RIU RM Palace Brides??

[elissae]

Originally Posted by Shay4966 

 

Hey!!!! I remember re discussed being planning buddies before... ... my little one is doing good, already crawling (at 5 months) she see things and wants them so I guess she decided the only want to get them is to get moving. 

 

I have started a couple of threads here, including "a get fit for the isle thread." I went throughout this thread when I was planning another wedding because I knew this was were I wanted to have mine. Wendy is great and we plan to have about 40- 50 people. I'm not sure about everything else. I'm trying to knock the little stuff out the way because I have a habit of seeing the big picture and forgetting about the little things. I did start working on mine and my bridesmaids bouquets. I'm doing real touch and brooch and I will post a DIY thread when I'm done. I'm having a hard time deciding between tropical theme and beach theme. My DIY STD's were both. I booked with Del Sol for a 5pm wedding at the gazebo. I plan to have a cigar roller and mariachi band play at the cocktail hour. I have no idea on what dress I want and I'm not doing that until November, I'm not really a dress person and my mother isn't there to help so it's not as exciting as I imagine for others. As a designer I like maggie sottero, more specifically Adeline... but Idk.

 

Gosh they get moving so fast!  How adorable!  Time is flying by!  5 months already!

 

I look forward to seeing your bouquets.  This thread in the original stages discussed a link where you could see the flowers they offer at the Riu, but it no longer works...curious how they are...I guess another question for them once I hear back from my 1st email..  I hear what you mean deciding between themes.  My invites were boarding passes with starfish...now all my OTT stuff is turning into anchors and barely any starfish.  What are your colors?  Mine are navy and emerald green with some white and I figure maybe bright pink splashes (flowers).

 

 

I was going to ask who you booked for photographers!  They look like a TOP NOTCH group - their photos look so AMAZING!  Will you just pay the visitor fee for them?  What is it like $200 a person for vendors?  May I ask what package you are going to do?  I do not have a big bridal party.  it's my FI's 2nd wedding so he said he only wanted his son Jake (who will be 16 next year) to be his BM.  This  made it simple for me - I chose my Mom as my MOH.  I probably wouldn't need them too much before ceremony, but...hmmmm...

 

Where did you find the cigar roller?  Did you get any pricing?  We were going to go into Playa del Carmen and buy some cigars there a few days before the wedding and have them at the cocktail hour, but maybe having someone there would be way cooler.  I just ordered matchboxes and beverage napkins for the cocktail hour so I definitely want cigars (and beverages, too)! hahaha

 

Love love love Maggie Sottero - Adeline - GORGEOUS!!!!  Keep us posted!

[elissae]

That's how I was when I first joined this forum.  What helped me was by starting a DRAFT EMAIL where I saved all the forum links I wanted to go back to.  I organized them by STD, invites, OTT bags, you name it.  I just did one thing at a time.  You'll get it...it takes a bit, but comes together!! 

 

On this forum there are templates you can download/open and use to make your own invitations.  If you do a search you can find them.  I did a boarding pass.  I use to be a crafty person, but had not done any DIY Projects in a long time.  This website inspired me and I DID IT.  I used a template from BDW Bride, Torilynn...she so sweet.  I loved her design so much I emailed her and asked if I could use it.  I know they post them for others use/help/inspiration, but I wanted her to know I was going to use it.  Here's some pics of my final product.  I really surprised myself.  It was a lot of work, but I saved so much $$$$!

 

    

 

Send me your email address and I will send you what i received from the resort photographer.  It appears it is no longer Calypso, but Adventure Photos.  They have a Facebook Page and a website.   Here is the link to their webiste:  http://www.adventurephotosmx.com/index.html#/drerc-ps-2/  I am in the beginning stages of this...however, I think this is something I want to get booked before mid summer if possible.

 

I have nothing on the bouquet packages.  In the back pages of this thread the past brides mentioned a link, but it no longer works.  I have sent an email with questions to the resort last week.  Once I get a response, I will then ask about any information they may have.

 

So nice to meet you and I look forward to planning with you, too!

 

TO ALL RPRM girls - are you on Facebook?  Let's connect there to as friends....I am unsure if i am searchable...my name is Elissa Esposito...I will start us a private group there too!  :-)

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by jessd123 

OMG ladies! You are way ahead of me! Lol. When I start planning I get a bit stressed so I have several idea's I have but have not started much. We will be arriving at the resort on Wed May 1st and will be getting married on Sat May 4th, 2013 at 5:00pm! Origionally this was supposed to be a very small group so I chose to go with the "free" wedding package. After friends and family have all discussed it seems like we have several more people interested in going so who knows. At least you can change the package at anytime, however the other packages dont seem to add much for the $. I may just add the $20 per person over 10. Thankfully, my best friend does hair so I dont need that!!

 

I have a personal friend who is a travel agent. We are waiting on flights to open, here in a couple weeks, to start puting info togethor for guests. I have not sent out save the dates but plan on getting to that soon. The DIY passport info is pretty neat, where did you guys get all of that info? I am by no means crafty so I may end up ordering some or something.

 

I think we will also do the semi-private reception at Chili's after a cocktail hour. I would like to have a mariachi band but the cost is pretty steep for 45 min!!! Whoa!! I am a pretty low key person so I am trying to keep this simple and fun. I figured after dinner there are places we can go drink and hang out without a private reception!!

 

I think I am going to order insulated mugs, fans and maracha's for guests. That is all I have planned at this time.

 

Does anyone have any pricing info on the photography packages through the resort?? Any photos of the bouquet's in the packages??

 

We are going to have a reception here when we get back so we are trying to stay on a tight budget!!

 

We are planning on staying at the RIU from May 1st to May 7th and then we may go off to a different resort for a few days for a "honeymoon" since we will have more guests than expected. This, however, is still up in the air.

[Jez111213]

I'm so happy we have some new ladies to share this experience with and bounce ideas and plans with!  Knowing that someone else will be at my same resort gives me some relief!  I have a tenndency to overthink things so having someone else's thought process for me to read will be a mental therapy!

 

The FI and I were in Cozumel Nov of 2010 and while there we took a ferry to the mainland to visit Chichen Itza.  On our way back to our tour van dropped off groups at several resorts in Playa with RPRM being the last stop.  Well, after a 4 hour van ride and a few beers I was ready to stretch my legs and have a restroom break.  The FI and I ran into the resort for a quick restroom break and the resort took my breath away, it was BEAUTIFUL!!!  So even though we only saw a peek of the lobby it was enough for me to decide to have our wedding here.  I luckily stumbled accross this website and it has confirmed to me that I am choosing the right place!

 

We will be leaving wed 11/13/2013, have our wedding on sat 11/16/2013 and will leave the following friday 11/22/2013. I don't really feel like dealing with the legal hoopla in MX so we will do the legal docs at the courthouse on 11/12/13.  We have not told anyone but my sister and brother in law, and plan to secretly have this as our anniversary!  Our ceremony will also be at the gazebo, and while I orignally wanted a beach wedding, the youtube videos showing a crowd of beachgoers staring at you isn't something I want to do.  I do know the gazebo is by the pool, but does seem much more private.  I'm also hoping they will place us in a room that is on the same side of the gazebo also.  I have debated the idea of getting the suite with the jacuzzi, however I feel like it won't be used and may be a waste of money.  So far we have 4 BM and 4 GM so hopefully we won't be on top of each other getting ready!  We also plan on having our dinner at Chili's as prior review seem to show more people like the food here and a semi private dinner seems to be almost private since it's located on the top portion of the restaurant.

 

Elissa-I'm almost positive you will get the pricing of the year of your wedding and not when you booked.  I seem to remember this being an issue with past brides right before their wedding!  I am definately over estimating on my end in the hopes that the final numbers will end up less.  I'm going to private message you my email address, I'm a little weird about posting things like that on the internet.  I'm going to seach for you on facebook also, I am not searchable and have a common name so it would probably be hard to find me anyway.  Be looking for a Jessica

 

I also have been working with Wendy Hicks and am almost positive I will choose her as the travel agent.  I was originally worried about using someone that was not local, however everything she is needed for can be done via email/phone, and after seeing so many great reviews about her I thought I may as well. 

 

Shes2013-I located a website that has chair sashed for .56 each and come in packs of 10, the site is weddinglinensdirect.com

 

I'm not positive on the photographer yet, I ran across a photagrapher that has very reasonable prices, his name is Octavio Montes.  But after looking at the resort photos they are not as bad as I thought they would be!   The resort website only says packages starting at $599, so if an of you get more detailed pricing please let us know.  Octavio will book for 3 hours for $950, 90 printed photos, and the DVD with all photos.  The only downside is that I will have to pay an additional $200 resort fee.  I agree on Del Sol though, if I had more money I would DEFINATELY use them, their work is amazing to say the least!

 

Can someone tell me what the purpose of the luggage tags are?  I've seen so many people talk about them but still am not sure of their purpose, feeling a little dense here!  I am also planning on using Vistaprints business cards in a lanyard key card/tip money holder.  I may also use Vistaprint for my invites but would like to dress them up a bit!  I'm in the process of trying to find ideas to make a simple invitation more. . .interesting!  I have recieved many elaborate, beautiful wedding invitations from friends/family and I haven't kept one!  So I  think I'll go cheap and spend the money elsewhere.  The boarding pass invites are look great!  If I could do something like that and not have to buy a bunch of supplies that will never be used I would like to go that route.  Elissa, you mentioned you were into DIY previously so I'm assuming you already had some supplies for this.

 

I am also on the weight loss route before I go wedding shopping.  I definately want to lose some lbs before ordering a size.  I am trying so hard to start now and keep a steady pace but haven't been staying on track lately.  Was down 15 and gained back 5 so down 10 total so far.  I guess I have time on my side and will keep pushing.  I need to put skinny women pictures everywhere to keep the cravings at bay!

 

I think that's all for now. . .

[Shay4966]

Originally Posted by elissae 

 

 

Gosh they get moving so fast!  How adorable!  Time is flying by!  5 months already!

 

I look forward to seeing your bouquets.  This thread in the original stages discussed a link where you could see the flowers they offer at the Riu, but it no longer works...curious how they are...I guess another question for them once I hear back from my 1st email..  I hear what you mean deciding between themes.  My invites were boarding passes with starfish...now all my OTT stuff is turning into anchors and barely any starfish.  What are your colors?  Mine are navy and emerald green with some white and I figure maybe bright pink splashes (flowers).

 

 

I was going to ask who you booked for photographers!  They look like a TOP NOTCH group - their photos look so AMAZING!  Will you just pay the visitor fee for them?  What is it like $200 a person for vendors?  May I ask what package you are going to do?  I do not have a big bridal party.  it's my FI's 2nd wedding so he said he only wanted his son Jake (who will be 16 next year) to be his BM.  This  made it simple for me - I chose my Mom as my MOH.  I probably wouldn't need them too much before ceremony, but...hmmmm...

 

Where did you find the cigar roller?  Did you get any pricing?  We were going to go into Playa del Carmen and buy some cigars there a few days before the wedding and have them at the cocktail hour, but maybe having someone there would be way cooler.  I just ordered matchboxes and beverage napkins for the cocktail hour so I definitely want cigars (and beverages, too)! hahaha

 

Love love love Maggie Sottero - Adeline - GORGEOUS!!!!  Keep us posted!

I decided to go with the 5 hour with Del Sol, and have not discussed the visitors fee. They have said they work with the resort so I'm not sure as of yet, but will keep you posted. My colors are Palm Beach Coral and Seafoam Green with blemishes of silver. My FI found the cigar roller through the resorts, and basically you give them a dollar amount of cigars you want rolled. Once they have rolled up to the dollar amount they leave., unless you don't mind your guest paying for cigars (I do so I said I just want them to leave). 

 

Thank you about the dress. I'm not really a dress person but I love the way this dress looks and I refuse to try it on before I drop these pounds cause I don't want my image tainted. I also actually started looking for bowls and suck for a candy buffet. I think I want to set the buffet around the cake area, not a large one but something small. Your DIY Boarding Pass. I also did one here is the link... 

 

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/78850/shays-boarding-pass-save-the-dates-yaaaayyyy-finally-done-pic-heavy/50#post_1775876    labor of love but worth it.. 

 

I think I'm going to do a tropical bouquet, I also purchased some clam shells from a etsy seller for my rings since I do not have a ring bearer. I will post a pic when I get him. They are really nice, I got one for the MOH and BM to present us with.

[jessd123]

VERY interested in the cigar roller!!! We were just going to purchase cigars also! Do you know who he contacted??

[shes2013]

Elissa - Thanks for answering my questions! I want to group book, but I don't think there I can get 10 rooms, which is at the bare minimum anyways, and Wendy says that incentives probably wouldn't be much for us.  I Love your boarding passes! I'll have to post a pic of mine once I get at least one of 'em made. haha. I have to go out and by a fiskar! 

 

I'll be facebook requesting you as well. Girls feel free to add me as well on facebook. PM your names

 

I'm looking into the chair sashes now! I need to get my show on the road!

[Shay4966]

Originally Posted by Shay4966 

 

I decided to go with the 5 hour with Del Sol, and have not discussed the visitors fee. They have said they work with the resort so I'm not sure as of yet, but will keep you posted. My colors are Palm Beach Coral and Seafoam Green with blemishes of silver. My FI found the cigar roller through the resorts, and basically you give them a dollar amount of cigars you want rolled. Once they have rolled up to the dollar amount they leave., unless you don't mind your guest paying for cigars (I do, so I said I just want them to leave). 

 

Thank you about the dress. I'm not really a dress person but I love the way this dress looks and I refuse to try it on before I drop these pounds cause I don't want my image tainted. I also actually started looking for bowls and suck for a candy buffet. I think I want to set the buffet around the cake area, not a large one but something small. "I love your DIY boarding pass. I also did one here is the link..." 

 

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/78850/shays-boarding-pass-save-the-dates-yaaaayyyy-finally-done-pic-heavy/50#post_1775876    labor of love but worth it.. 

 

I think I'm going to do a tropical bouquet, I also purchased some clam shells from a etsy seller for my rings since I do not have a ring bearer. I will post a pic when I get home. They are really nice, I got one for the MOH and BM to present us with.

sorry fixed my typo. I was typing this from my cell phone so excuse the poor language.

[Shay4966]

Originally Posted by jessd123 

 

VERY interested in the cigar roller!!! We were just going to purchase cigars also! Do you know who he contacted??

When I get him I will let you know... 

[Shay4966]

BTW, my facebook name is Tashay Gilbert 

[elissae]

Originally Posted by Jez111213 

 

I'm so happy we have some new ladies to share this experience with and bounce ideas and plans with!  Knowing that someone else will be at my same resort gives me some relief!  I have a tenndency to overthink things so having someone else's thought process for me to read will be a mental therapy!

 

The FI and I were in Cozumel Nov of 2010 and while there we took a ferry to the mainland to visit Chichen Itza.  On our way back to our tour van dropped off groups at several resorts in Playa with RPRM being the last stop.  Well, after a 4 hour van ride and a few beers I was ready to stretch my legs and have a restroom break.  The FI and I ran into the resort for a quick restroom break and the resort took my breath away, it was BEAUTIFUL!!!  So even though we only saw a peek of the lobby it was enough for me to decide to have our wedding here.  I luckily stumbled accross this website and it has confirmed to me that I am choosing the right place!

 

We will be leaving wed 11/13/2013, have our wedding on sat 11/16/2013 and will leave the following friday 11/22/2013. I don't really feel like dealing with the legal hoopla in MX so we will do the legal docs at the courthouse on 11/12/13.  We have not told anyone but my sister and brother in law, and plan to secretly have this as our anniversary!  Our ceremony will also be at the gazebo, and while I orignally wanted a beach wedding, the youtube videos showing a crowd of beachgoers staring at you isn't something I want to do.  I do know the gazebo is by the pool, but does seem much more private.  I'm also hoping they will place us in a room that is on the same side of the gazebo also.  I have debated the idea of getting the suite with the jacuzzi, however I feel like it won't be used and may be a waste of money.  So far we have 4 BM and 4 GM so hopefully we won't be on top of each other getting ready!  We also plan on having our dinner at Chili's as prior review seem to show more people like the food here and a semi private dinner seems to be almost private since it's located on the top portion of the restaurant.

 

Elissa-I'm almost positive you will get the pricing of the year of your wedding and not when you booked.  I seem to remember this being an issue with past brides right before their wedding!  I am definately over estimating on my end in the hopes that the final numbers will end up less.  I'm going to private message you my email address, I'm a little weird about posting things like that on the internet.  I'm going to seach for you on facebook also, I am not searchable and have a common name so it would probably be hard to find me anyway.  Be looking for a Jessica

 

I also have been working with Wendy Hicks and am almost positive I will choose her as the travel agent.  I was originally worried about using someone that was not local, however everything she is needed for can be done via email/phone, and after seeing so many great reviews about her I thought I may as well. 

 

Shes2013-I located a website that has chair sashed for .56 each and come in packs of 10, the site is weddinglinensdirect.com

 

I'm not positive on the photographer yet, I ran across a photagrapher that has very reasonable prices, his name is Octavio Montes.  But after looking at the resort photos they are not as bad as I thought they would be!   The resort website only says packages starting at $599, so if an of you get more detailed pricing please let us know.  Octavio will book for 3 hours for $950, 90 printed photos, and the DVD with all photos.  The only downside is that I will have to pay an additional $200 resort fee.  I agree on Del Sol though, if I had more money I would DEFINATELY use them, their work is amazing to say the least!

 

Can someone tell me what the purpose of the luggage tags are?  I've seen so many people talk about them but still am not sure of their purpose, feeling a little dense here!  I am also planning on using Vistaprints business cards in a lanyard key card/tip money holder.  I may also use Vistaprint for my invites but would like to dress them up a bit!  I'm in the process of trying to find ideas to make a simple invitation more. . .interesting!  I have recieved many elaborate, beautiful wedding invitations from friends/family and I haven't kept one!  So I  think I'll go cheap and spend the money elsewhere.  The boarding pass invites are look great!  If I could do something like that and not have to buy a bunch of supplies that will never be used I would like to go that route.  Elissa, you mentioned you were into DIY previously so I'm assuming you already had some supplies for this.

 

I am also on the weight loss route before I go wedding shopping.  I definately want to lose some lbs before ordering a size.  I am trying so hard to start now and keep a steady pace but haven't been staying on track lately.  Was down 15 and gained back 5 so down 10 total so far.  I guess I have time on my side and will keep pushing.  I need to put skinny women pictures everywhere to keep the cravings at bay!

 

I think that's all for now. . .

 

Hey Jess,

 

The luggage tags are those plastic rectangle/square thingies with a tie that connects to your suitcase.  You just put your name address & phone number on it in case your luggage gets lost.  Some brides put them in their OOT bags and other give as a pre-favor like I am doing - something your guests can use on their suitcases when coming to our wedding!  I think it's such a nice surprise for them to get a gift beforehand!  Such a neat idea - THANKS TO BDW BRIDES! xoxo

 

Here's a pic of mine (I need to start putting these things in threads to share).

 

 

 

I found this anchor template on Vistaprint and now have kinda going that route.  The navy blue and white fabric behind the tags are my OOT bags I found at Wally World (Walmart) for $0.88 each.

 

As far as my invites, it had been some time since I crafted so I did need to buy supplies (although I must say a good friend who scrapbooks had an awesome industrial sized cutting board that helped cut too.

 

 

All bought at Michael's and made sure I had a 40% coupon each time.  If you do not get their flyers in your local newspaper - go online to their website.  I believe the cashiers will let you buy separately maybe 2 or 3 things if there is not a big line behind you.

 

Inbox me with any questions!  Good luck!!!!

 

Lastly, as far as weight loss - I have been on Weight Watchers since October 2010.  I lost 25 lbs and have been fortunate enough to keep it off....although I need to start running/working out again.  I've been lazy since we got engaged.

 

Originally Posted by shes2013 

 

Elissa - Thanks for answering my questions! I want to group book, but I don't think there I can get 10 rooms, which is at the bare minimum anyways, and Wendy says that incentives probably wouldn't be much for us.  I Love your boarding passes! I'll have to post a pic of mine once I get at least one of 'em made. haha. I have to go out and by a fiskar! 

 

I'll be facebook requesting you as well. Girls feel free to add me as well on facebook. PM your names

 

I'm looking into the chair sashes now! I need to get my show on the road!

 

Emily - you are so welcome!  Anytime!  Got your FB request and added you!!  Love my chair sashes.  They were my first buy!  They are navy blue sheer organza and came packaged -  25 to a plastic bag folded neatly and easy to pack.  I did not take any pictures of mine, but Torilynn, a BDW bride had posted these pictures on here so I ordered from the same place...here are 2 of her pictures.  I am so grateful to her - she really inspired me to start planning...

 

Anyway, mine look exactly the same - they came from China - and it took a few weeks - but they are great!  I may order some table runners too, depends on how many tables I may have...

 

 

 

Originally Posted by Shay4966 

 

When I get him I will let you know... 

 

Tashay you are too cute fixing your typos!  Yes, when you get the cigar roller let us know.  I am going to mention it to FI tonight and see if he'd like that or rather just buy some in town...also I just sent you a FB friend request!