room for people to mingle and relax in and a change to a menu item that might not have worked as well for our party (and we're so glad we made the switch!).
Because of the constructions, we actually had the whole space to ourselves. It was great and the new space is gorgeous. Firefly is going to be packed every night when then complete the move to the new building. My photographers were so inspired by the space we even did some photos after dinner in the main restaurant. It was fantastic bonus being able to use the whole space.
The food and drinks were phenomenal. We ordered the Four Course Family Style Catering Menu and then added some additional tapas:
Starter:
Toasted bread, almond butter and marinated olives
First Course - Tapas Tasting:
Artichoke Toasts - hearts, aioli, basil and pepper
Stuffed Dates - bacon-wrapped, smoked almond, red wine reduction, blue cheese
Tortilla a la Espanola - egg, potato, onion, garlic, bell pepper vinaigrette
*Manchego Mac 'N' Cheese - baked with baby shells
*Camarones ajillo - Shrimp in lemon-garlic butter sauce
*Stuffed Mushrooms - stuffed with chicken and chorizo
*Lamb Skewers - Marinated leg of lamb, tomato, sauteed lentil, red wine sauce
Second Course:
Garden Variety Salad - romaine, orange, feta, dried cherries,
pine nuts and sherry vinaigrette
Third Course - Served Family Style:
Steak Frites - Ribeye, fries, aioli, red wine sauce, cabrales cheese
Paella - Safrron rice, clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari,
chicken and spanish chorizo sausage
Herb Roasted Chicken - fries, aioli and lemon jus
Fourth Course:
Chocolate "Tres Leches" Cake
*denotes tapas items added to the menu.
I can't say enough good things about the food. It was fantastic. There was so much of it too! Honestly, I was too full to try the chicken or the dessert by the time they came out. I'm told they were delicious though. Our guests couldn't say enough good things about the food and about how stuffed they were! It's likely that we didn't really need to add the additional tapas to the menu, but I really wanted to try everything on the menu. And it's better to have too much food than too little, right?
The bartender was great too. We ordered 2 hrs of open bar for our guests which included well drinks, sangria and mojitos. I did tell Araceli that if any of our guest wanted premium drinks to just add it to our bill though. I drank the white sangria all night and it was so good. I loved it. It was exactly what I wanted. The bartender was super nice too, making sure all our guests were taken care of, making up drinks when given vague requests like, "something fruity and with rum", and even serving shots.
Service was fantastic too, going out of their way to ensure my guests with food allergies were accommodated clearing empty glasses and plates quickly. I was so please with the service and experience. I can't wait to go back to Firefly again one day.
Website: www.fireflylv.com/index.html
Because of the constructions, we actually had the whole space to ourselves. It was great and the new space is gorgeous. Firefly is going to be packed every night when then complete the move to the new building. My photographers were so inspired by the space we even did some photos after dinner in the main restaurant. It was fantastic bonus being able to use the whole space.
The food and drinks were phenomenal. We ordered the Four Course Family Style Catering Menu and then added some additional tapas:
Starter:
Toasted bread, almond butter and marinated olives
First Course - Tapas Tasting:
Artichoke Toasts - hearts, aioli, basil and pepper
Stuffed Dates - bacon-wrapped, smoked almond, red wine reduction, blue cheese
Tortilla a la Espanola - egg, potato, onion, garlic, bell pepper vinaigrette
*Manchego Mac 'N' Cheese - baked with baby shells
*Camarones ajillo - Shrimp in lemon-garlic butter sauce
*Stuffed Mushrooms - stuffed with chicken and chorizo
*Lamb Skewers - Marinated leg of lamb, tomato, sauteed lentil, red wine sauce
Second Course:
Garden Variety Salad - romaine, orange, feta, dried cherries,
pine nuts and sherry vinaigrette
Third Course - Served Family Style:
Steak Frites - Ribeye, fries, aioli, red wine sauce, cabrales cheese
Paella - Safrron rice, clams, mussels, shrimp, calamari,
chicken and spanish chorizo sausage
Herb Roasted Chicken - fries, aioli and lemon jus
Fourth Course:
Chocolate "Tres Leches" Cake
*denotes tapas items added to the menu.
I can't say enough good things about the food. It was fantastic. There was so much of it too! Honestly, I was too full to try the chicken or the dessert by the time they came out. I'm told they were delicious though. Our guests couldn't say enough good things about the food and about how stuffed they were! It's likely that we didn't really need to add the additional tapas to the menu, but I really wanted to try everything on the menu. And it's better to have too much food than too little, right?
The bartender was great too. We ordered 2 hrs of open bar for our guests which included well drinks, sangria and mojitos. I did tell Araceli that if any of our guest wanted premium drinks to just add it to our bill though. I drank the white sangria all night and it was so good. I loved it. It was exactly what I wanted. The bartender was super nice too, making sure all our guests were taken care of, making up drinks when given vague requests like, "something fruity and with rum", and even serving shots.
Service was fantastic too, going out of their way to ensure my guests with food allergies were accommodated clearing empty glasses and plates quickly. I was so please with the service and experience. I can't wait to go back to Firefly again one day.
Website: www.fireflylv.com/index.html
Jason's Deli
A+ - I ordered the Sampler Tray from Jason's Deli for the wedding party to snack on while getting ready the day of the wedding. The sampler tray includes Croissant party sandwiches (chicken salad and roast beef), party pinwheels (vegetarian and chicken with ham), cubed cheese and fresh fruit with a creamy fruit dip. The tray was said to serve 8, but there was so much food left over that Dan and I were able to snack on the left overs for two more days (thank goodness for the full size fridge in our room!). The sandwiches were fresh and delicious, the fruit perfectly ripe. It was such a great value. The delivery person arrived perfectly on time as well.
Website: www.jasonsdeli.com/
Website: www.jasonsdeli.com/
Lee's Discount Liquor
A- - Lee's has amazing prices. Maybe it's just the fact that as Canadians we pay a lot more for alcohol, but it felt like we made out like bandits at Lee's. We bought a ton of drinks and barely used half our alcohol budget! The only disappointment for us was that they didn't have boxed wine (we can't take glass on the Double Deck Bus) and that they didn't have any individual cooler type drinks in plastic bottles (I'm used to seeing Bacardi breezers in plastic bottles here in Canada). It wasn't a big deal though. We just did without the wine and found large bottles of pre-mixed cocktails in plastic bottles instead. In the end, I would have bought an additional case of Bud Light Lime because it was so popular with our guests, but really we did have enough drinks for the whole Double Decker Bus tour even with the extra hour we tacked on.
Website: leesliquorlv.com/
Website: leesliquorlv.com/
Photography and Videography Vendors
Mike L Photography
A+ - I've had to re-write this review many times because I can't stop gushing about how Mike and Courtney are amazing!! I've had to cut out so many paragraphs because I can't stop raving about how much I loved these two and I won't even get my photos back for a few more weeks.
This was actually the very first vendor I booked. Once Dan and I started playing with the idea of going to Vegas to get married, I stumbled across their site and fell head over heels in love with their first Trash the Dress blog post. I then preceded to stalk their blog and website for the next three years. I booked eight hours of photography for our wedding day and then a Trash the Dress session two days later.
Courtney is the communication queen! I could have sworn I came off like a neurotic bridezilla, but she was so chill and reassuring in her e-mails to me. She always replied a quick as possible and even made suggestions to our wedding day timeline so that we'd be able to capture as much as possible. Courtney was particularly great four days before the wedding when I found out that the Cosmopolitan became really difficult about their photography policy and I e-mailed her in a panic, trying to come up with a plan B for our first look photos and Courtney totally help us work it out!
Mike and Courtney really were incredible. They were flexible and accommodating and really felt like friends by the end of the evening. I really think booking them was the single best decision we made for our wedding.
Our trash the dress session was incredibly memorable too. I had an idea to put paint in some super soaker water guns and Courtney was totally enthusiastic about it. It didn't work out quite like I'd hoped it would though. We had to water down the paint so much so that it wouldn't clog the guns that it the colour didn't show up very well when we sprayed each other. Hopefully the pictures are still awesome though. None of that is the photographers' fault though and Mike and Courtney actually got us into Lake Mead with our formal wear. We had so much fun!
Honestly, I could go on and on about how much I loved working with these two. I'd highly recommend their services and wouldn't hesitate to book them again. <3
Website: www.mikelphotos.com/
This was actually the very first vendor I booked. Once Dan and I started playing with the idea of going to Vegas to get married, I stumbled across their site and fell head over heels in love with their first Trash the Dress blog post. I then preceded to stalk their blog and website for the next three years. I booked eight hours of photography for our wedding day and then a Trash the Dress session two days later.
Courtney is the communication queen! I could have sworn I came off like a neurotic bridezilla, but she was so chill and reassuring in her e-mails to me. She always replied a quick as possible and even made suggestions to our wedding day timeline so that we'd be able to capture as much as possible. Courtney was particularly great four days before the wedding when I found out that the Cosmopolitan became really difficult about their photography policy and I e-mailed her in a panic, trying to come up with a plan B for our first look photos and Courtney totally help us work it out!
Mike and Courtney really were incredible. They were flexible and accommodating and really felt like friends by the end of the evening. I really think booking them was the single best decision we made for our wedding.
Our trash the dress session was incredibly memorable too. I had an idea to put paint in some super soaker water guns and Courtney was totally enthusiastic about it. It didn't work out quite like I'd hoped it would though. We had to water down the paint so much so that it wouldn't clog the guns that it the colour didn't show up very well when we sprayed each other. Hopefully the pictures are still awesome though. None of that is the photographers' fault though and Mike and Courtney actually got us into Lake Mead with our formal wear. We had so much fun!
Honestly, I could go on and on about how much I loved working with these two. I'd highly recommend their services and wouldn't hesitate to book them again. <3
Website: www.mikelphotos.com/
Langdon Video Services
A+ - I wasn't originally going to book a videographer, but I'm so glad I did! So much of our wedding day has become a blur for me (not alcohol related) and Dan (completely alcohol related). I didn't have a ton of budget available for a videographer, but I couldn't say no to Langdon Video Services' amazing price and the sample videos were just what I was looking for.
Kelly and Debbie are great to work with. They were super communicative, flexible and accommodating to all my requests - even when I kept Kelly an additional hour when we extended the Double Decker Bus tour. Kelly turned the video around in a little over a week and we're anxiously awaiting it's arrival so I can remember exactly what our vows were and so Dan can see himself dancing on the double decker bus (which he has no recollection of).
I am incredibly glad we booked with Langdon Video and consider it money well spent.
Website: www.langdonvideo.com/index.html
Kelly and Debbie are great to work with. They were super communicative, flexible and accommodating to all my requests - even when I kept Kelly an additional hour when we extended the Double Decker Bus tour. Kelly turned the video around in a little over a week and we're anxiously awaiting it's arrival so I can remember exactly what our vows were and so Dan can see himself dancing on the double decker bus (which he has no recollection of).
I am incredibly glad we booked with Langdon Video and consider it money well spent.
Website: www.langdonvideo.com/index.html
Wedding Snap - Photo Sharing Platform and Mobile App
C - I really, really wanted to love this, but there have been a few hiccups that have prevented that. First, the app didn't work with Dan's android phone. It does say on the website that it works with most android models, but there are some that the app doesn't work with and we were just unlucky that Dan's was one of them. That said, our guests weren't really able to make much use of the app mostly because as a group of Canadians in the US, the roaming charges to download the app are prohibitive and free WiFi wasn't available in many of the hotels. Our guests mostly used their digital cameras to take photos with. I had one guest upload a batch of photos the day after the wedding because they had brought a laptop with them but most guests needed to wait until they returned home.
I purchased the Unforgettable package because it included retouching of all the photos by a professional photographer. All the photos in the first batch were retouched within two days of being uploaded, which is great. The photos look fantastic. However, any photos uploaded since then have not been retouched and when I contacted Wedding Snap about getting the others retouched, they informed me that they don't normally go back and retouch photos that have been added to album after the first retouching.
This really rubbed me the wrong way as this "policy" is not stated anywhere on thier website and the package I purchased specifically says that ALL photos will be retouched. I'm currently still exchanging e-mails with Wedding Snap trying to resolve the problem. But it's really put a tarnish on what I thought would be a great product.
UPDATE: Wedding snap agreed to retouch all the photos, but will wait two weeks to allow any stragglers who haven't uploaded them yet to do so before doing so. I'm glad they agreed to, but I feel like they're should have some sort of system in place that would notify them when new photos have been uploaded and then queue up those photos for retouching.
Website: www.weddingsnap.com/
I purchased the Unforgettable package because it included retouching of all the photos by a professional photographer. All the photos in the first batch were retouched within two days of being uploaded, which is great. The photos look fantastic. However, any photos uploaded since then have not been retouched and when I contacted Wedding Snap about getting the others retouched, they informed me that they don't normally go back and retouch photos that have been added to album after the first retouching.
This really rubbed me the wrong way as this "policy" is not stated anywhere on thier website and the package I purchased specifically says that ALL photos will be retouched. I'm currently still exchanging e-mails with Wedding Snap trying to resolve the problem. But it's really put a tarnish on what I thought would be a great product.
UPDATE: Wedding snap agreed to retouch all the photos, but will wait two weeks to allow any stragglers who haven't uploaded them yet to do so before doing so. I'm glad they agreed to, but I feel like they're should have some sort of system in place that would notify them when new photos have been uploaded and then queue up those photos for retouching.
Website: www.weddingsnap.com/
Transportation Vendors
The Double Decker Bus Company of Las Vegas
A+ - The Double Decker Bus was such a great experience! I originally booked the bus for two hours from 9 pm to 11 pm, after dinner at Firefly and made sure to include a stop at the Las Vegas Welcome Sign so our guests would be able to take some photos. Halfway into the tour, a few guests asked if we'd be going to Fremont Street but I originally didn't think everyone would want to be on a bus for three hours, but everyone expressed interest so I asked the most amazing driver ever - Doris - if it would be possible to add an additional hour. She told me she'd check with Mike and we got the okay. Doris was really great - so personable and considerate especially of me and my gown and making sure I got up and down the stairs and that I didn't get the skirt snagged on anything. The guide for my bus was actually an Elvis impersonator, which was a total surprise as I hadn't booked one. Technically he wasn't supposed to sing, but he did sing a couple of songs for tips and he was actually fantastic!! I wish I'd gotten his name! It was a great little bonus and I think really added something special to the tour. Many of our guests commented to me after how great they thought he was. I would highly recommend adding an impersonator to your tour if you have the budget.
Langdon Video put together a long-ish clip of our DDB tour
in case anyone is interested in seeing what they're like.
Please disregard my very intoxicated husband. :P
You Tube Link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=diHOvzcmoAc
Website: www.doubledeckerbusoflasvegas.com/
Langdon Video put together a long-ish clip of our DDB tour
in case anyone is interested in seeing what they're like.
Please disregard my very intoxicated husband. :P
You Tube Link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=diHOvzcmoAc
Website: www.doubledeckerbusoflasvegas.com/
Bell Trans Limosine
B - I had two bookings with Bell Trans and I made both via phone. I was really struck by the great customer service they provided over the phone, making sure that I had the right vehicle sizes for my needs and when I needed to alter a booking after I made a mistake doing a headcount (I forgot to include Dan and I in one instance!) One was great, the other was less great.
I booked one of the 12 passenger SUV limos from 3:30 to 5:30 so the wedding party could go to a couple of locations for photos before the ceremony. Because of traffic we only had time for the Las Vegas Welcome Sign and the Hangover lot. The limo was perfectly on time and the driver even called us in advance of her arrival to let us know she was on her way. Our driver's name was Dina and while she was very friendly to me, she was quite rude to our photographers, telling them how we should be posed and criticizing some of the shots. It put a bit of a downer on the atmosphere, which was regrettable. That incident aside, she was very accommodating when I asked if the driver of my next booking could not call in advance as we'd be in the middle of the ceremony then. She said she'd pass on my request and she did.
I also booked a 31 passenger bus from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm to take us and all of out guests from the Cosmopolitan to Firefly. Our driver was Philip and he was great. We were a little late getting out to the bus, but he was waiting in Valet for us and we had no complaints about the bus or the trip to Firefly.
I'd use Bell Trans again. They were very affordable and I was generally impressed with their customer service.
Website: bell-trans.com/
I booked one of the 12 passenger SUV limos from 3:30 to 5:30 so the wedding party could go to a couple of locations for photos before the ceremony. Because of traffic we only had time for the Las Vegas Welcome Sign and the Hangover lot. The limo was perfectly on time and the driver even called us in advance of her arrival to let us know she was on her way. Our driver's name was Dina and while she was very friendly to me, she was quite rude to our photographers, telling them how we should be posed and criticizing some of the shots. It put a bit of a downer on the atmosphere, which was regrettable. That incident aside, she was very accommodating when I asked if the driver of my next booking could not call in advance as we'd be in the middle of the ceremony then. She said she'd pass on my request and she did.
I also booked a 31 passenger bus from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm to take us and all of out guests from the Cosmopolitan to Firefly. Our driver was Philip and he was great. We were a little late getting out to the bus, but he was waiting in Valet for us and we had no complaints about the bus or the trip to Firefly.
I'd use Bell Trans again. They were very affordable and I was generally impressed with their customer service.
Website: bell-trans.com/
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
A+ - We rented a full-size sedan for a week while we were in Las Vegas. I was really impressed with the efficiency in getting to the Rental Car Centre and then with getting our vehicle. It was fun being able to choose our vehicle too, although it would have been great if there were any Chargers left. Dan chose a Nissan Altima and we really liked it. It came in so handy all week long too. I suspect that whenever we go to Las Vegas in the future, we'll likely rent a car again.
Website: www.enterprise.com/car_rental/home.do
Website: www.enterprise.com/car_rental/home.do
Wedding Coordinator
Faithfully Yours Weddings & Events
A+ - Around 10 days before the wedding I realized that I needed someone to do set-up and decor at Firefly as the room would only be available an hour before our reservation for this and decor set-up isn't done by the Firefly staff. I panicked a little and immediately began looking for a coordinator who could help with my problem. I tried Scheme Events first but they already had a prior commitment, but did give me a list of other coordinators to try. While waiting for responses from the recommended coordinators, I found a listing for Faith at Faithfully Yours and she was incredibly quick to respond to my query. She did 2 hours of work - meeting Dan and I at Firefly two days before the wedding to see the space with us and so we could hand off the decorations to her and then a hour just doing the setup on our wedding day. She was very affordable, especially considering the other coordinators either had a 6 hour minimum or had an hourly rate more than double Faith's. I really felt like she saved the day and she was SO sweet! If you're looking for a day of coordinator, I recommend contacting Faith!
Website: www.faithfullyyoursevents.com/index.html
Website: www.faithfullyyoursevents.com/index.html
Hair and Makeup
Harmony Artistry - Hair and Make-up by Harmony Medina
A+ - I adored Harmony! She was so sweet and friendly and even when I had no idea what I wanted for hair or make-up she listened to me when I didn't like something and really made magic happen. I felt so pretty and really loved my hair. I booked her for a hair and make-up trial and then air-brush makeup and hair the day of the wedding. I added on lash extensions too. They might have been my favorite part. Harmony applied them first at the trial and I love them. A couple fell out the day before the wedding, but she repaired the gaps on the wedding day. The air brush make up is great! My makeup didn't move all day! I even had Harmony cover up a scar on my lower leg (my dress was shorter in the front) and it looked like it was never there!
I would have totally used Harmony again to do my makeup for our trash the dress session but it hadn't occurred to me until Courtney suggested it before she and Mike left us on the wedding night and she wasn't available.
Website: harmonyartistry.weebly.com/
I would have totally used Harmony again to do my makeup for our trash the dress session but it hadn't occurred to me until Courtney suggested it before she and Mike left us on the wedding night and she wasn't available.
Website: harmonyartistry.weebly.com/
Dress Services
Fit for a Bride
A+ - I dealt mostly with Donna at Fit for a Bride and she was very friendly and very reassuring. I shipped my dress and Dan's suit to them via Purolator and she called to let me know as soon as it arrived. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take the call at that moment and she called Dan as well just to make sure we knew everything had arrived safe and sound.
The dress was dropped off on the day agreed while I was busy enjoying the spa, but I had a voicemail letting me know it was there and was able to pick it up on my way back to my room. It was well packaged and the dress and suit perfectly steamed. I have no compliants and would use Fit for a Bride again if needed.
Website: www.fitforabride.net/
The dress was dropped off on the day agreed while I was busy enjoying the spa, but I had a voicemail letting me know it was there and was able to pick it up on my way back to my room. It was well packaged and the dress and suit perfectly steamed. I have no compliants and would use Fit for a Bride again if needed.
Website: www.fitforabride.net/
Miscellaneous - Reviews not specific to the Wedding
Bacchanal Buffet - Caesars Palace Resort and Casino
A+ - We planned to have breakfast with our familes the day after the wedding but Dan wasn't up to breakfast so we ended up meeting for lunch instead. We decided on a buffet to please everyone and decided to give the newly revamped Bacchanal a whirl. We arrived during brunch service on Friday and Dan and I paid for brunch for all eight of us. Brunch service includes a selection of breakfast and lunch item as well as bottomless champagne or mimosas.
First, the space is beautiful. We were shown to a large table that is semi-secluded by pretty coloured glass dividers and even had a view to the pools. Our server was attentive but also discreet. The food was great!! The buffet is so huge too! I missed a whole section towards the back on my first pass through. Our thought the food was really great too. Dan had only one complaint and that was as we were leaving they had just put our creme brulees on the dessert station and they weren't there previously. It's his favorite dessert. :) We were actually in the restaurant for three hours, enjoying our leisurely meal and chatting up a storm We never once felt rushed. It was a great experience, but the Wicked Spoon still hold the key to my heart with their Angry Mac 'n Cheese. :)
Website: www.caesarspalace.com/restaurants/bacchanal-buffet.html#.UWjAXKLS3ng
First, the space is beautiful. We were shown to a large table that is semi-secluded by pretty coloured glass dividers and even had a view to the pools. Our server was attentive but also discreet. The food was great!! The buffet is so huge too! I missed a whole section towards the back on my first pass through. Our thought the food was really great too. Dan had only one complaint and that was as we were leaving they had just put our creme brulees on the dessert station and they weren't there previously. It's his favorite dessert. :) We were actually in the restaurant for three hours, enjoying our leisurely meal and chatting up a storm We never once felt rushed. It was a great experience, but the Wicked Spoon still hold the key to my heart with their Angry Mac 'n Cheese. :)
Website: www.caesarspalace.com/restaurants/bacchanal-buffet.html#.UWjAXKLS3ng
The Cheesecake Factory - Forum Shops, Caesars Palace Resort and Casino
B+ - Oh my! This was my first visit ever to a cheesecake factory and while I had been warned the menu was big, I wasn't prepared for just how big it really is! We went to the cheesecake factory to celebrate a friend's birthday while in Las Vegas. Dan and I arrived a bit late since we were delayed getting back from Lake Mead. Our server was great helping us figure out what to order and was very friendly and chatty with our group the whole evening. I enjoyed the peach bellini to drink, but wish I'd gotten the red sangria after trying a sip of our friend's. Dan ordered the polenta fries and they were amazing! I have dreams about them now they were so good. I ordered the chicken samosas. They were okay, but I wouldn't say you need to try them. I had the wasabi crusted ahi tuna for my main course. Our waiter warned me that it usually comes a bit more well done than I might be used to, so I asked it they could try to keep the sear as light as possible. The servings are huge by the way! My tuna could have easily been shared by two or maybe even three people. It was delicious though. I wanted to keep eating it but I was so full! None of us but the birthday girl had room left for dessert so we all ordered slices of cheesecake to go. I had the lemon raspberry cream cheesecake for breakfast the next morning (breakfast of champions!!) and thought it was just okay but Dan's in love with the vanilla bean cheesecake. I would go again given the opportunity.
Website: www.thecheesecakefactory.com/
Website: www.thecheesecakefactory.com/
Coyote Ugly - New York New York Resort and Casino
B - One of bridesmaids planned my bachelorette night and this is where we came after dinner. I will admit to tons of skepticism on my part because after checking out the reviews on Yelp for Coyote Ugly, I was pretty sure this wasn't going to be a place I'd like, but I ended up having a really great time. Although when we first got in and were checking the place out, the bartenders were in the middle of a dance routine and one of the girls threw cups of water on the crowd. I sprayed with water twice before I even got my first drink. I wasn't impressed considered I had my make-up trial earlier and I didn't really enjoy being wet either. But I stuck it out because my bridesmaid picked the place.
I got a wrist band for unlimited drinks until midnight and I have to say I definitely got my moneys worth in drinks! The ladies behind the bar make STRONG drinks. I'm pretty sure my last one (my fifth drink, I think) was 3/4 vodka, 1/4 cranberry juice. I couldn't even finish it, it was that strong. I'm kinda a lightweight when it comes to alcohol, so after my second drink I was easily talked into dancing on the bar. The bartenders give shots to ladies on the bar straight from the bottle too.
It really was a lot more fun than I expected. The bar wasn't overcrowded either, which I like. We still had room to dance and getting to the bar for another drink wasn't too difficult. All in all, it was a good night. I'm not sure what time we left (after midnight for sure) and technically a friend and I left a bit earlier than everyone else because her shoes hurt and I drunkenly decided we HAD to walk over the CVS just outside (actually not just outside - past New York New York and then past Monte Carlo) and get her a pair of roll-up flats and I was positive we'd only be a few minutes. We were actually gone an hour and everyone was waiting for us in the casino at New York New York. Oops.
Website: www.coyoteuglysaloon.com/vegas/
I got a wrist band for unlimited drinks until midnight and I have to say I definitely got my moneys worth in drinks! The ladies behind the bar make STRONG drinks. I'm pretty sure my last one (my fifth drink, I think) was 3/4 vodka, 1/4 cranberry juice. I couldn't even finish it, it was that strong. I'm kinda a lightweight when it comes to alcohol, so after my second drink I was easily talked into dancing on the bar. The bartenders give shots to ladies on the bar straight from the bottle too.
It really was a lot more fun than I expected. The bar wasn't overcrowded either, which I like. We still had room to dance and getting to the bar for another drink wasn't too difficult. All in all, it was a good night. I'm not sure what time we left (after midnight for sure) and technically a friend and I left a bit earlier than everyone else because her shoes hurt and I drunkenly decided we HAD to walk over the CVS just outside (actually not just outside - past New York New York and then past Monte Carlo) and get her a pair of roll-up flats and I was positive we'd only be a few minutes. We were actually gone an hour and everyone was waiting for us in the casino at New York New York. Oops.
Website: www.coyoteuglysaloon.com/vegas/
Ellis Island Casino & Brewery
A+ - They guys went here for dinner for the Bachelor party. They came back with nothing be great things to say, raving about the size of their steaks (Huge!) and the size of the beers (also huge) for such amazing prices. We're talking full steak dinners with dessert and one 20 oz. beer for $10 per person. Beer was only $2 a glass too because they brew beer on site too! They guys were really happy with this place and any of them said they'd go back again.
Website: www.ellisislandcasino.com/
Website: www.ellisislandcasino.com/
Gordon Ramsay BurGR - Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino
A+ - We met friends here for dinner one night and it's definitely a favorite with us now. Our server was very friendly and great with our group. Service was quick and efficient but we didn't feel rushed at any point. A friend ordered the hummus and veggies as an appetizer and I tried a bit and it was really good!! I orderd the Hell's Kitchen Burger (topped with roasted jalapeno pepper, avocado, oven roasted tomato and cheese) and Dan got the Artisinal Burger (topped with shaved prosciutto, dried salami and raclette cheese). Others at out table enjoyed the American, the Euro Burger and the Britannia Burger. At one point there were so many sounds of "Mmmmmm" being made, we actually stopped talking. We tried the truffle parmesan fries as well and there are more than enough to share with a few people. They were delicious!
We actually enjoyed eating here so much that on our last night before we were leaving the next day, we were super tired and blew off out plans to see Penn & Teller and came back here for dinner before going back to our room to watch Game of Thrones on tv. The second night the service was just as fantastic, but there was a bit of a wait for seating so they took one of our phone numbers to text us when our table was ready. It's a nifty system! We wandered through the PH casino and decided to get a drink while we waited (see The Heart Bar review below). I ordered the Farm Burger (topped with duck breast bacon, English sharp cheddar and a fried egg) this visit and Dan tried Britannia (topped with English sharp cheddar cheese, mango chutney and arugula) and we got the Sweet Potato Fries and the Beer Battered Maui Onion rings to share. I loved my burger - burger and egg perfectly cooked - but enjoyed the Hell's Kitchen Burger slightly more. Dan enjoyed the Britannia over the Artisnal and he really liked the sweet potato fries, which I did't love, but I'm not really a fan of sweet potato fries to begin with. They were okay though. I really liked the onion rings! They were huge and the batter was light and crispy and so tasty!
I can't wait to come back here again someday.
Website: www.planethollywoodresort.com/restaurants/ramsay.html#.UWl6sqLS3ng
We actually enjoyed eating here so much that on our last night before we were leaving the next day, we were super tired and blew off out plans to see Penn & Teller and came back here for dinner before going back to our room to watch Game of Thrones on tv. The second night the service was just as fantastic, but there was a bit of a wait for seating so they took one of our phone numbers to text us when our table was ready. It's a nifty system! We wandered through the PH casino and decided to get a drink while we waited (see The Heart Bar review below). I ordered the Farm Burger (topped with duck breast bacon, English sharp cheddar and a fried egg) this visit and Dan tried Britannia (topped with English sharp cheddar cheese, mango chutney and arugula) and we got the Sweet Potato Fries and the Beer Battered Maui Onion rings to share. I loved my burger - burger and egg perfectly cooked - but enjoyed the Hell's Kitchen Burger slightly more. Dan enjoyed the Britannia over the Artisnal and he really liked the sweet potato fries, which I did't love, but I'm not really a fan of sweet potato fries to begin with. They were okay though. I really liked the onion rings! They were huge and the batter was light and crispy and so tasty!
I can't wait to come back here again someday.
Website: www.planethollywoodresort.com/restaurants/ramsay.html#.UWl6sqLS3ng
The Heart Bar - Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino
F - We came into Heart Bar to have a drink while waiting for our table at Gordon Ramsay BurGR, but for the life of us could not get service. A group of guys came in after us and was served immediately. The waitress blatantly ignored us, so we left. We ended up hopping on a couple of slot machines and got a couple of drinks while we played. We even came out slightly ahead, so Heart Bar's loss, was out gain.
Website: www.planethollywoodresort.com/things-to-do/heart-bar.html#.UWo8O6LS3ng
Website: www.planethollywoodresort.com/things-to-do/heart-bar.html#.UWo8O6LS3ng
KA - MGM Grand Resort and Casino
A+ - We has seen three of the existing Cirque du Soleil shows previously - Love, O and Zumanity - and knew we wanted to see some of the others. We only had time for one and flipped a coin over KA and Zarkana. KA won the coin toss so we saw it. I loved it. I thought the story was fantastic but the real star of this show is the stage itself. I knew going it that it moved, but I was't prepared for just how much it moves and how it was manipulated. It was incredible. I still think O is the best of the shows I've seen but this one is close to the top as well.
We totally bought the overpriced souvenir photos too. I'm kinda a sucker for that stuff though. The photos aren't spectacular (the photographer all work for Cashman), but I still like having them.
Website: www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/ka/default.aspx
We totally bought the overpriced souvenir photos too. I'm kinda a sucker for that stuff though. The photos aren't spectacular (the photographer all work for Cashman), but I still like having them.
Website: www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/ka/default.aspx
Mon Ami Gabi - Paris Resort and Casino
A+ - We came here twice as well! The first time we met up with some of our family for breakfast the morning after we arrived in Las Vegas. One of out party was quite late though because we issued the invite to breakfast fairly last minute, but our server didn't pressure us at all while we waited for our last guest. We sat on the patio enjoying coffee and juice while chatting and people watching. Once our last guest arrived, our server was friendly and helpful while taking our orders. I had the Turkey and Egg White Omelette and Dan had the Corned Beef Hash with Poached Egg. Others at our table enjoyed the Ham and Cheese Omelette, the Spinach and Green Vegetables Omelette and Eggs Benedict. Everything was perfectly cooked and tasted fantastic.
On our second visit we were meeting friends and had just come from the Bacchanal Buffet, so we weren't hungry in the least. Because of the size out our group, we were seated inside which was quite pretty actually. I shared a carafe of the frangria (french sangria) with a friend (which I could swear just went straight to our heads - red wine's tricky like that!) and ordered the Banana's Foster Crepe just to try a bite and then shared with everyone else. It was really good! Dan ordered the Creme Brulee because it was available and he missed it at the Bacchanal! It was perfect as well.
After visiting the restaurant twice, I felt the slightest of twinges about changing our original plans to hold the wedding reception here, but I really don't regret switching to Firefly in the least. It really was the better choice for us. I do look forward to enjoying dinner here one day though, especially now that I know how good the food is.
Website: www.monamigabi.com/home/
On our second visit we were meeting friends and had just come from the Bacchanal Buffet, so we weren't hungry in the least. Because of the size out our group, we were seated inside which was quite pretty actually. I shared a carafe of the frangria (french sangria) with a friend (which I could swear just went straight to our heads - red wine's tricky like that!) and ordered the Banana's Foster Crepe just to try a bite and then shared with everyone else. It was really good! Dan ordered the Creme Brulee because it was available and he missed it at the Bacchanal! It was perfect as well.
After visiting the restaurant twice, I felt the slightest of twinges about changing our original plans to hold the wedding reception here, but I really don't regret switching to Firefly in the least. It really was the better choice for us. I do look forward to enjoying dinner here one day though, especially now that I know how good the food is.
Website: www.monamigabi.com/home/
Shark Reef - Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
A+ - We checked out the Shark Reef on our last day in Las Vegas. We were a little worried about how long the line was when we got there but it moved quickly and soon we were on our way inside. Just before you enter another set of Cashman photographers takes your photo in front of a green screen for souvenir pictures you can purchase as you leave. Like I said, I'm kinda a sucker for them, but one was actually hilariously awesome so I don't feel nearly as bad paying for them this time.
Once we got in we had a great time checking out the various creatures. The touch tank with the Rays was probably the best part though. It had quite a few small rays hanging out in the shallow tank along with some horseshoe crabs and you could touch them with one finger. Some of the rays felt quite different than expected - some were soft and smooth, while others were rough. It was a cool experience and if you haven't checked out the Shark Reef and you have a 2 hours during an afternoon, I'd recommend it.
Website: mandalaybay.com/shark-reef/
Once we got in we had a great time checking out the various creatures. The touch tank with the Rays was probably the best part though. It had quite a few small rays hanging out in the shallow tank along with some horseshoe crabs and you could touch them with one finger. Some of the rays felt quite different than expected - some were soft and smooth, while others were rough. It was a cool experience and if you haven't checked out the Shark Reef and you have a 2 hours during an afternoon, I'd recommend it.
Website: mandalaybay.com/shark-reef/
Sugar Factory - Paris Resort and Casino
C- - We came to the Sugar Factory for dinner for my bachelorette night. It was a really disappointing experience. First, when we tried to order drinks they wouldn't accept out of state drivers licenses. Say what? I'm absolutely not going drinking in Las Vegas with my passport, thank you very much. I left my shoes behind in Coyote Ugly while I was drunk, so I can't even imagine what could happen to my Passport. If I lose my drivers license, I can't drive. If I lose my Passport, I can't go home. It's a ridiculous policy and I can't imagine how they're still in business if they're declining every out of state license as ID.
Second, upon making the reservation for our group, my bridesmaid was told that we could get separate bills and she would just have to let our server know when we were ready for them. So once dinner had wrapped up she asked for the separate bills but was then informed that they could only be split into three bills. Coupled with not serving drinks, my friend was livid and asked to speak with the manager. In the end we got a discount and separate checks, but it put a bit of a damper on dinner.
That said, I really enjoyed my meal and some of the desserts I tried that others ordered were really good too. I had the Sugar Factory Club Sandwich and it was good. I also got to taste the Red Velvet Sundae (Amazing!!), the Rocky Road Dessert Pizza (too much caramel for my tastes), and I think it was a banana split (also yummy).
Would have loved to try one of the drinks though. I don't know if I'd want to go back after the first experience though.
Website: sugarfactory.com/las-vegas-paris-hotel
Second, upon making the reservation for our group, my bridesmaid was told that we could get separate bills and she would just have to let our server know when we were ready for them. So once dinner had wrapped up she asked for the separate bills but was then informed that they could only be split into three bills. Coupled with not serving drinks, my friend was livid and asked to speak with the manager. In the end we got a discount and separate checks, but it put a bit of a damper on dinner.
That said, I really enjoyed my meal and some of the desserts I tried that others ordered were really good too. I had the Sugar Factory Club Sandwich and it was good. I also got to taste the Red Velvet Sundae (Amazing!!), the Rocky Road Dessert Pizza (too much caramel for my tastes), and I think it was a banana split (also yummy).
Would have loved to try one of the drinks though. I don't know if I'd want to go back after the first experience though.
Website: sugarfactory.com/las-vegas-paris-hotel
Thunder from Down Under - Excalibur Resort and Casino
A - One of me friends wasn't able to join in the bachelorette night, but took me to see Thunder from Down Under as her way to celebrate with me. We had a great time. It's a fun show, especially to see other brides decked out in their veils and sashes (I wasn't up for wearing mine two nights in a row) and getting lots of attention from the guys or getting visibly frustrated when not getting the attention they expected. The show actually reminded me a lot of the move Magic Mike, but without the drama and drug back story, so much more lighthearted. After the show I bought yet another overpriced souvenir photo with the guys, but I don't regret it at all.
Website: www.excalibur.com/entertainment/thunder_from_downunder.aspx
Website: www.excalibur.com/entertainment/thunder_from_downunder.aspx