IGstarfish

We had drinks at the lobby bar after the ceremony. It started to rain, so as we were getting photos taken in lobby, all the wedding guests were hanging out at that bar and it worked out great. Plenty of seats, a good place to mingle and get photos with guests. Before we knew it, it was time to move the party to the restaurant.

Hi there! I had spa services there for my wedding. I recommend giving yourself plenty of time. My wedding was at 4pm. My hair, nails with my mom, and pedicure scheduled to start at 12. I didn't get out of the spa until 3:15! We had to rush to get ready. So I recommend a spa day with the bridal party on a different day than your wedding day. They only have 2 chairs/stylists at a time for hair and mani/pedi. You must have Peggy do your hair! She did a great job and did my hair just like the photo I brought with me. The couple's massage we had the day after wedding was great too. I booked online and it was easy, and I recommend it. They have the spa prices available at renovaspa.com.

In my particular situation, yes, if I exceeded the 50 guest limit my reception dinner would have been on the beach which I really did not want. That may not be true with everyone, I THINK it may be dependent on how many other weddings are taking place that day. There can be up to 3 weddings in 1 day. The best way to find out is to ask Sophia the wedding coordinator. She was very helpful and will answer your questions usually within 24 hours. If you do have a private beach reception, it is an event that requires extra set up and staff. They will want to charge you for a tent, tent set up, dance floor recommendation, then I was quoted $70per person for dinner, and additional if you want a open bar near you. I was taken back by that too since we are at an all-inclusive resort. Since I had 40 guests, I was able to have my reception at the semi-private dinner at the Steakhouse. The atmosphere and set up was perfect and food was great. There was another wedding party going on at same time but we didn't even notice them since they have it sectioned off well. The dance section was right across from our dinner section so we got the party started right after dinner, again, we paid extra for that and to have a bar set up next to us, well worth it!

Hot and humid in June. I got married at 4pm and yes, it was hot, and yes my legs were sweating under my dress, but the ceremony was so beautiful and I was caught up in the moment and excitement...that the heat didnt bother me.

Hi ladies. I just got from my wedding at the Riu Palace Tropical Bay..... and it was amazing! I had a hard time finding information on this resort too when I was planning so wanted to let you know theres nothing to stress about! This resort is not too small, not too big, perfect for a group wedding. My group age was 30 and up with small children. Its a family friendly, and big group accommodating. Tips: If your group is more than 50 people, the cost will increase due to private party costs for being forced to have on beach. Decoration not needed, place is naturally beautiful. Spend the money on the flowers for tia flora and photography tropix digital. Its worth it, flowers and photos were beautiful. If you have a good group thatll dance, rent the steakhouse after dinner, and the sound system with open bar. Caprice package for 40 people including semi private dinner, flowers, photography, dance rental w sound system and open bar came to $5k. Thats not bad considering what it costs to.have a wedding at home. This does not include our hotel and plane tickets. Resort itself: Rooms are clean and nice Beach, pool with swim up bar, food all AWESOME! Entertain is ok, but you'll be hanging out with your group which makes the nights fun. There is a club at sister resort that you can walk to that opens at 11pm. This is not a huge party resort at night with lots of options, it's mostly either a late al a Carte dinner or the show at 9:30. Resort gets quiet by midnight. Bottom line: don't stress, had a great time!!