MagsieMexico

Hi Riu Brides, Another question for you! I was thinking that the Riu could be the perfect compromise (for those of you that don't know, I cannot pick a location!), people who wanted something nicer could stay at the Riu Palace Mexico, my FI and I could stay there, and have the wedding there (I believe they have beach ceremonies and private receptions - right?), then people who wanted a more affordable option, could stay at the Riu Yucatan or Playacar right next door. Now, I understand that people from the palace can go anywhere, and from Yucatan and Playacar can't. So, I know that I would have to pay for a day pass for those folks to come to the wedding, but my question is, the Riu Palace also specifies that 80% of guests have to be staying at the hotel. Does that mean the Riu Palace, or could that be any Riu hotel? So, basically, 2 questions: 1. If for example, we had 50% of our guests at Riu Palace, and 50% at Riu Yucatan, would that be fine, (we would just have to pay for guest passes for the day for those at Riu Yucatan)? or is that not allowed because of the 80% rule? 2. Do you know for sure if they do private receptions in a terrace or some kind of outside space in the Riu Palace Mexico? Thank you ladies!

Emily, I also loved these resorts, but decided against them because of the costs for guests. It's really important for me that the people I want to come can afford to come without really putting them out, so I'm trying to pick a more affordable place. That's why I came to the Grand Palladium Kantenah or the Barcelo Maya Colonial... Very affordable. But now I am rethinking those because I'm worried they will not be that special for my guests, who, as you say, are already paying the huge flight cost from England, so maybe I should just pick a lovely resort for them to enjoy when they get there! Either way, I think that if cost is not an issue, these resorts would absolutely be a definite winner for me. (By the way... interested in a boudoir session in September with Leigh in London?)

Good thinking, a few people said they had found it easy and successful just to request the new building. Dreams Tulum sounds so perfect in so many ways, but I'm just worried it is a bit of a gamble, and I would feel bad if some of my guests were paying a lot to come to my wedding and got stuck in a room wtih no hot water and under construction! I know for you there are no guests, so that makes it a bit less of a worry... It does sound so perfect in lots of ways!

Jason, I've read a lot of reviews about the 'new' vs the 'old' building at Dreams, that if you get the new one, you're fine, if you get the old one, you're stuck with no hot water and other problems. Have you heard about this? Is there a way to be sure you're in the new one? Thanks!

Oh My GOD! I am so impressed, you are all SOOOOOOOOOO hot. Leigh, I definitely want to do this, when you are in London in September!!! I will start another thread, maybe a couple of the other London girls will be interested... you ladies look so hot! So, did you just do your own hair and make up and bring your favourite lingerie?

Welcome, and good luck. And don't ask me!!! I am the WORST, and have not been able to make a decision... Most affordable I think are: Iberostar Grand Palladium Barcelo Medium Riu Palace Mexico Dreams Tulum More expensive Azul Beach Moon Palace Rough estimates there. all of those I think meet your needs, and all are lovely, and I can't decide!! I thought I had narrowed it down to barcelo and grand palladium, but now I'm thinking of dreams tulum again. I'm an idiot. But you won't have as much trouble, nobody else did!

I thought I narrowed it down to the Barcelo and Grand Palladium, but now I'm having doubts again and wanting to throw Dreams Tulum or Riu Palace back in, but the reason I ruled those out is because of the cost for guests, and according to Loco Gringo, Dreams Tulum is about 75 dollars per person per night more expensive, that's a huge difference for guests... so maybe I should just stick with my choices.... and pick one of them!

I know, I can't believe it, I wanted to give everyone a year's notice too, to plan their trips and such, sooooo annoying!

Oh cool! That sounds manageable even for a moron like me! I might have to try this. How do you invert an image, can you do that in photoshop and regular photo programmes?

Okay, so those of you that have been around for a while know that I'm a moron (like asking how to print the name and address on the custom luggage labels... duh, you slip the paper inside each one!!!) Anyway, so, here I am again not understanding. The iron on transfer... how does that work? do you have to get someone to print iron on transfers with your design? or is there a special company that makes it? Or what? The bags look great, and I'd like to do this, but I don't understand how.

Oh, this is a great idea! I was planning at least one event all together, so this could be it! Thanks ladies, as always, a wealth of knowledge and ideas.

Oh thanks Anny! I thought I had looked through all the links, I don't know how I missed that one. Thank you! That is weird about the macdonalds though, very important! Although, I did have a friend tell me the other day that she didn't like the Grand Palladium that much because they didn't have enough American food! How ridiculous is that! ha.

Welcome welcome! Where in Tulum, which resort? Very exciting!

Looks great! I never wear make up either, so am afraid of looking like a clown... but that looks lovely on you! So, are you going to have the random beautician at the resort do it for you on the day?

Aw, Glenda, thank you!!!!! And I think you're all right, you always end up paying so much for a wedding anyway... and I am going to choose an affordable resort instead of the gorgeous expensive resorts anyway to make sure guests can come, so... maybe I won't worry about it!

Thanks Anny, it's the Grand Palladium Kantenah...

The grand palladium doesn't take reservations for weddings in 2008 until June!!!

Is the banquet hall open air, or is it totally indoors like a normal hotel reception? Melissa, I didn't realize how soon your wedding was!!

So... I've narrowed it down to two! Any choices, any advice? Any one stayed at either of these (I know you have Melissa! I believe they are in about the same price range... Grand Palladium is I think a bit closer to Cancun... Does anyone know exactly how far Grand Palladium or Barcelo is from Cancun Airport? I"m having a hard time finding Grand Palladium on a map. Thanks!

Wow, she does make it sound brilliant! I think I have narrowed it down to this one and the Grand Palladium.

You might have convinced me Melissa... It looks lovely. Do you know what the private reception options are? Also, do you know if there is an option to have an arch or chuppah set up on the beach for the ceremony? Thanks.

Oh, Lenita, I am so excited for you! Have the best time, try to sleep, it will be gorgeous no matter what, and try to enjoy it, I hear so many people saying that it passes in a flash and they can hardly remember it afterwards! Can't wait to see your pictures, I know you'll look fantastic!

This is great, i really want to use our Ipods too, and this advice is perfect. What are people going for for the first song? Also, for the ipod size, a nano could be fine, but I'd check how many gigs it is, that will affect how many songs you have... If you are just going to play the list, 1 gig (1000 songs) could be fine, but if you want to have enough music to accept requests, you'll probably need more... Some of the newer nanos have much more than 1 gig anyway...

Hmmm, I thought for sure I just wanted the flower in my hair (I love the flower in the hair look!), but now looking at all these photos, I'm not sure!!

Jen, they're gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous!!! Well done. I looked at ones with baguettes too on the side, lovely. TammyM, I'm back in London now, just got back today... missed you. But, will be visiting Michigan regularly, so next time! Okay, so I know you all think I'm completely mad, but, this is what I changed my ring for. Just a completely plain solitaire ering, and a completely plain band. I know, I know, my FMIL already told me how crazy I was. But, I LOVE LOVE LOVE It! And I can't stop staring at it, and i think i'ts so much more beautiful, so I am happy. and yes, Glenda, you're right too, the next step, pick a bloody place already!! How am I going to be about the dress... oh dear.