Crys

Cedrick was transfered out of country so we had his replacement who was awesome. sorry I do not recall his name right now. We did the same as you are thinking and ended up just going with our playlist on our Ipod...turned out great. Did I mention they had a wireless microphone for our MC to use. Made it fun as he was able to walk around a bring the mic to guests for little speeches. Great for those who don't like to get up in front of the crowd

no fee if your photographer "happens" to be a wedding guest Possibly staying at the same resort or another resort on a day pass. This will not work if the photograper is a local

We used the RIU DJ and were very happy with him...it is a company that has a contract with the RIU and they have a few employees so I cannot say if you would get the same fellow as us. The WC should be able to supply you with a email contact address for you to talk with them directly and answer what ever question you have. Below is the email address I have for them [email protected]

good luck with the open bar response let us know how that turns out...just a fair warning you should clarify the answer as they say one thing and really mean something different ...or even leave out exact details. We found if you don't ask and clarify...they don't tell. (until it is too late) seriously I would hate for you to be disappointed come the day

awesome Michelle...CONGRATUALTIONS...now enjoy married life as Mr and Mrs. Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Congratulations remember Relax, Enjoy, Be Happy Have an AWESOME time

We were told that to use outside vendors there would be an extra cost...if I remember correctly it was $300.00 per vendor. My mom was a florist and wanted to do my flowers but we were told to buy fresh flowers down there would be using an outside vendor and thus the extra fee. If you do it would depend on the florist if they deliver or not...but you would have an outside vendor charge definitley. For our reception we brought with us our own silk flower arrangements (no fee as no vendor used) Will they hold a delivery for you? Don't know about this. I would be concerned about it arriving in time or getting lost in mexican la la land. Better to pay extra baggage on plane and take with you

One note: The DJ did not MC for us as we had our own MC...but if we needed the DJ to MC he would have. Also they provided a wireless microphone ...absolutely no problems with sound

yes he did speak english well. He played a mixture of ours and his. We provided him with a Itouch of songs he looked through it and selected some and added some of his that he flet kept with our taste. He was sure to include specific songs my husband pointed out to him that we definitely wanted. You can give him songs on a Ipod or Itouch as we did or provide him with a song list prior to the wedding so that he can make sure he has it. Or just give him your preference of style (although you take your chances not being specific) Our group pretty much did our own thing he didn't need to get us going.... there was nice music playing when we arrived at the reception (It was nice. I didn't pay attention to what it was, just know it was nice) again pleasant music for dinner and then when we were ready to dance he kicked it up a notch and sort of winged it I guess. It all worked out great. We were very happy with the DJ and highly recommend them. Actually the one area we did not worry about. hope this helps. Mom and I are so glad that we can help answer some of the questions that everyone has. It was so stressful for us trying to plan something with never being there. Hopefully our answers will help. Please ask and if we know we will tell. remember it does hold true..."In the end it all comes together and your wedding will turn out beautifully" Quote: Originally Posted by mishele81 Hey Crys, I think I may have asked you about the DJ earlier, but can you elaborate a little more on him. Did he speak english well? Did he get the crowd going? What kind of music did he play? Can you give him some music to play? We are from small town Alberta and I like country music and was wondering if it will be difficult to get him to play some of the popular country two stepping songs? Any details will be greatly appreciated ! Did your guests dance a lot? Thanks Crys xo

Kary...sorry meant to say the tables are not set up the same in this picture ...that bar has it's tables in front of the entertainment stage. sorry for the type-O...long day at work

Michelle Here is a picture of the bar I call the piano bar. This one is right off the lobby. very quiet, over looks the resort and ocean...this is where we had our guests meet for cocktail hour (free) If your wedding is at 4 and about 30 min long that brings you to 4:30. The rest of the resort guests will be in their rooms getting ready for dinner so it should be quiet for cocktail hour (can't guarantee of course but it makes sense ...no?) I can only say it was like that for us. Kary, The bar and stools are the same style as the one I told you that is one flight up from the pool. The tables are is not the same at that one though those tables are in front of the entertainment stage. Still looking for a picture of it for you. Crys' mom

There is no actual beach bar. The closest bars to the beach are at the pools and they close around dinner time. Then its the two on the same level as the entertainment stage two filghts up from the beach and the one off the main lobby3 flights up from the beach (I call this one the piano bar it also has pool tables)

It is an actual bar... actually there are two there First I would try to figure out which side of the pool they will set you up. If they say next to the pool bar then it is only one flight up to the next bar. That bar has stools around it and also table close by. But your guests can see your party from that bar and will come right back because they want to be with you and celebrate. If they tell you it is on the other side of the pool then it is only a matter of walking around the pool and up the stairs. Seriously not far to go. We were two flights down and had no problem at all with guests going back and forth...and like I said our waiters ended up doing it for tips. Crys' mom

I wouldn't do the cocktail hour... there is no need. We just had all our guests meet us in the piano bar (this is the main bar right next to the reception desk) It looks over the ocean..and it's free. When we were there it was always empty but for maybe 6 other resort guests. We found this to be the quietest location and is very large. Lots of tables and a bar with stools...couple of bar tenders and a waitress or 2 depending on the time of day. Seriously once you get there you will find that all of the bars are not that far from any place you want to go. bars are just a staircase away and around a corner from the restaurants...the furthest restaurant is San Jose and that is only maybe 3 minutes from anywhere.

Michey, mud slide, superman, caribbean orange were good drinks Sorry there were so many with the same name LOL the name Julio stands out...LOL WOW getting married tomorrow ...Have an awesome day tomorrow that's the day that counts...the rest is only for show...have a GREAT trip...enjoy and relax Congratulations

Hi, This is Crys' mom hope you don't mind. Crys is out of town and I can answer some of this. 1) There is a small choice of flowers that they will use in the wedding pkg. Anything out of that will cost extra. I also am a florist and have to say that we were pleasently surprised with the quality of flowers used for the reception. Crys decided to have all white lilies and they used casablanca lilies. Your mom can tell you that these can get either get bruised, broken or stained from the stamens very easily. none of this happened...the quality was very good. The smell from the lilies was awesome...and they were included in the pkg. 2) Crys went with the cd included in the pkg for the ceremony...sound was great and they played the songs she selected at the correct moments. 3) again Crys went with the resort makeup and hair stylist and was very happy with them. one note Crys says is worth mentioning is make sure you are not shy about what you want. She had her hair in a updo in the back and had to make sure they did it higher then they were going to as she did not want it low on her neck because of the heat. (also her veil was to come from below the bun and not above it). Also she had them do her makeup a little lighter then originally planned. Crys paid for a trial run with the stylist before the wedding day and felt that this was well worth it. If you want false eyelashes bring your own. Crys' MH had an extra pair she used as the spa did not have a very good quality for this. The mani/pedi's were nice, Crys got the gel nails which were nice for the wedding but did not last over a week. Please read through this post I have rambled on to some of the other girls regarding some items that may help. Yes I tend to ramble...sorry Hope this helps some Crys' mom

Michelle, Here is a better picture of how they set up the beach dance floor. Six trees surround the floor which is actually bigger than we imagined. It was a nice surprise that it wasn't as small as the WC had us believe.

Found this pic that shows part of the area used for the receptions around the pool...a lot of the area is cut off sorry. They move the beach chairs and they may use either side of the pool depending on the size of your group. One thing to note is that not only is there a bar there that they will open up for you for a mere 15.00 per guest but it is right at the bottom of a stair case that takes you directly to a bar that you don't have to pay for... only one flight.up. They may use either side of the pool...you may want to ask them which side they'll use. If it is the side right next to the spa you will have to walk around the pool to get to either bar.

another note for you Kary and others, The flower arrangements double as the flowers they use at your ceremony. we felt they were a pretty good size (no complaints) Crystals were casablanca lilies...very beautiful. They used one after the ceremony on the head table and the other decorated the cake table. Flower petals they don't tell you are used to decorate the room for the wedding night. We found out prior to the wedding and were able to change this and use for the flower girl basket. Actually there was enough to do both, the bags they gave Crys were huge. Champange I am sure if you ask can be used whenever you want. We didn't realize it was going to be given at the reception...we assumed it was for the reception dinner. Little things the WC doesn't tell you that would help during your planning Crys' mom

BTW...the picture above of the Riu is old. Now there is the Riu Sante Fe which is behind and comes around to the left of the Palace when looking from the beach

Hi Kary, I saw a reception by the Baja Norte pool one evening and it is beautiful. They started clearing the area of all the beach chairs early...if I recall correct it was about 2 hours before the reception. Of the two pools this is the one that is less busy (when looking in from the ocean it is the one on the left). The right side is where they have all the activities and is very busy. I believe they use the bar that is there. It is also used for the swim up bar. The side facing the ocean is the swim up bar and the otherside of the bar faces the area for the reception. What I don't get is if the bar is already there and it serves mixed drinks all day...then why not for a reception without the extra 15.00 fee. (we never asked cause this was after we had already done our wedding that we noticed this) You still have a great view of the ocean from the side that is used for the reception...until it gets dark obviously. It is a beautiful location, at night the lights around the pool look awesome. Your paper lanterns will look great and add some style. Levels to the resort are: beach level: where we had our reception at the DonJulio terrace and beach for dancing 1 level: where the pools, spa, gazebos, Baja Norte, steakhouse and San Jose restaurant 2 level: entertainment stage, Pacha Disco (own bar opens at 11pm) and two more bars and 3 restaurants (Crystal room and the Japanese restaurant are on the left when looking from the beach (these two need reservations) and the Sir Lawrence (no reservation) is on the right; only open for breakfast and dinner). also this is the first level the guests rooms start. 3 level: guest rooms, reception, piano bar, jewelry store and gift shop. 4 level: guest rooms If i can find a good picture of the pool area I will post one for you sounds like a lot of levels but is spread out very nicely. Hope some of this info helps Crys' mom

I have always been told by others that frequent such places that it is not a good idea to ship items ahead of you, as everything is on "Mexico time" and not guaranteed to arrive in time... or possibly even ever show up. We paid the extra cost and packed it in its own luggage and took it on the plane with us.

OOPS one more thing about the receoption Guest went to the disco after the reception and had a blast. Was glad not to have the disco for the reception as it is definately a disco and not set up to have a nice reception. Don Julio and beach was perfect

3 tierd cake ...cake topper, silk cherry blossoms and blue ribbon my mom brought and had them add to cake. yummy cake (one layer choco. one vanila one marble (which ended up being choco) didn't find out til we cut into it...again breath We're married and all is good Mom found a cake topper that match my wedding set...just added the blue stone to be exactly like mine...cool eh? The Reception: Don Julio Terrace with the beach for dancing: Very private 46 in total 6 tables of 6 for guests U shaped head table held 12 table for guest book later for wedding cake Tables were spread out quite nicely. Comfortable room for walking around. No choice on chairs used but lucky for us the covers are in blue which was what we wanted anyway. The arrangment on the head table at the top of the picture is one of the arrangements that was hanging on the gazebo. The small vases like the one on the left of the picture are what my mom found at the dollar store by Walmart. The resort did not have 10 matching vases for us to use (they had some but were too small and not enough) Mom brought from home silk cherry blossoms and blue gel beads. she put the arrangements together and then put a round water proof light inside (the gels were in water). she also brought from home 36 tea lights in the shape of butterflies, dragonflies and gerber daisies. (They each glowed in and out of 4 colors). These were spreadout on the tables and if you look closely there were also some on the wall inside those stone decorations. Blue and clear plastic diamonds were also spread along the tables. At night it all glowed so beautifully. Lights above tables and on walls lit the dinner area. After dinner we turned had them turn out the lights above and only had the ones on the wall lit. Center of picture on the right where guests are standing is a stairway up to the bar. on the left is the entrance to the beach dance floor. DJ was set up at the to of picture on the sand to the left. Metal rings on each of the tables is a where they place the appetizer plate... one per couple to share. Where the dance floor is the area is usually covered in beach chairs. This was cleared out for the dance floor. gazebo on the left of picture is one of the places they give massages during the day. This was closed off to us. Black objects below the trees are spot lights that the DJ supplies. There were 10 of them all glowing blue lights. We had them placed at the base of 6 trees, two at the entrance to the terrace and one at either ind of the terrace. The dance floor was 3 trees deep 2 wide (that probably won't make sense until you're there) Dance floor set up in front of terrace for dancing was wood squares about 4x8 (I'm guessing) Wood was a bit rough, don't know if anyone got a sliver but was possible. Floor was laid out in a long rectangular shape and was as level as possible with it being placed ontop of sand. careful you don't trip. was much better than dancing in the sand as it is coarse hard to walk in. To the left of the entrance is where they put the cake. I get too detailed...let me know if there are questions. BTW we opted to not have the open bar and were very happy about it. The bar was not too far to go get drinks other than wine and we found out that some of our guests tipped the waiters during the night once in a while and they happily got drinks for us...even the blended ones. It was no different then you would if you were at the show they have each night.

Hi everyone, So sorry it has taken so long to post since the wedding. Did I tell you I also have a 8 month old baby girl. So you can see I have been busy with that as well. Still...My apologies. Everything turned out beautifully despite some bumps along the way getting it organized. I want to answer some of those questions we all have been trying to find out about the RIU. Palace. Where do I start? FYI...To both Michelle's and Jenn, who have been emailing back and forth with me and my mom...if I leave anything out, please feel free to email me. Either my mom or I will get back to you sooner through email than on here. (I don't seem to find the time to get back on here lately...but I check my emails always) We had the Caprice wedding pkg. Brides Bq: all Casablanca Lilies and greens (included) Grooms Bout: small white lily to match (included) purchased BM bq's $60.00 ea. (MH was to have 7 lilies, BM were to have 5 lilies...all ended up with only 4 large casablanca which we didn't know till they were brought to us 1hr before the wedding. too late to do anything about it so just breath...LOL) wanted hand tied with blue ribbon we brought, no container. They put them in a cylinder and wrapped the cylinder with the ribbon (did not like it but can see why they did it. It was a very hot day and they lasted longer this way. Just would have been nice for them to tell us first and not just do it. GM Bout: my mom made real touch silk combo of lily petal, cherry blossom with agreen leaf from silk lily. I wanted to incorporate cherry blossom into the theme. They turned out great and were much better than paying 5x $30 ea from the resort florist. Lets start with the ceremony ...46 in total attended incl wedding party. Everyone gathered on the grass prior to the wedding starting. We had a basket of silk fans that my dad handed out while he visited with everyone before the ceremony started. We decided to have the guests seat themselves where they liked. Because the ramp we walked down to the ceremony was a little steep we opted to have the groomsmen escort the bridemaids down. My groom carried our daughter and I walked beside them. The ceremony is about 20 minutes long, 25 minutes with the sand ceremony. Judge speaks in spanish and the WC translates. The signing of papers is long and you get finger printed (bring something to clean the ink off) San Jose Gazebo: Awesome choice to have the ceremony. Over looks the ocean, background of the Arch (although the angle you cannot see the actual arch but it is there) and on our day (Wednesday) there were cruise ships (some got in some photos which turned out kind of cool). There was a table set up to the left side of gazebo with champange and water on ice. Champange glasses (not plastic) and a server (all included in pkg). To the right of the gazebo was another table set up for the sand ceremony. There is also a very large grass garden area for picture taking. Chairs were covered in a white cloth chair cover with a blue bow tied around it. On the front of the gazebo arch were 2 very large flower arrangements (incl. in pkg) that matched my bouquet. Casablanca lilies smell awesome and can bother some with allergies but since it was all outside there were no problems. San Jose Gazebo Riu Palace The walkway to the right is one choice for the wedding party to enter, or you may enter from the left which has a level ground. We picked the ramp on the right to walk down (it's a little steep, not bad just take your time) I did it in 3 inch heels...and never fell at all...) We did not bring this from home. The sand ceremony was a last minute addition. My mom hunted high and low and finally found a plain vase and colored sand at Walmart. Luckily mom brought some craft supplies and was able to decorate the vase. The colored sand is actually scented sand found in their home decor deptartment. The beige sand in the vase is from the beach. 4 colors: base color represents where we were married the other 3 colors represent our daughter and us. NOTE: afterward mom stuffed the empty space of the vase neck with kleenex and topped with douple saran wrap put the vase back in the box it came in and gave it to the best man to bring home for us as a carry on. No problems at the airport. Total cost for vase and colored sand $35.00 sorry...This is a lot of info for one post and I am probably posting in the wrong area. Someone let me know if I am rambling. I will post next on the reception.