Well, after a week of freedom of choice, I have made my choices. I sent out about 10 RFPs and everyone got back to me fairly quickly. After going through everything, I came down to these top choices (in no particular order):
Wynn - Lavender Salon
Tropicana - Garden Chapel
Mandalay - THeChapel
Aria - Chapel
I looked at The Platinum for the inclusive package and looked at the packages at Aria and MB, but ultimately have decided that we really like the in-suite open suite concept instead.
All of my impressions are from afar and not based on actually touring the properties, so I was doing it real destination wedding style - site unseen.
Wynn - extremely professional response. The newly decorated salon is absolutely gorgeous. However, the pricing was on the high side. I didn't see anything other than the chapel to pull me there.
Tropicana - had a impression of this property as very dated and run down. Apparently, they've changed that. I liked the looks of two of the venues, the chapel and the Havana room. The Beach club was also nice, but outside and therefore, not an option. The packages are very reasonably priced. The chapel is crisp and clean and can be decorated up very nicely, totally doable with the great starting price points of the packages. The communications were swift and friendly. Plus, instead of a limo to the courthouse, it's an hour or two to where you want, based on your package.
Mandalay Bay - Originally, MB was my runner up choice, so it was the first one I contact after my initial plans fell through. I had a glitch in talking on their online chat, but the consultant emailed me immediately. I love the modern, streamlined look of the chapel. I would say it's very me. I also liked the price point of their rooms and FH fell in love with the Media Suite. The packages are just fine, starting at about $2k for the weekend.
Aria - One of the my dream properties. I'm in real estate, so I love gorgeous properties and probably why the overall look of the venue is so important to me. I put this one down on my list, because of the finalists, it's the smallest capacity at a tight 60 and the high cost. It's basic package is the most expensive of the bunch. Apparently, the prices have gone up dramatically over the last few months. Well, in business when you've got something people want, you raise prices. It's the American way!
I've done spreadsheets and comparisons. I changed my mind a million times. Every night before I went to sleep and in the morning, when I woke up, I was thinking about location, timing, logistics, money.... You name it, I was going over it in my head. This morning, after I finished my two comparisons, I felt a little closer to a decision. I spent time between tweaking looking at video casts of ceremonies from the four finalists. My sister and niece came over and I shared with them my research. After a lot of snarks, including about my FSD getting married in our suite the day after our wedding and how many folk we know hosted their wedding with cake and water or strawberries and tortilla chips (I shit you not), they both agreed that I should do what was in my heart.
And so... my heart is with....
Aria for the ceremony and Mandalay Bay for the suite party! Yea! And now to cake and cater! I've already gotten a quote from Masterpiece and looked at Freed's, but need other recommendations, if you have any.
Cheers!