Hi Everyone & Hi Josie

I'm the mom of Josie who'll be getting married at The Riu Riviera Maya on 11-28-09. We are so excited and can't wait for the day to arrive. My biggest problem is that I am an advance planner so am a little nervous thinking of all the things I would like to have "set" and not leave to chance.

However, it sounds like other members weddings have gone off fantastically without a whole lot of advanced planning. Yet it is kind of confusing..... without knowing in advance where different activities would be, how did you make up a program to give your guests so they would know where to meet and when? We'd like to put together a program that would say what bar to go to meet at for the cocktail party, etc. Like the previous bride mentioned, we don't want to be trying to be get the word out to the guests verbally while they are all out trying to enjoy their vacations.

Another question I had was for people doing the out of town bags. Did the resort deliver these bags to the wedding guests when they checked in, or did you have to go to them individually and give them to them?

I saw that quite a few people did the maracas at the reception.... love it... and many have posted that they purchased them while there for $1.00 each. I guess I am just worried that we would get there and there wouldn't be any maracas there to buy or they would be very expensive?? Was it easy to find them in town? Could you buy more than 50 easily?

Did anyone try to ship anything to the resort in advance? For instance, if we purchase bows for the chairs, travel mugs etc... are you allowed to ship them direct to the resort and have them just hold them there for you?

Has anyone done a planned excursion for the guests to one of the ruins or nature preserves? If so, did you just pay in advance for everyone and let them do it at their leisure? Or, did you just send out a note to everyone or include a note to everyone that there would be an optional excursion on such and such a date at such and such a time?

I have seen several references to a "casino". Is there a casino at the resort (I did not see it on the website) or is there a casino at one of the sister resorts that is easy to get to?

Who has been to the disco and what is it like? Has anyone had their reception "after party" at the disco? If so, will they play your personal music play list for you there or will they only play their own music? (If you rent out the disco that is) If you do rent out the disco can you still allow anyone to come in including your own guests but also resort guests as well? Will the DJ announce the wedding party as they enter the disco? How far is the disco from the resort and is the path to get there easy to find and follow for those who want to walk?

I heard that the music they provide at the wedding is " cheesy"... Can you ask them to play your own play list as far as music goes for the actual ceremony?

Thanks for bearing with all the momly questions. Hi Josie!!

Sincerely,

Susan

I've heard absolute horror stories about trying to ship anything to the resorts in advance...that is one of your only questions I know the answer too. I'm planning a June 2010 Dreams Tulum wedding. congrats and welcome to the forum.

Welcome and congrats !! Your big day is coming soon

Welcome to the forum. I've also heard horrible stories about shipping in advance and my hotel has advised me against doing that.

I'm not sure about your other questions. But use the search feature and you'll find tons of info!

Congratulations and best of luck!!

Hi Josie's mom!

Congrats and best of luck planning Josie's wedding! My FI and I are planning a trip down to the resort in January and our wedding is next June. This will give us time to think about appropriate decorations and placement, taste our menu items, meet with the WC, meet our photographer and get our engagement pictures done, and also get to know the area so that we know exactly when/where to meet for the weekend festivities. This trip will also give us a chance to pick up local wedding favors.

As for OOT bags, we are hoping to put them in each room before the guests arrive. Otherwise, we will have the resort staff provide them to the guests upon check-in.

There is alot of helpful research that has already been done here, so use the "search" function to find out info to all your questions.

hey mom.........can you take my last name out of this?

lol. thanks morgan....i'll have to school my mom on the proper way to BDW!