Paradisus Riviera Brides - POST HERE!

yikes! Daniela told me they do 2 weddings per day - but 3?! that's insane! I don't know how any place could have 3 weddings per day and accommodate all those people. It's kind of disheartening to hear this No one should feel they get sloppy seconds on the most special day of their lives.

My mom and I are trying to go down in March for a site visit and to also check out some back up resorts - Gran Velas and Iberostar.

 

Well, now I know why I haven't heard from Daniela or Cecilia since last Thursday! ughhh

Hi ladies! I know I am not around much these days ... I would echo FeatherChicks' suggestion that you appoint someone to oversee your day.. I asked my closest girlfriend (who also came with me to the pre-wedding meeting with Perla and FI) and I had given her a binder of info as to how everything was supposed to run.. there were some screw-ups but she was able to fix most of it before I even knew about it!

 

Hope everyone is well!

Sure! Like some of the other girls, I had chosen a lot of custom things (chairs, linens etc.) so my friend had a list of things such as:

linen colours

sashes for ceremony chairs

fans to be placed on chairs

music - a list of what songs were when and who had the music

what was supposed to be on the table and what it looked like (centre pieces, place cards etc)

what the set-up was supposed to be for the reception (i.e. number of tables, how many at each, highchairs where)

the menu (I asked her to make sure with the lead server b/c we had someone with severe allergies)

play/do not play lists (ensuring that these were with the dj)

ensuring the DJ had the music for our first dance, mother son/father daughter

ensuring that the podium and mike were set up

ensuring the decor was as requested (i had some fabrics etc. draping)

 

I also briefed her on all the appetizers etc. that we had ordered so when FI were off doing our photos she could manage that aspect.

Sure thing! If it helps - here is the final email I sent to Perla (it's 15 pages) and I gave my girlfriend the same one!

 

 

FINAL EMAIL TO PERLA.doc

Missy - did you have another wedding the same day as yours? How did it work out?

Hi Everyone - I'm back from checking out the resort and meeting Cecilia and Daniela along with Swank (the DJ). We loved it and it was nicer than we even expected! We talked for them for about an hour and a half and they showed us everything, we picked the spot where we want the reception and ceremony. Makes me even more excited for November now!

 

I havent gone back and read all the post... but I saw something about 3 weddings on one day?!?!? Insane... there is no way that could happen.

Lauren, great to hear that your visit went well!

 

Is anyone doing a welcome reception? I want to but don't want to pay for it. I was thinking about just telling them to meet at one of the bars one night and just take it over. Do you think that is doable?

Exactly what I was thinking Avong! Just doing rehearsal dinner (you can not have it in a restaurant if its over 30 people). Anyone going to get the embassador suite to stay in for the wedding?

I think we are going to do an offsite catamaran cruise for our "rehearsal" dinner/welcome dinner. Something different

I think we are getting suite for our stay that weekend - it's in our contract from my TA I believe and I hear its amazing! Did you see it first hand?

P.S. Did you ask them about 2 weddings/day? How do they do that?

Kelie, so you are paying for 3 dinners ... welcome, rehearsal and the reception? Wow! I'm not sure my budget can swing that! We think we'll have 50-60 ppl so that would mean over 12K in just food! Am I calculating that right? I am already feeling the crunch so don't think I can handle that!

 

For our rehearsal dinner, Perla had told me that we could have it in the buffet area and all I would have to pay for is the servers at $65 each and that I'd need 4.

 

If I can swing it last minute, I may ask for just apps and drinks on the beach or somewhere.

 

Ladies that have been there ... any good ideas on locations for this besides the beach?