Questions: RIU Santa Fe

[Kelly C]

Did anyone have or having their hair and or make up done?

[Sandra E.]

Here's the picture of the gazebo Kelley tried to update:

 

[ripcat]

Hey Abbie,

Just wondering where you are getting married? Beach or gazebo? Would love any pics you get!! Also are you getting your hair done there? And where is your dinner gonna be?

Thanks for any info and enjoy your day!!!!!

[Sandra E.]

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2008bride Did anyone have or having their hair and or make up done?

Kelly, I actually gotta done at the Resort's spa - Renova. They did a pretty good job, they did exactly what I wanted.

[Lagen]

I'm getting married at the Palace. But wanted to let you know that these sister sites work closely together. So, at the Palace I have a choice of about 5 different bows for my chairs at no extra fee. They once said something like "If we don't have it we can get it from the Santa Fe or another place as needed". So, they really work with you to accomodate you. So, I think it's about communicating what you want. They do great with pictures. I sent pictures of what I wanted my hair to look like, exact flowers, etc. And It sounds like they can match just about anything. The Renova spa is doing hair for all of my attendants, family members, and me on the day. FYI - they tell you to schedule these things when you arrive, but I scheduled it 2 months in advance to make sure I got the times I want since there are several weddings in a day there.

 

 

I leave exactly 1 week from today, so I'm sure I'll have tons more to share when I get back. FYI - some of our guests are staying at the Santa Fe so I'll have feedback on both resorts.

[Cabobride09]

Lagen,

 

Congratulations on your wedding. I am curious if 80% of your guests are staying at the Palace? I am sort of split weather to have it at the Palace because of their 80% policy. I like the extra ammeneties the palace offers, however staying at the Santa Fe is alot more affordable for my guests. I like that the Palace offers extras such as fire dancers and fireworks. Too bad I couldn't get married at the Palace and have my guests stay at the Santa fe.

[Kelly C]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lagen I'm getting married at the Palace. But wanted to let you know that these sister sites work closely together. So, at the Palace I have a choice of about 5 different bows for my chairs at no extra fee. They once said something like "If we don't have it we can get it from the Santa Fe or another place as needed". So, they really work with you to accomodate you. So, I think it's about communicating what you want. They do great with pictures. I sent pictures of what I wanted my hair to look like, exact flowers, etc. And It sounds like they can match just about anything. The Renova spa is doing hair for all of my attendants, family members, and me on the day. FYI - they tell you to schedule these things when you arrive, but I scheduled it 2 months in advance to make sure I got the times I want since there are several weddings in a day there. I leave exactly 1 week from today, so I'm sure I'll have tons more to share when I get back. FYI - some of our guests are staying at the Santa Fe so I'll have feedback on both resorts.

You have to be sooooo excited!!!! I love to hear all about it. They told me if I book online before I get there we can get a discount. Not much but at this point everything helps.

I also heard that the colors of the bows they have are purple, gold and silver for us to choose from.

Have a GREAT time!

[Kelly C]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cabobride09 Lagen, Congratulations on your wedding. I am curious if 80% of your guests are staying at the Palace? I am sort of split weather to have it at the Palace because of their 80% policy. I like the extra ammeneties the palace offers, however staying at the Santa Fe is alot more affordable for my guests. I like that the Palace offers extras such as fire dancers and fireworks. Too bad I couldn't get married at the Palace and have my guests stay at the Santa fe.

Did you ask about staying at the Santa Fe? I'm not sure if they will go for that. Since if you stay at palace you can go santa but not the other way around. I would love to get married at the gazebo at Palace.

[Lagen]

Yes, we're very excited. We leave on Tuesday and tomorrow is our last day of work before the trip.....so it's a very exciting time!

 

I believe 80% of our people are staying at the Riu Palace. We're having 40 people and I think 2 groups are at the Riu Santa Fe and I have a relative that lives there so he'll stay at his condo. Personally, I think they claim the 80% rule to get business and if it doesn't work out it's not the end of the world - so I hear. Now, would I bank on that....NO. But, my US wedding planner told me many times not to worry about the 80% policy and that if all else failed we could throw a little extra money at them to hush them up. Upgrading means, or having open bar will usually make up for the 80% at places too. (As long as they make enough $$ off you, it all works out). But, it doesn't appear to be an issues for us. I really can't imagine that they will refuse to marry you when the day comes and 80% aren't staying there. Also, please note that the group rates for the Riu Palace are not very expensive. Obviously, I'm getting married during the low season. But, the garden view suite is $100 per night per person. When you consider all food and alcohol are included, that's a deal in any vacation spot!

 

As for details, please don't stress. In Mexico everything gets done at the last minute. And, their system works. A lot of girls are freaking out that they can't get it all planned, and get the WC to write back about everything ASAP - and it's several months before their wedding. This is typical. It's a laid back culture and considering they do 3-4 weddings per day.....they are busy and they know what they're doing.

 

As for bows the Riu gave me pictures of each possible bow and color. I think there was gold, silver, yellow, red, blue, and a few others. My colors are red and white but the red bow was horrible so I'm opting for silver instead. Also, if you're worried about color, $25 of tulle of your wedding color from a local shop would be easy to transport and yiled predictable results....always something to consider!

 

Any other questions....shoot them on over! I'm happy to help. But, I'm sure my reviews will be even more helpful in a few weeks.

[Lagen]

FYI - my guests that are staying at the Riu Santa Fe have been told they can come over for dinner, the wedding, etc w/o a fee. This is a favor they do as long as you ask nicely. They said if they ask the right person they can go over all day and use the pool to. You just have to be nice, and likley a tip goes a long way?!?!