Any other Riu brides out there?

Hi,

We are getting married at the Riu Palace Mexico on April 23, 2007. I was just wondering if there are any other Riu brides out there to share stories, advice, frustrations, pictures, anticipation, excitement, ideas, etc.

Hope to hear from some of you!

Melanie

hi melanie, there are a bunch of riu brides on the forum...off the top of my head i can think of stephanie (raenjay) and kristina (sparklz)...but there are more...the weekdays are a little busier on the forum so i am sure you will hear from them over the week or if you look in the newbies folder you will see the riu brides

Thanks, I hope I do hear from the other Riu brides.

Riu Palace Mexico was not my first choice, but it looks beautiful and it gets rave reviews on tripadvisor. We chose it because we thought it would be financially feasible for our guests and because it seems like it has something for everyone (nice rooms, beautiful beach, all-inclusive, close to playa, etc.) However, I am anxious about it since I've never been there and I can be picky. I really wanted something more intimate where we our wedding would take up the majority of the hotel and there would only be one wedding per day. The Azul Beach Hotel was my first choice, but it was just too expensive for everyone. I'm hoping other Riu brides can put my mind at ease that it's going to be amazing and also that we can help eachother navigate all the planning issues that are specific to this resort chain.

As of now we are expecting about 40 people or so. Because not all of our guests could afford the Palace, some will be staying at the Riu Yucatan. It has been explained to us that guests staying at the Palace can use any of the other Riu properties for free, but guests staying at the Playacar can only use The Tequila and the Playacar. There is a $35 charge for them to attend the wedding/reception at the Palace, but we have told our travel agent not to mention the charge to the guests, that my FH and I will take care of it. We're thinking about doing a "rehearsal" dinner at the Playacar. That way everyone can attend for free. I was told by a former Palace bride that the properties are close enough to be able to meet up on the beach and that her Yucatan guests were actually able to sneak in at times to use the Palace pools.

I have so many specific questions about the wedding/reception. I feel like the information on weddingsbyriu.com is so vague. Hs anyone been in touch with the wedding coordinator down there?

I'm getting married at the RIU Palace Las Americas in Cancun, I know not the same place but maybe we could exchange successes/frustrations along the way. I can tell you this. I booked the date of our wedding in early September (our wedding is on February 8th) and I've been trying to get in touch with our wedding coordinator ever since. It has not been easy, but I was prepared as I've heard this from other Riu brides. With the help of my travel agent, I finally got in touch with someone just yesterday. It took quite a bit of persistence on her part as well. After I sent numerous e-mail's and called a couple of times with no luck. My TA sent a few e-mails and still received no response so finally she got in touch with her Sunquest contact who provided her with a name and e-mail of someone that she could contact directly. I'm not sure if you would be dealing with the same person that I am in Cancun, but if you are interested in giving it a shot, here is her e-mail address: [email protected] and her name is Diana Espino. Good luck, have patience. From what I've read from many other brides, it will pay off in the end.

Tara

yes, there are a few problems with communication at rius but they are getting better! i think you will both have wonderful weddings...if you continue to have problems, vent them here and we will try to help..

one thing, playacar is not equipped to have bigger events so keep that in mind.

I have had some frustrations communicating with them as well. I recently did get a direct email address and phone number from someone there to speak with. I want to be sure I know what to ask before I call. I feel like I have so many questions and yet don't have a clue what to ask! Thank you, Tammy. I will let you know if I have any problems.

Tara: have you gone down to the resort before? How did you pick it? I have never been to the area, but we wanted something beautiful and beachy and affordable. Plus our guests are from all over so this was sort of central. When is your wedding?

Hey girls-

I am planning on getting married at the Riu Palace in Cabo in July of 2008. Unforunately, with my wedding so far away, I do not have much to share with you yet! I haven't booked anything or attempted to communicate with them yet, but I will be trying to book soon.

I look forward to sharing stories/info/advice with you!

Hello, Mexicobride!

I feel your pain! I joined this forum simply because of your post. I have so many of the exact same concerns you do! And I know if we have these concerns, there must be others out there who have already been through this and can share some much needed wisdom.

I'm planning on planning a wedding in Playa del Carmen for next November. And after hours of researching hotels, I'm back to where I started (which is the Riu). I really need the help of someone who's done this. Anybody with experience of coordinating about 50 guests would be awesome to hear from!

Or any help in general would great!

Thanks!