RIU RM Palace Brides??

[KimmyG]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LadyTrunck Kimmy- thank you SO MUCH for the details of your review! It sounds like our weddings are very similar, w/ package and ceremony/dinner time. Makes me feel SO much better about every choice that I have made!!! Great tips- you answered so many of my questions!! It is greatly appreciated! P.S. I was cracking up at your sand ceremony idea! Fantastic! You said that the welcome dinner had ice sculptures and choc fountain? Did you have to pay for that? What restaurant was it at? Also, how were the welcome bags given to the guests? I read that they can put them in rooms, or give at the front desk, but many of our guests are arriving the day after we get there, and I’m afraid that we won’t have the meeting with the coordinator yet… Can you tell I’m writing this as I read? Warning: MEXICO LOVES TECHNO AND MICHAEL JACKSON. Don't say I didn't warn you!!!

The ice sculptures and choc fountain were a fabulous surprise that were just part of the dinner at the Don Manolo buffet that night (Thursday night). I didn't request any of it, but was delighted at how elegant and fun everything was. The welcome dinner is awesome: they set your party up in a private part of the restaurant, decorated the tables, etc. The food was better that night than at the wedding reception, no doubt.
That being said, Drew and I ate dinner at Don Manolo a few days later (Monday night) and it was barely even the same restaurant. Food was still good but all the hoopla was gone. I doubt they did all of the jazzy stuff just for our welcome dinner, but it sure was a nice touch.

Regarding the welcome bags, we handed them out to guests as we saw them. We arrived Tuesday, gave a bunch out on Wednesday night when everyone was drinking to the guests who arrived then, and brought the rest of them to the welcome dinner on Thursday. It wasn't necessarily the best system but I'm not sure the front desk would have done it better. I'd hate for the front desk to give it to the wrong person or to skip someone and lose track, so that was something I wanted to keep in my own hands. If we had a more reliable bridal party I would have distributed the bags to them to distribute to guests' rooms. Our bridal party was enjoying their vacation too much to help :-P

[LadyTrunck]

Perfect Kimmy! Thank you so much

 

Ok sorry, I'm question lady today: To any past brides: I have 4 children coming that are under the age of five (do not need seats for ceremony, they are standing with us, barely eat a thing, OBVIOUSLY don't drink haha) do they count in your wedding package count? We're at 42 now counting them, and I would hate to pay an extra 500+ for the more expensive package since we're over 40!?

[samira26]

Hi Jannae, I have a feeling children ages 5 count, the only reason being I had inquired for some of friends who were planning to bring their children and the resort had said kids under 2 stay free but over 2 there was a charge (now thats the room) I assume the same logic would apply for the wedding package. When I go for my wedding I can ask them, just remind me.

[LadyTrunck]

Quote:

Originally Posted by samira26 Hi Jannae, I have a feeling children ages 5 count, the only reason being I had inquired for some of friends who were planning to bring their children and the resort had said kids under 2 stay free but over 2 there was a charge (now thats the room) I assume the same logic would apply for the wedding package. When I go for my wedding I can ask them, just remind me.

That's what I'm afraid of. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to be a cheapskate or anything- but it's just a lot extra. That would be great if you could ask though!!

[samira26]

I completely agree! I will def ask when I go for my wedding. But I think you can reason with Ael that kids that young shouldn't count for the wedding package! fingers crossed for u!

[KimmyG]

LadyTrunck- have you heard the quote "it's easier to ask for forgiveness than permission" ?

 

Don't count the kiddos in. Whether they have to pay to stay at the hotel is one thing, but I'd hardly count them as "guests" at the wedding. Don't mention them and don't even worry about them.

[LadyTrunck]

Thanks guys!

You're TOTALLY right Kimmy---- I'm totally going to do that especially since their policies have changed so much!

[Mrs. McKenna]

Hey ladies-

 

I've been married for a full 3 weeks and am just now getting the chance to log on. Luckily Kimmy gave such awesome information I don't have a ton to add!

 

There are two main things from my wedding that I would recommend to anyone...

 

1. Grooms' dinner at Carboncitos in Playa del Carmen. My hubby had done all the research and we had decided that since everyone was essentially paying to come to our wedding and paying for their own food and alcohol it would be a really nice thank you to bring everyone to town for dinner the night before the wedding. My hubby had already made the reservations but we went to check out Carboncitos right when we got to Mexico. It was FREAKING AMAZING! Russell (the guy from New York that owns it) told us he was planning on having us up on the roof. We didn't even know the roof existed!

 

On the day of our grooms' dinner (which also happened to be my birthday) our guests were blown away. The view was spectacular, the tables were set up, there was a full bar, lights hanging down, soft music playing... and we had the entire roof to ourselves. To top it off the food was ridiculously good.

 

If you're looking for a place to bring people definitely check it out. It was completely reasonable price-wise and was definitely a highlight for our guests. I'm not sure if they have a website but you can find them on facebook...

 

2. The second thing that was awesome was the maricachi band during cocktail hour. I was a little nervous about having our first dance to a band but it was romantic and perfect. Side note- I really wanted to have our cocktail hour outside and kept asking for the terrace and being told no. Finally Rebecca suggested the theater bar which is actually connected to the terrace area. They set up everything outside for us (appetizers, cocktails, band etc) and it was gorgeous. If you want it outside make sure you specify you want the theater bar outside... apparently the "terrace" is some other huge area.

 

Overall I stressed out way too much but it all turned out perfectly. I wouldn't do it any other way. If you have any specific questions just let me know... in the meantime I know it won't be easy but relax and enjoy your last days as single ladies!

 

-Jessica McKenna

[dana]

Good Morning All,

 

Yesterday I went shopping with my FMIL and mom to find them dresses. My mom is a perfect size 10 and looks great in everything. She really found the dress she loves a few weeks ago, but it's so expensive she is still looking. My FMIL on the other hand really struggled yesterday and we found nothing that looked good on her. She is very homey (if that is a word), grew up on a farm, only has sons, and I have NEVER seen her in a dress. She is a bigger women (about a size 18-20W), but is small on top. We went to David's Bridal, Nordstroms, Lord N Taylor, Macy's, and Lane Bryant with zero success. She left the day feeling worse about the whole thing and bad about herself. Does anyone have a suggestion of another dress place i could find for women's sizes? I have to have a better plan of attack the next time so she doesn't feel so bad about herself! As you can tell I still feel bad this morning!

 

On a good note, I found a welcome dinner dress and my shoes at david's bridal!

[LadyTrunck]

Congrats on your wedding Jessica! Show some pics!!

 

Dana- sorry I'm no help w this- I have no idea where to look

 

Hey guys- I know that there is free wifi in the lobby- but does anyone know if it's in the rooms for a fee? FI has been wondering...