In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay

dallasduren

Hi Everyone,
I absolutely love the idea of an in suite reception. I am planning my wedding for next year and it will be really small - maybe 15 guest at the most. I am so confused in regards to catering, DJ, etc. Can someone please clarify if Mandalay Bay allows outside catering and a DJ. I am reading different post where some say they do and some say they don't. I really dont think we need a DJ but I am definitely interested in outside food and drinks. In addition how is MB with photography? Thanks for your help.

greenyedgrl1026

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_in-suite-reception-mandalay-bay?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:625a9d77-1768-48ff-a727-fe6fdc310e2dPost:70256329-68a3-445a-b17d-2c3aca7b381b">In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay</a>:
[QUOTE]Hi Everyone, I absolutely love the idea of an in suite reception. I am planning my wedding for next year and it will be really small - maybe 15 guest at the most. I am so confused in regards to catering, DJ, etc. Can someone please clarify if Mandalay Bay allows outside catering and a DJ. I am reading different post where some say they do and some say they don't. I really dont think we need a DJ but I am definitely interested in outside food and drinks. In addition how is MB with photography? Thanks for your help.
Posted by dallasduren[/QUOTE]

Welcome to the board! You should check out <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.vegasgroom.com/9/"><u><font color="#0000ff">http://www.vegasgroom.com/9/</font></u></a>  Mandalay Bay does not allow outside catering, but with that being said...most people that have in-suite receptions there do use an outside caterer.  I am having my reception in the vista suite, and I am having an outside caterer, I am also having a dj (you just have to worry about noise control), and I have a second photographer for my wedding as well.  I read a lot of reviews about Cashman, the company that Mandalay Bay uses...and the reviews were not so great and they are expensive.  So, I will use Cashman for the ceremony but have another photog for before and after.  Good luck with planning!!

malikmakhi

Thank you so much for the information. Who are you using for catering, bartender, cake, and photography? I am curious as to how you get catering if its not allowed????

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_in-suite-reception-mandalay-bay?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:625a9d77-1768-48ff-a727-fe6fdc310e2dPost:058701b0-f3a1-4ba1-8287-79be02c6089a">Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay : Welcome to the board! You should check out <a href="http://www.vegasgroom.com/9/" rel="nofollow">http://www.vegasgroom.com/9/</a>   Mandalay Bay does not allow outside catering, but with that being said...most people that have in-suite receptions there do use an outside caterer.  I am having my reception in the vista suite, and I am having an outside caterer, I am also having a dj (you just have to worry about noise control), and I have a second photographer for my wedding as well.  I read a lot of reviews about Cashman, the company that Mandalay Bay uses...and the reviews were not so great and they are expensive.  So, I will use Cashman for the ceremony but have another photog for before and after.  Good luck with planning!!
Posted by greenyedgrl1026[/QUOTE]

nursing2u

I am looking at this too and I am wondering how you made the suite reservation? How far in advance were you able to book it? I cant even seem to find rates, but I am looking for July next year

vegasgroom

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_in-suite-reception-mandalay-bay?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:625a9d77-1768-48ff-a727-fe6fdc310e2dPost:5f71d5a1-9782-4282-858d-ed0c7dfcf140">Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay</a>:
[QUOTE]Thank you so much for the information. Who are you using for catering, bartender, cake, and photography? I am curious as to how you get catering if its not allowed???? In Response to Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay :
Posted by malikmakhi[/QUOTE]

If you have not been to Mandalay before, it's a huge resort and the lobby is like an airport terminal; people are constantly coming and going with all kinds of random things so caterers just walk right through like everyone else.  I've gotten the feeling that even their wedding coordinators don't care about the rules because many people book the Vista through their WC since it can often be cheaper, but did outside catering.

Definitely don't use Cashman for the reception photography, just for the ceremony where you're forced to use them.

vegasgroom

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_in-suite-reception-mandalay-bay?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:625a9d77-1768-48ff-a727-fe6fdc310e2dPost:855c2d2a-9ebf-4ac2-8ab8-711ac5bfef66">Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay</a>:
[QUOTE]I am looking at this too and I am wondering how you made the suite reservation? How far in advance were you able to book it? I cant even seem to find rates, but I am looking for July next year
Posted by nursing2u[/QUOTE]

There's a few guidelines about the Vista that I've got posted on my site, but the quick summary is the safest way to book it is through your wedding coordinator, especially if you're only going to do a one night booking because there have been people who have had their room cancelled or changed to a Media at the last minute and you don't want that to happen.  Booking for two nights is optimal to prevent that from happening, and gives you time to set the room up.  If you're doing two nights, usually you can book cheaper using coupon codes than going through the WC, and you can call in and have them drop the rate further if you find better codes in the future.

malikmakhi

Where do we find the coupon codes?

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_in-suite-reception-mandalay-bay?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:625a9d77-1768-48ff-a727-fe6fdc310e2dPost:6fd8aacf-3a83-4dba-94c2-435640a181ea">Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay : There's a few guidelines about the Vista that I've got posted on my site, but the quick summary is the safest way to book it is through your wedding coordinator, especially if you're only going to do a one night booking because there have been people who have had their room cancelled or changed to a Media at the last minute and you don't want that to happen.  Booking for two nights is optimal to prevent that from happening, and gives you time to set the room up.  If you're doing two nights, usually you can book cheaper using coupon codes than going through the WC, and you can call in and have them drop the rate further if you find better codes in the future.
Posted by vegasgroom[/QUOTE]

malikmakhi

You can call the wedding coordinator to book the suite. It is much cheaper through the coordinator.

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_in-suite-reception-mandalay-bay?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:625a9d77-1768-48ff-a727-fe6fdc310e2dPost:855c2d2a-9ebf-4ac2-8ab8-711ac5bfef66">Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay</a>:
[QUOTE]I am looking at this too and I am wondering how you made the suite reservation? How far in advance were you able to book it? I cant even seem to find rates, but I am looking for July next year
Posted by nursing2u[/QUOTE]

nursing2u

I feel like "what if they stop the vendors" the what do you do? I called to just ask about it, and reservation said you could only use their cater and no dj or anything else... It just made me wery of the whole thing, when I actually really like the Vista.. and where do you get the coupons?

nursing2u

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_in-suite-reception-mandalay-bay?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:625a9d77-1768-48ff-a727-fe6fdc310e2dPost:6fd8aacf-3a83-4dba-94c2-435640a181ea">Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay : There's a few guidelines about the Vista that I've got posted on my site, but the quick summary is the safest way to <strong>book it is through your wedding coordinator</strong>, especially if you're only going to do a one night booking because there have been people who have had their room cancelled or changed to a Media at the last minute and you don't want that to happen.  Booking for two nights is optimal to prevent that from happening, and gives you time to set the room up.  If you're doing two nights, usually you can book cheaper using coupon codes than going through the WC, and you can call in and have them drop the rate further if you find better codes in the future.
Posted by vegasgroom[/QUOTE]

We are actually getting married at CoF... So how does that work? This just has me confused.. And its probably soo simple

malikmakhi

I feel the same way....we are just scared...LOL...do a search on in suite receptions Mandalay Bay and brides have in suite receptions every day with outside catering. I think the DJ is pushing it. I am only expecting like 15 guest. We are going to dinner after the ceremony so for the in suite reception I just want a few party platters and drinks. I think everything will be fine.

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_in-suite-reception-mandalay-bay?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:625a9d77-1768-48ff-a727-fe6fdc310e2dPost:17c4622d-2d70-4b9c-a5ae-d9fbb955bc6e">Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay</a>:
[QUOTE]I feel like "what if they stop the vendors" the what do you do? I called to just ask about it, and reservation said you could only use their cater and no dj or anything else... It just made me wery of the whole thing, when I actually really like the Vista.. and where do you get the coupons?
Posted by nursing2u[/QUOTE]

nursing2u

Probably just scared... but to come across country and not know... That's a big thing

malikmakhi

Very true....you can always do catering through the hotel but you will spend much more.

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_in-suite-reception-mandalay-bay?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:625a9d77-1768-48ff-a727-fe6fdc310e2dPost:27ff405e-55ea-4e12-9e89-868a60b45c13">Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay</a>:
[QUOTE]Probably just scared... but to come across country and not know... That's a big thing
Posted by nursing2u[/QUOTE]

GingerCat20

We are only having 15 people and decided to go with a penthouse suite at NY NY. They are the same hotel group as Mandalay Bay but I called NY NY and asked about the catering and they said with a group that small they really don't care. That made our decision easy.

nursing2u

I like that answer.. I have to check that out

vegasgroom

Great site for Vegas coupon codes is smartervegas.com; they update them regularly.

I wouldn't worry too much about bringing vendors into the Vista, the problems people have had in doing that have all been after making too much noise.  Other than that, people use those for in-suite receptions all the time.

dallasduren

Now I have another concern. I have read several post in which brides stated since the Vista room is usually for in suite receptions that the suite was a mess as in dirty, stains, cigarette burns, etc. One post stated that people "party hard" in these rooms and it shows. So I guess its a 50/50 chance if you get a nice room.

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_in-suite-reception-mandalay-bay?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:625a9d77-1768-48ff-a727-fe6fdc310e2dPost:773e29a9-fe67-4c75-95cd-3683288391f3">Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay</a>:
[QUOTE]Great site for Vegas coupon codes is smartervegas.com; they update them regularly. I wouldn't worry too much about bringing vendors into the Vista, the problems people have had in doing that have all been after making too much noise.  Other than that, people use those for in-suite receptions all the time.
Posted by vegasgroom[/QUOTE]

vegasgroom

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_in-suite-reception-mandalay-bay?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:625a9d77-1768-48ff-a727-fe6fdc310e2dPost:26f620e1-3004-4af2-9a45-e8ef3c37f9b0">Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay</a>:
[QUOTE]Now I have another concern. I have read several post in which brides stated since the Vista room is usually for in suite receptions that the suite was a mess as in dirty, stains, cigarette burns, etc. One post stated that people "party hard" in these rooms and it shows. So I guess its a 50/50 chance if you get a nice room. In Response to Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay :
Posted by dallasduren[/QUOTE]

Unfortunately that is true; the Vista suite is typically only used by two people; high rollers or people having a party.  Some of them are very nice though so yeah, it's random.

That's another reason to get it for two nights; you get a look and can switch if necessary, less chance of no-notice cancellations, no stress setup since you have an extra day, etc.

krisstyle12

I just had my reception in a Vista Suite with 45 guests, outside catering, DJ, bartender, up-lighting, the whole 9. It was a beautiful suite--not dirty or "partied in hard" (although I'm sure it has been). We had an awesome experience there with not one single complaint. We even had one of the managers of Red, White, Blue (a restaurant in the MB) show up to our reception. I had it for 2 nights. I used promo codes from SmarterVegas.com and stacked it with a AAA discount. I was scared too, but none of my fears were realized. We had a great time.

dallasduren

Thank you for your response...would you mind telling me who you used for catering, bartender, and DJ. The wedding coordinator said she would book the Vista suite for me. How do I use the promo codes - do I give them to the coordinator or do I call reservations.

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_in-suite-reception-mandalay-bay?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:625a9d77-1768-48ff-a727-fe6fdc310e2dPost:d1b2f805-4307-4dfb-8fdc-60b3dfbcf5bb">Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay</a>:
[QUOTE]I just had my reception in a Vista Suite with 45 guests, outside catering, DJ, bartender, up-lighting, the whole 9. It was a beautiful suite--not dirty or "partied in hard" (although I'm sure it has been). We had an awesome experience there with not one single complaint. We even had one of the managers of Red, White, Blue (a restaurant in the MB) show up to our reception. I had it for 2 nights. I used promo codes from SmarterVegas.com and stacked it with a AAA discount. I was scared too, but none of my fears were realized. We had a great time.
Posted by krisstyle12[/QUOTE]

klminor17

I would highly suggest getting it for two nights. I had my suite at Planet Hollywood for two nights and there is no way I could have done it only getting it the day of and my wedding was not until 7pm. You have to decorate and set everything up. Plus, I used it to get ready in for me and my bridemaids. It was worth the extra money for the piece of mind. I also work at a resort and the suites typically are not ready until later in the day, especially on a weekend and there is never a guarentee for a early check-in. I would not have been willing to chance it. But-- I also realize it is not in everyone's budget.

vegasgroom

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_in-suite-reception-mandalay-bay?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:625a9d77-1768-48ff-a727-fe6fdc310e2dPost:1ba170fe-e800-44f2-ad86-35892b7e0991">Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay</a>:
[QUOTE]Thank you for your response...would you mind telling me who you used for catering, bartender, and DJ. The wedding coordinator said she would book the Vista suite for me. How do I use the promo codes - do I give them to the coordinator or do I call reservations. In Response to Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay :
Posted by dallasduren[/QUOTE]

She used Absolute Beverage (bartending), RSVP Rentals, Masterpiece, Retro Bakery and DJ Godzilla.  <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-smile.gif" border="0" alt="Smile" title="Smile" />

Typically if someone has posted a review on here, I'll have their vendors linked to their review on my site at <a href="http://vegasgroom.com" rel="nofollow">http://vegasgroom.com</a> so you can search by their TK username to find all the matching vendors.

dallasduren

Thanks Everyone...I am booking tomorrow otherwise I will drive myself crazy......

nursing2u

I think I am still too far out to schedule it.. Were getting married JUly 12, 2013.. so i am wondering when the suites will b open to reserve

dallasduren

The wedding coordinator is reserving the Vista suite for us...how do I use the coupon codes.....

vegasgroom

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_in-suite-reception-mandalay-bay?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:625a9d77-1768-48ff-a727-fe6fdc310e2dPost:8ee20108-ff84-4018-bf00-d5559d3ec485">Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay</a>:
[QUOTE]The wedding coordinator is reserving the Vista suite for us...how do I use the coupon codes.....
Posted by dallasduren[/QUOTE]

I'd probably start with the WC and see if she can apply it, if not, once you get the confirmation, try calling in and telling them hey I found this coupon code online and want to have it applied to my booking.  They may refuse though and say it's booked through the chapel and isn't applicable since it was a special rate.  If that happens you may have to have the WC cancel the reservation and just book directly.

dallasduren

The wedding coordinator says when she books the vista there is no deposit required. I thought that was kind of unusual. I want to make sure it is booked with no issues later on.
In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_in-suite-reception-mandalay-bay?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:625a9d77-1768-48ff-a727-fe6fdc310e2dPost:e45aadd7-8019-4464-8c7f-dcc74c785784">Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay : I'd probably start with the WC and see if she can apply it, if not, once you get the confirmation, try calling in and telling them hey I found this coupon code online and want to have it applied to my booking.  They may refuse though and say it's booked through the chapel and isn't applicable since it was a special rate.  If that happens you may have to have the WC cancel the reservation and just book directly.
Posted by vegasgroom[/QUOTE]

krisstyle12

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_in-suite-reception-mandalay-bay?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:625a9d77-1768-48ff-a727-fe6fdc310e2dPost:da4a0b79-d991-4271-804f-5045a2d287b7">Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: In Suite Reception Mandalay Bay : She used Absolute Beverage (bartending), RSVP Rentals, Masterpiece, Retro Bakery and DJ Godzilla.  Typically if someone has posted a review on here, I'll have their vendors linked to their review on my site at <a href="http://vegasgroom.com" rel="nofollow">http://vegasgroom.com</a> so you can search by their TK username to find all the matching vendors.
Posted by vegasgroom[/QUOTE]

OMG THANK YOU, VG!!! LOL! You rock!<img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-cool.gif" border="0" alt="Cool" title="Cool" />