Paradisus Riviera Brides - POST HERE!

PrincessGinger · October 12, 2010

Alright, looks like I will add a little more. Just kept thinking of things I should have added : )

Forgot to mention the gift bags. We brought everything for the gift bags down there with us in one giant suitcase, customs will question it, just explain what its for and say you only spent a couple hundred dollars. We used reuasable bags from Bath and Body Works (got them for like $2 each, great deal) for the gift bags, which was perfect bc then many people used them as beach/pool bags all week. We included a welcome letter, a stamped postcard addressed to us that we explained in the letter was meant to be our guest book with everyone's fav memory, personalized koozies, personalized deck of cards, beach ball/frisbee, underwater camera (many people commented on how excited they were for these--esp for the pool or snorkling), first aid kit, mini sunscreen, mini hand santizer, mini advil, mini tums (another hit--too much drinking, ha!), and snacks (chips, cookies and gum). We went to Puerto Morles, like 10 min cab ride, to get the snacks, kind of a pain, but worth it since there aren't any snacks at the hotel except to purchase at the gift shop. We handed the bags out ourself, partly bc I didn't want to pay the $4 a bag the hotel charges, but mostly to get face time in with each guest. Bc of the gift bags I did not do a favor at the wedding, everything I wanted to give people I put in the bag, plus most wedding favors are ridiculously useless.

We did not really bring any decorations with us. Our colors were yellow and aqua, yellow bridesmaid dresses, flowers, and shirts for groomsmen, then we had aqua bows on the chairs (ceremony and reception), aqua overlays on the tables, aqua and white on the ceremony canopy and chose centerpieces from the packet. The head table we had these sand centerpieces that were really pretty, then the other tables had yellow and white flowers that matched me and the bridesmaids bouquets. I had personalized napkins made for them to hand out during the cocktail hour (cheap, easy to pack, and nice way to personalize something), our programs were fan programs which I def saw people using as it got a lil hot, other things we brought with us were the sand ceremony set with yellow and aqua sand, cake topper and cake serving set. Note: DO NOT pack your cake knife and server in your carry on bag! Seems quite obvious, but it didn't even cross my mind, the knife was so long its considered a weapon and they should have filed a police report, but they just let us check the bag instead. This still upset me though bc every ceremony item, jewelry, shoes, etc. for the wedding were in that bag.

Sorry I am a little all over the place with this review, but I just want to note everything as I think of it. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions, I am happy to help.

I am going to try and figure out how to post pics since I know those are just as helpful as what I write. Anyone know how??

Ginger

PrincessGinger · October 12, 2010

Alright, looks like I will add a little more. Just kept thinking of things I should have added : )

Forgot to mention the gift bags. We brought everything for the gift bags down there with us in one giant suitcase, customs will question it, just explain what its for and say you only spent a couple hundred dollars. We used reuasable bags from Bath and Body Works (got them for like $2 each, great deal) for the gift bags, which was perfect bc then many people used them as beach/pool bags all week. We included a welcome letter, a stamped postcard addressed to us that we explained in the letter was meant to be our guest book with everyone's fav memory, personalized koozies, personalized deck of cards, beach ball/frisbee, underwater camera (many people commented on how excited they were for these--esp for the pool or snorkling), first aid kit, mini sunscreen, mini hand santizer, mini advil, mini tums (another hit--too much drinking, ha!), and snacks (chips, cookies and gum). We went to Puerto Morles, like 10 min cab ride, to get the snacks, kind of a pain, but worth it since there aren't any snacks at the hotel except to purchase at the gift shop. We handed the bags out ourself, partly bc I didn't want to pay the $4 a bag the hotel charges, but mostly to get face time in with each guest. Bc of the gift bags I did not do a favor at the wedding, everything I wanted to give people I put in the bag, plus most wedding favors are ridiculously useless.

We did not really bring any decorations with us. Our colors were yellow and aqua, yellow bridesmaid dresses, flowers, and shirts for groomsmen, then we had aqua bows on the chairs (ceremony and reception), aqua overlays on the tables, aqua and white on the ceremony canopy and chose centerpieces from the packet. The head table we had these sand centerpieces that were really pretty, then the other tables had yellow and white flowers that matched me and the bridesmaids bouquets. I had personalized napkins made for them to hand out during the cocktail hour (cheap, easy to pack, and nice way to personalize something), our programs were fan programs which I def saw people using as it got a lil hot, other things we brought with us were the sand ceremony set with yellow and aqua sand, cake topper and cake serving set. Note: DO NOT pack your cake knife and server in your carry on bag! Seems quite obvious, but it didn't even cross my mind, the knife was so long its considered a weapon and they should have filed a police report, but they just let us check the bag instead. This still upset me though bc every ceremony item, jewelry, shoes, etc. for the wedding were in that bag.

Sorry I am a little all over the place with this review, but I just want to note everything as I think of it. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions, I am happy to help.

I am going to try and figure out how to post pics since I know those are just as helpful as what I write. Anyone know how??

Ginger

PrincessGinger · October 12, 2010

Alright, looks like I will add a little more. Just kept thinking of things I should have added : )

Forgot to mention the gift bags. We brought everything for the gift bags down there with us in one giant suitcase, customs will question it, just explain what its for and say you only spent a couple hundred dollars. We used reuasable bags from Bath and Body Works (got them for like $2 each, great deal) for the gift bags, which was perfect bc then many people used them as beach/pool bags all week. We included a welcome letter, a stamped postcard addressed to us that we explained in the letter was meant to be our guest book with everyone's fav memory, personalized koozies, personalized deck of cards, beach ball/frisbee, underwater camera (many people commented on how excited they were for these--esp for the pool or snorkling), first aid kit, mini sunscreen, mini hand santizer, mini advil, mini tums (another hit--too much drinking, ha!), and snacks (chips, cookies and gum). We went to Puerto Morles, like 10 min cab ride, to get the snacks, kind of a pain, but worth it since there aren't any snacks at the hotel except to purchase at the gift shop. We handed the bags out ourself, partly bc I didn't want to pay the $4 a bag the hotel charges, but mostly to get face time in with each guest. Bc of the gift bags I did not do a favor at the wedding, everything I wanted to give people I put in the bag, plus most wedding favors are ridiculously useless.

We did not really bring any decorations with us. Our colors were yellow and aqua, yellow bridesmaid dresses, flowers, and shirts for groomsmen, then we had aqua bows on the chairs (ceremony and reception), aqua overlays on the tables, aqua and white on the ceremony canopy and chose centerpieces from the packet. The head table we had these sand centerpieces that were really pretty, then the other tables had yellow and white flowers that matched me and the bridesmaids bouquets. I had personalized napkins made for them to hand out during the cocktail hour (cheap, easy to pack, and nice way to personalize something), our programs were fan programs which I def saw people using as it got a lil hot, other things we brought with us were the sand ceremony set with yellow and aqua sand, cake topper and cake serving set. Note: DO NOT pack your cake knife and server in your carry on bag! Seems quite obvious, but it didn't even cross my mind, the knife was so long its considered a weapon and they should have filed a police report, but they just let us check the bag instead. This still upset me though bc every ceremony item, jewelry, shoes, etc. for the wedding were in that bag.

Sorry I am a little all over the place with this review, but I just want to note everything as I think of it. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions, I am happy to help.

I am going to try and figure out how to post pics since I know those are just as helpful as what I write. Anyone know how??

Ginger

PrincessGinger · October 12, 2010

Well I tried to add more to my review, but I apparently haven't wrote enough so they are holding it, hopefully it shows up soon.

PrincessGinger · October 12, 2010

Let me try and break it up.....

Alright, looks like I will add a little more. Just kept thinking of things I should have added : )

Forgot to mention the gift bags. We brought everything for the gift bags down there with us in one giant suitcase, customs will question it, just explain what its for and say you only spent a couple hundred dollars. We used reuasable bags from Bath and Body Works (got them for like $2 each, great deal) for the gift bags, which was perfect bc then many people used them as beach/pool bags all week. We included a welcome letter, a stamped postcard addressed to us that we explained in the letter was meant to be our guest book with everyone's fav memory, personalized koozies, personalized deck of cards, beach ball/frisbee, underwater camera (many people commented on how excited they were for these--esp for the pool or snorkling), first aid kit, mini sunscreen, mini hand santizer, mini advil, mini tums (another hit--too much drinking, ha!), and snacks (chips, cookies and gum). We went to Puerto Morles, like 10 min cab ride, to get the snacks, kind of a pain, but worth it since there aren't any snacks at the hotel except to purchase at the gift shop. We handed the bags out ourself, partly bc I didn't want to pay the $4 a bag the hotel charges, but mostly to get face time in with each guest. Bc of the gift bags I did not do a favor at the wedding, everything I wanted to give people I put in the bag, plus most wedding favors are ridiculously useless.

1106wedding · October 12, 2010

Ginger - great overview, thank you! You wedding sounds wonderful I can't wait to see pictures. I'm still deciding between 3 resorts for October 2011 but Sapphire is at the top of the list. The Beach Terrace is the only venue available, is it as nice as the Tequila Terrace do you think? Did you add lighting or linens or chairs or anything extra? Is there a late night bar to continue the party? I'm glad to hear the resort is quiet in October, I hope our guests have run of the place (and lounge chairs!) as well! You're making me excited

Thanks again.

PrincessGinger · October 12, 2010

Alright, looks like I will add a little more. Just kept thinking of things I should have added : )

Forgot to mention the gift bags. We brought everything for the gift bags down there with us in one giant suitcase, customs will question it, just explain what its for and say you only spent a couple hundred dollars. We used reuasable bags from Bath and Body Works (got them for like $2 each, great deal) for the gift bags, which was perfect bc then many people used them as beach/pool bags all week. We included a welcome letter, a stamped postcard addressed to us that we explained in the letter was meant to be our guest book with everyone's fav memory, personalized koozies, personalized deck of cards, beach ball/frisbee, underwater camera (many people commented on how excited they were for these--esp for the pool or snorkling), first aid kit, mini sunscreen, mini hand santizer, mini advil, mini tums (another hit--too much drinking, ha!), and snacks (chips, cookies and gum). We went to Puerto Morles, like 10 min cab ride, to get the snacks, kind of a pain, but worth it since there aren't any snacks at the hotel except to purchase at the gift shop. We handed the bags out ourself, partly bc I didn't want to pay the $4 a bag the hotel charges, but mostly to get face time in with each guest. Bc of the gift bags I did not do a favor at the wedding, everything I wanted to give people I put in the bag, plus most wedding favors are ridiculously useless.

We did not really bring any decorations with us. Our colors were yellow and aqua, yellow bridesmaid dresses, flowers, and shirts for groomsmen, then we had aqua bows on the chairs (ceremony and reception), aqua overlays on the tables, aqua and white on the ceremony canopy and chose centerpieces from the packet. The head table we had these sand centerpieces that were really pretty, then the other tables had yellow and white flowers that matched me and the bridesmaids bouquets. I had personalized napkins made for them to hand out during the cocktail hour (cheap, easy to pack, and nice way to personalize something), our programs were fan programs which I def saw people using as it got a lil hot, other things we brought with us were the sand ceremony set with yellow and aqua sand, cake topper and cake serving set. Note: DO NOT pack your cake knife and server in your carry on bag! Seems quite obvious, but it didn't even cross my mind, the knife was so long its considered a weapon and they should have filed a police report, but they just let us check the bag instead. This still upset me though bc every ceremony item, jewelry, shoes, etc. for the wedding were in that bag.

Sorry I am a little all over the place with this review, but I just want to note everything as I think of it. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions, I am happy to help.

I am going to try and figure out how to post pics since I know those are just as helpful as what I write. Anyone know how??

Ginger

PrincessGinger · October 12, 2010

Ugh, being a noob on here is really annoying, it let me post the review, but now won't let me post more things I thought of. I don't think I can post pics bc I'm a noob, but I'll find a way for you guys to see them if you are interested.

As for your questions:

1) I believe the beach terrace is the same as the tequila terrace, when it was Paradisus it was called tequila terrace, now beach. It used to have a covering and now its open, which I didn't think I would like at first, but I def enjoyed having the openness.

2) The colors were yellow and aqua, so the bridesmaid dresses, flowers and guys shirts were yellow, then we had aqua bows on the ceremony and reception chairs, aqua and white on the ceremony canopy, aqua overlays on the reception tables, yellow flower centerpieces on the guests tables and a couple of sand centerpieces on the head table. The only extra lighting we added were the tiki torches by the lounge set up. The terrace has ample lighting for dinner and dancing.

3) There is a discoteca open like thurs-sat late night, so the party just transferred to there. There is also a lobby bar that stays open until midnight I believe.

I wrote a bit more about our gift bags for guests and other ceremony items were brought, so I will try and get that posted soon. If they let this noob.

jystar13 · October 12, 2010

ginger - awesome review! thanks so much for posting!

i am getting married at the now sapphire in february, ceremony on the beach and then cocktail hour/reception on the beach terrace (which is different then the tequila terrace). i am doing the divine package also, i know that the reception set up is all white, did it cost you a fortune to add flowers and the overlays to the reception tables?!? i definitely would like to do that and also get the tiki torches.... but have no idea how much it will end up costing...

PrincessGinger · October 13, 2010

Sorry about some of the repetition on here, it wasn't letting me post for a bit there, so I tried a couple of different ways.

I am surprised there is a difference between the tequila terrace and beach terrace, there was only one terrace at the hotel. Looking back over my info Sandra had me down for the tequila terrace, so maybe the beach is just further down the terrace, but you would still be able to see and hear people at the other location if there were two receptions going on.

As for the cost, it definitely adds up, but I honestly think the colored bows, overlays and centerpieces made everything look so much more beautiful. Looking back over the budget it cost $5 for white covered ceremony chair above the 25 included with packages, $5 for each colored bow on ceremony chairs (none included with packages), $5 for each colored bow on reception chairs (none included), $25 per table for colored overlays (none included), and the centerpieces we chose were from the eternity packages and were $85 per table (one included)--and don't forget to add the 11% tax for everything too. We had 55 people, so the extras really added up over the 25 included for most things (like additional champagne toast, hor douvres and meals), but nothing was a surprise, we knew what the cost would be before we got there and even made some adjustments once we were there with things we no longer wanted and an extra guest that came last minute, so they are definitely flexible.

Below is a link to the blog for our photographers, and on there they have a link to their facebook page where you can check out some of our pics, and there is one that shows the ceremony set up and one with the reception area/set up. Until I can figure out how to get more of pics on here, this is best I can do.

http://momentsthatmatterphotography.com/blog/

Hope all of this is helpful!

Ginger