Riu Brides - Anyone getting married at the Pond Gazebo

chicago88 · March 20, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by naga0066

They are okay with switching locations then? I know they had us put in our preference when we did our date request... and was wondering when we had to decide for sure. Do you think it matters at all what the other brides are doing that day (if someone has the same day)? I would assume it wouldn't... it can't take that long to change out the decorations if necessary.

Yeah, I know a couple people on the forum switched it after they got there & saw the options and just told chandlyn at the meeting.

MoKe0506 · March 21, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by crawford2B

I am pretty sure you do not have to make a final decision until you get there. I was very set on the beach. The gazebo was nice on the beach but i really wanted to be on the beach near the water so we went with the bamboo arch. It was worth it to us. Also they schedule the weddings far enough apart that there is time in between. ALso someone said the white rooms behind it. In the pictures it looks white but its not. It is purple!!! just a note. ALso for our wedding on the beach they had two security guard type people standing near the site and made sure no one went behind us on the beach. Right next to us was a private beach do that helped a lot. Also when we got our pictures they took out the people, boats, and even the bouies (sp?). But we cant do that on the pictures we took on our own. But if you buy pictures don't worry there will not be anyone or anything in the pictres. I posted my pictures of the beach if you want to look. The pond gazebo was very pretty but I felt I am in Jamaica I can get married on a pond gazebo at home. Whatever you choose you will look amazing and everything will be perfect!!!!!!

If you get an arch instead of the beach gazebo, do they put you far far away? Your ceremony seemed secluded, or was it just because Michael edited the people out? Did you find your spot better than the beach gazebo spot? I think if I do the beach, I will get an arch instead of the gazebo so I can be a little further. But then again I remember seeing a pic where Riu was setting up an arch right by the gazebo so it was kind of pointless.

jmhein · March 21, 2008

I believe the arch is set up just to the side of the beach gazebo. But they put it a little farther ahead so the beach gazebo isnt noticeable in the pictures or anything. ALL locations are beautiful!

Agape Gems · March 21, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoKe0506

If you get an arch instead of the beach gazebo, do they put you far far away? Your ceremony seemed secluded, or was it just because Michael edited the people out? Did you find your spot better than the beach gazebo spot? I think if I do the beach, I will get an arch instead of the gazebo so I can be a little further. But then again I remember seeing a pic where Riu was setting up an arch right by the gazebo so it was kind of pointless.

Based on this pic it seems that the arch is just a hop, skit, jump away!

jmhein · March 21, 2008

Yup! That's where it goes! It's basically the only quiet area of the beach, so it's a very nice area!

KimmyKatBride · March 21, 2008

We were there January '07 when we got engaged and we personally liked the beach a lot better as we didn't like the hotel as the back drop for pics at the pond gazebo...people had their towels hanging off their balconies to dry and random people were obviously hanging out on their balconies taking in the sites and sun. Just our insight on what we saw when we were there...have you seen pics of bride's weddings from there...that might help you decide!!!

Wherever it'll be, will be SO beautiful! We were SO impressed with the RIU...that's why we're going back!!!!!

nettyboop11 · March 21, 2008

Hi,

Getting married at the pond. I went to the hotel for a visit and it's equally gorgeous in person. Make sure you use a backdrop behind the gazebo. What decorations are you traveling with and how are you packing?? I want to carry some things over myself, but don't want to overpack or end up burdening family either. Like one of the other brides said... "go with your gutts and stick to it"! It will be beautiful as you make it!

Mich · March 21, 2008

Nettupoob11 what do you mean by using a back drop, like putting tool (sp??) on the gazebo?

crawford2B · March 22, 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoKe0506

If you get an arch instead of the beach gazebo, do they put you far far away? Your ceremony seemed secluded, or was it just because Michael edited the people out? Did you find your spot better than the beach gazebo spot? I think if I do the beach, I will get an arch instead of the gazebo so I can be a little further. But then again I remember seeing a pic where Riu was setting up an arch right by the gazebo so it was kind of pointless.

The bamboo arch is extra just FYI. It was $200 but well worth it. The free arch they give you is the palm looking thing that they have on the gazebo. The beach gazebo is not far away from the arch but you don't see it in your pictures. During our wedding they had two security type people standing on the sides of us so no one would walk behind us, but there were people standing on the sides and in front of us watching. It did not bother me. It seemed secluded because I was so focused on what was going on with the ceremony. I think no matter what type of arch you get that is where they do the ceremony. Any further over to the left is a public beach. There were boats in the background and a few people off to the sides swimming but Michael asked them to move and also cropped out the boats and people. I liked the beach the best because our whole point of getting married in Jamaica was to be on the beach with the sand in our toes. The gazebos are beautiful but they are not the same as right on the beach almost in the water. I hope this helps. Good luck!