Houstonnlh

For some reason that posted as one LONG paragraph...sorry. Also, I used Suzanne Morel for hair and liked her and her staff very much.

Hi Everyone, I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about RIU Palace as I just returned... I will do a more detailed review, but here is a start :)Thank you to all the brides before me for the reviews and advice. This forum is a lifesaver!! I will post some pics in a new thread.... Arrival: We arrived on Monday 5/6 and didn't meet with the WC "Jazz" until Weds 5/8. Once I met with Jazz I realized she totally has everything under control and can do just about anything you want done. So don't worry!! One recommendation I saw on here and totally helped was to do our own rehearsal before the wedding with the wedding party. Otherwise people might be a little lost. The WC will tell you how it all goes down and you can meet with your wedding party after that (at least that's what I did and it was fine). Wedding: We used Rev. Marco Archiega and he was amazing. He was assigned to us through the RIU. We emailed a few times and didn't meet until that day. Absolutely no complaints! We had so many compliments from the guests about him. Ceremony was about 30 mins and then there is a champagne toast Reception: Baja Norte. Absolute perfection. We had 62 guests and it was beautiful. We did a bunch of round tables and groom and I sat at our own small table. I don't have all the pics yet, but will try to find a few. The other reception venues were nice as well, but what I liked about Baja Norte was being in the open air with great views. I think the steakhouse/beach location would be really pretty too, but the dinner portion of that has a low ceiling and I liked the fresh air feel better. The dancefloor on the beach would be really neat, though if you go with that option. Music: I 100% recommend DJ Arturo Ortiz. I found him through the WC. I didn't want to bother with the ipod so I made an xcel document with a playlist and he played every single song I put on there! I was really surprised b/c we didn't have much correspondence beforehand. Bottom line: he was awesome and downloaded all that music for me at no charge. Saved me a lot of time and headaches. We had the DJ and lighting package. Flowers: Just send Alina the pics you want and she will make it happen! My only complaint is the grooms boutinear was really small for some reason (?), but at the end of the day, I don't care! Everything else was BEAUTIFUL and I married my best friend Not sure why his wasn't up to par, but the rest were stunning. Rehearsal Dinner: We rented out the sunset cruise through Cabo Escape. It was a BLAST and probably a highlight of the trip for our guests. My only caution is it is kind of like a booze cruise so if you are looking for something more low key, I would not recommend it. We have a pretty lively crew so it worked for us. They do have microphones and dinner so you can do speeches, etc then party afterwards...they will work with you. Photographer/Videographer: Photo: Gilda Badillo--- I know I'm raving about everyone, but these 2 really were the best vendors. Gilda is affordable and she works her BUTT off! We had a lot of comments about how good she is and how hard she works. No complaints at all. Same with our videographer: Jorge Ibarra. He was great and he and Gilda know each other so they know how to work well together. Can't wait to see the final products! I'm sure there is more, but overall I was incredibly happy with the entire experience!

They told me that sky lanterns are not allowed at the RIU...hope this helps.

She is working with us to do the TTD before the wedding actually (different dress so doesn't really matter) because we now have to fly out the morning after the wedding. She has been VERY easy to work with!

Yes, we are using the 7 hour package which includes 1-2 hours for the trash the dress! So basically, 5-6 hours of wedding day coverage plus a TTD session.

We are using Gilda Badillo in May. I will post some pics after. I think she is reasonably priced, but I guess that is somewhat relative depending on your budget...

Thanks so much and congrats! Care to share any of the hiccups? Anything you would warn us to avoid doing?

Thank you! It is Winnie Couture Victoria

You can definitely have a DJ, but I'm not sure about a screen projector...haven't heard of anyone having one there.

Hi Hailey! Congrats on your upcoming wedding, mine is in May 2013. I also have Kylene and have just gotten most of my info from this site. I am copying and pasting something I saw from a former bride (2011?) regarding the location options. Hopefully it's still pretty accurate. I don't have pricing info, but I think I'm aiming for Baja Norte with about 50 people, private, with open bar. Private locations: 1. Mar de Cortes (Steak house) (rent the whole thing if you have enough people to rent the whole place...I forgot how many that was I think 60 or 80 people is the min to close it) 2. Mar de Cortes (Steak house terrace): This is on the ground level, and you can walk out to the beach from here 3. San Jose (Mexican Restaurant): I think most people rent the terrace of this which is above beach level. I wouldn't want to rent out the inside of the restaurant because its enclosed vs. the steakhouse which is not enclosed and has a nice open air feel, but does have a ceiling. 4. Misaki (Japanese) This restaurant is enclosed as well. I don't think many people rent this out. 5. Medano (Buffet) Why would you want it here? 6. English Garden (This is the terrace of the Buffet) I don't think a lot of people rent this, its probably pretty busy around there especially since its around dinner time. 7. The Pacific Ball Room- inside 8. Baja Norte/Baja Suhr:Poolside I had mine at the Baja Norte. The only difference is that the Baja Norte is the quiet pool by day, and the Baja Suhr is the activity pool by day. So, its a little more private at the Baja Norte. I Loved having it pool side because it was beautiful and you are overlooking the beach and ocean as well...there was NO One around us once the reception started at 7:00 which was very nice. 9. The Beach: The set up tables right on the beach, either right by the Steakhouse restaurant or right by the Mexican Restaurant- This option looked nice, but i think i would rather have my tables on solid ground. 10. Disco Semi Private 1. Steakhouse Terrace 2. Mexican Terrace 3. Japanese 4. Buffet For the semi-private you only get these for one seating...either the early seating 6:30 or 8:30 I think they are both for 2 hours. If you want both seatings you have to pay for it.

I'm interested in the submersible lights and dried petals/flowers. Will PM you

I'd be interested in the candles. Sending you PM

Congrats to you! 1 year will fly by. There are quite a few of us RIU Palace brides to be on here so you should be able to get alot of information here! Best of luck!

Congrats on your wedding! I'm def not the expert and am getting married at a resort, but def check out Suzanne morel for hair and makeup.

Congrats! I used trip advisor to search cabo hotels... There were about 30 and you can narrow down pretty quick with filters like price or all inclusive (or non AI). I'm getting married at the RIU Palace and there are a lot of Dreams brides on the forum as well. The hotels will meet with you in person if you get in touch with them to set it up. Good luck!

Congrats Aynat! Welcome back, you looked beautiful! Can't wait to hear more!!

Love Love all the lace dresses! Here is mine, but it has a blingier belt! I'm also adding lace covered buttons down the back.

Hi Mels! We are using Gilda Badillo for photography and Jorge Ibarra for Videography

Hi Kat! I am using Teresa Stauring of vacations for less. I found her through this website and she has been great so far! I am also getting married in Cabo. All you have to do is click on the travel agent advertisement on the right and they will contact you and assign you someone (or you can try and request her, but I hear there are a lot of good ones through just requesting one on this site). Good luck!