jdweinbe

Thanks so much for that info! I called the group sales coordinator and asked i there was any way to be put on a "wait list" for cancelled rooms. She pretty much said that it was not possible. BUT!! My WC said that she would reduce the visitor fee from $100 pp to $50 and that it wouldn't be a problem for meeting the 80%. That makes me feel a whole lot better. But now I am getting feedback from my friends and family that they don't want to stay away from us. They are worried that we won't spend time together! And all this time, I was worried that we asked them to stay at the same hotel in fear that we really didn't give them an option of where to stay. Thanks for all of your feedback! You guys are awesome!! Jen

Thank you so much for your advice! I have been trying to get ahold of her but haven't contacted her yet. Tomorrow, I am going to speak to WHOEVER I need to, to try to resolve this. Hopefully this will be the only bump in our planning!!! There is a convention, and I am hoping that they have just "blocked" out these rooms...maybe they will have cancellations and perhaps I can put my guests on a wait list...I think I now have grey hair because of this! Jen

So, RIU has a thing where they say 80% of your wedding party must stay at the hotel....so invitations went out last week and come to find out they are booked SOLID!!! There is a convention going on, and the RPLA and it's sister hotel, RIU Cancun are both completely booked! I am so stressed out that they won't let us get married there! * I've only spoken to our WC once, not to mention our origional WC is no longer working there. *We aren't going to tell her exactly how many people are coming if it causes a problem... *I'm worried that because they are full capacity, they won't even let visitors onto the site. *IF the DO stay at another hotel, they will have to pay a DAY PASS fee of $100 and we just don't have it in the budget to help them pay! Any suggestions of how to handle this? We just sent out information about OUR hotel with the invitations, and I'm nervous of what to say to friends and family! YIKES JEN

We just drove through there last weekend! Islamorada was so beautiful! We didn't have the chance to stop, but by far some of the most exquisite water of the Keys! Lucky you! Jen

I know some of you have used cards and pockets (cardsandpocketsstore.com). I bought just their pockets and matching envelopes and went to the craft store and made my own mats. Then I just printed on my own cardstock (like 50 sheets for $ 2.99) with the invitation, information, rsvp, and hotel info using their sizes specs. It was really easy if you have Microsoft Publisher! I just printed everything and assembled them into the card and save a ton of money! TIP: If you are set on a certain solid color cardstock, go to Staples or Office Max where they sell 150 sheets for $5.00. I wanted yellow cardstock 12 X 12 at Michaels for $.59, and at Staples a 8 1/2 X 11 same color was $.16. It is worth checking out!!! Then just go to Kinkos (for free) and use their paper cutter! I had a lot of fun being so involved with the invitations! jennifer

Thanks for sharing!!!

Yeah, I am just trying to I guess get a feel for what to do. I would like to have a "let's meet everyone" kind of thing, but not sure if it needs to be more formal. Thanks girls! Jen

Thanks for the imput! If they are staying at the hotel, do you think I need to buy anything extra or do a "Let's meet at the buffet" kind of thing. Our budget is pretty tight, but I don't want to come off cheap either.

The past few months I have been thinking that I don't have a lot of work to do and just send my invitations out lickety-split-easy....oooops. I wanted to have a Welcome Dinner (or rehearsal dinner)...but exactly WHEN do you hold one of those? Being in Mexico, my FI and I, immediate family, and select relatives are all arriving on Tuesday. The wedding isn't until Saturday. So....the question is: do you hold the Welcome Dinner Tuesday or Wednesday when most arrive, or do you wait until the day before the wedding, to have more of a "rehearsal dinner?" Do you typically have it the day before the wedding but just call it a Welcome Dinner? I thought having a destination would be simpler than it is proving...more details than expected....having fun...just clueless!!! YIKES Jennifer

Hi girls! I know most of you are getting married in Cabo. I have been there...it is just beautiful! We are getting married in Cancun (RIU Palace Las Americas or RPLA) since we wanted to go somewhere we have never been. I am looking forward to sharing info and experiences! I will try to figure out how to upload some pictures that were given to me by the WC. I saw those pics! I want a fire pit now!!! How cool! I don't even know if that is an option for Cancun! Wow! Jennifer

I'm sure I'm missing a thread here, but for those who DID get married in Cancun, where do you go to get your birth certificates translated and apostilled? I saw a post that it costs a lot of money to do this Yikes! We WERE going to just get married before and have a symolic marriage, but word got out to my aunts and uncles and now they don't want to come if it isn't the "REAL" wedding. ....sheesh! Any help would be fantastic! Jen

Quote: Originally Posted by soon2bmrsbyers Hey Jennifer! I have received an email from Lizette... No wonder she doesn't seen very knowledgable... She is very nice. Took about 3 days to respond, but on a couple things I asked, she said "Let me check." I felt very uncertain and haven't heard back yet. Hi Tanya...I actually haven't contacted her yet. Well, at least she is "checking" on things, rather than just guess the answer. I will probably try to call her or email her this week. Have you decided the actual location of your ceremony? I still haven't decided. We will probably have about 20 people there. I also haven't decided where to hold the reception dinner. When in June are you getting married? Jennifer

For anyone who is getting married at RIU Palace Las Americas in Cancun, I was just notified today that Alexandra (WC) no longer works there, and now a girl named "Lizzette" (I think that is how you spell it) is the new WC there. Anyone talk to her yet? I will shoot her an email tomorrow and let you know if she is attentive. I found out by chance becuase I had sent Alexandra an email and a rep called me... Anyhow...thought I'd pass along the info! Happy Planning! Jennifer

I'm getting married at RIU Palace Las Americas on May 19th...I did a lot of research in choosing the location/hotel, etc..it is natural for you to second guess most of your decisions for such a big event! I have had moments of "OH NO" about my dress, hotel, location....thankfully not about my FI...but I think it is natural to feel like the grass is greener...I have some pics that the WC sent me of RPLA if you want me to show you... Your wedding will be beautiful!! Jennifer

I am so glad I found this site! Everyone here seems so nice and helpful! I think it is a great idea to share our success (or setbacks) with the pressure of our ideal weight for the wedding. I have gained close to 20 pounds since I met my FI a year and a half ago....so I am determined to get back to my weight I was before!! I have a calendar and write down how much I workout each day. It is nice to look back at the end of the week and see where you have done well or need to improve...Also, if you don't feel like working out, you can look at your calendar and say to yourself "Nope...can't miss today....you already took off on Monday and Wednesday!!" Great job to everyone who is working hard!! I look forward to sharing more with you!! Jennifer

Thanks for your imput....I will see if I can get the WC to send some pics from the photographer or a website or something....having trouble hearing back from her....

Hey RIU brides! I am looking to see some pics from the photographers that the RIU Palace Las Americas uses for the weddings. I have only been given photos of the hotel. I noticed that for Dreams, a guy named Juan takes amazing pictures!! I want that!!! Any former RPLA brides have pics they can share to get a feeling for the photographer? Any brides-to-be have an idea of the photography offered? Thanks a bunch! Jen

I'm getting married in May, 2007 at RIU Palace Las Americas. I am so excited (and new to the board). I am looking forward to meeting new friends and exchanging experiences/ideas. Question/Survey: Are you holding a coctail hour before the reception? I get the feeling the "reception" is a seculded area of one of the specialty restaurants...Is that what you think too? I would like to have a little more fun before the sit down dinner...any thoughts? Jennifer