RIU RM Palace Brides??

[sedwards00]

Hi Ladies! Our wedding was last week and we the prime example of what happens when your beach wedding gets rained out!  We were in Mexico 10 days and it only rained (poured!) one day- the day we got married!  The original plan was to hold the ceremony on the beach and the reception on the beach as well.   The rain plan moved our ceremony to the Don Manolo patio under the over hang and inside Chili's restaurant.  Everything turned out great in the end! I attached some pics so everyone knows the back up plan.... they are not the professional photos, just some shots that my friends took. As for the experience overall,   I agree with Elissa... Erika did a fantastic job as the coordinator and is an excellent communicator. The photographer from Adventure Photos, Sergio, also did a great job capturing the wedding and their photo booth was a HIT with our guests. I was so very happy with the ladies in the spa... they had several pictures of hair options and did a great job with our make up and nails.  My only word of warning is to lock your belongings up the entire time you are there!  Unfortunately my phone was stolen from my suitcase as well as $40... likely by the housekeeping service but I can't confirm it  Entirely my fault for not using the safe for everything!  This was the only downside of the wedding.  Everything else was great!!  The staff was very, very helpful and the resort is in tip top condition.   Best of luck to everyone! [ATTACHMENT=13705]download (28).jpg (26k. jpg file)[/ATTACHMENT] [ATTACHMENT=13706]download (27).jpg (24k. jpg file)[/ATTACHMENT] [ATTACHMENT=13707]download (24).jpg (29k. jpg file)[/ATTACHMENT] [ATTACHMENT=13708]download (20).jpg (28k. jpg file)[/ATTACHMENT] [ATTACHMENT=13709]download (21).jpg (34k. jpg file)[/ATTACHMENT] [ATTACHMENT=13715]download (18).jpg (32k. jpg file)[/ATTACHMENT] [ATTACHMENT=13716]download (19).jpg (24k. jpg file)[/ATTACHMENT] [ATTACHMENT=13712]download (16).jpg (43k. jpg file)[/ATTACHMENT] [ATTACHMENT=13713]download (15).jpg (28k. jpg file)[/ATTACHMENT] [ATTACHMENT=13714]73765_10200255038032801_916300147_n.jpg (108k. jpg file)[/ATTACHMENT]

good to know about the safe. It's nice to know that the resort staff was helpful I'm a little relieved. We leave in 30 days!!

[elissae]

Hi Maggie!

 

Thank you for our koozies!  What a nice surprise.  I am so sorry we did not get to meet!  I was hoping to see you!!!  Your pictures are beautiful!  So sorry to hear about your phone & money.  :-(  Which day did you get married?  Wednesday?  

 

We were fortunate to have no issues with things going missing.  My stepson left his macbook & iPad out often with no issue...we were lucky.  Of course we kept our money & passports in the safe.  

 

Are you on facebook?  I'd love to catch up with you and share experiences!  xoxo

[shes2013]

I am so happy you ladies had a wonderful time, and are calming my issues! We leave Saturday, I am getting so EXCITED. Still a bit nervous though! I can't wait to hear more about your days and reviews & pictures. Sadly I can't see your pictures Maggie but I am sure you and your day looked super beautiful and from what i've seen of Elissas photos it was gorgeous, and you were such a gorgeous bride!!!

 

Any tips on anything ladies? I'd appreciate it!!

[elissae]

Getting excited Em?  You leave tomorrow, yes???  It will all be good - no worries, sister!  xoxo

[elissae]

Getting excited Em?  You leave tomorrow, yes???  It will all be good - no worries, sister!  xoxo

[AnaSteele58]

Hi Ladies! I see several questions about "on the beach" weddings on this thread.  We're planning our ceremony and reception on the beach next month and I've learned a lot as we've moved through this process. First thing to know is that the price list they give out changes every year.  They didn't get the 2013 list out until the end of January.  That list only tells you about 1/2 of what you'll pay for an on the beach wedding.  Here are some things I've learned: A private rehearsal dinner at Chilis is $50 per person (includes 4 hr service, open bar, food, private event set up) A private cocktail party between the ceremony and reception is $15 per person Cake is included in the package price There is a beach tax of $150 for events on the beach Dinner, drinks,and waitstaff for a reception on the beach is $65 per person You can choose from the Chili's menu or a private event (a la carte) menu for the reception A medium sized dance floor on the beach is $450 (for 40-60 people), $338 or $600 for smaller/larger groups An ipod hook up, speaker, wireless mic and mixer is $122 Premium alcohol upgrade is $720 extra  She can rent/get strings of white lights for $291 dollars and customize your huppa for $208 dollars (at least that's what ours came out to) Ariadna did not just send me this information, I had to ask specifically through a long series of e-mails. I have the 2013 price list and menus if anyone would like me to e-mail them to you. It's been an interesting process. Despite the best planning I'm sure there will be more surprises along the way!  If I'm able I'll attach some of the things I've discovered and ordered for the event. So many fun ideas on etsy and pinterest!  Happy planning Maggie place cards  invitations (and save the dates too) wedding programs welcome bags koozies

Love the place cards! Adding it to my DIY list

[AnaSteele58]

Hi Ladies! I see several questions about "on the beach" weddings on this thread.  We're planning our ceremony and reception on the beach next month and I've learned a lot as we've moved through this process. First thing to know is that the price list they give out changes every year.  They didn't get the 2013 list out until the end of January.  That list only tells you about 1/2 of what you'll pay for an on the beach wedding.  Here are some things I've learned: A private rehearsal dinner at Chilis is $50 per person (includes 4 hr service, open bar, food, private event set up) A private cocktail party between the ceremony and reception is $15 per person Cake is included in the package price There is a beach tax of $150 for events on the beach Dinner, drinks,and waitstaff for a reception on the beach is $65 per person You can choose from the Chili's menu or a private event (a la carte) menu for the reception A medium sized dance floor on the beach is $450 (for 40-60 people), $338 or $600 for smaller/larger groups An ipod hook up, speaker, wireless mic and mixer is $122 Premium alcohol upgrade is $720 extra  She can rent/get strings of white lights for $291 dollars and customize your huppa for $208 dollars (at least that's what ours came out to) Ariadna did not just send me this information, I had to ask specifically through a long series of e-mails. I have the 2013 price list and menus if anyone would like me to e-mail them to you. It's been an interesting process. Despite the best planning I'm sure there will be more surprises along the way!  If I'm able I'll attach some of the things I've discovered and ordered for the event. So many fun ideas on etsy and pinterest!  Happy planning Maggie place cards  invitations (and save the dates too) wedding programs welcome bags koozies

Love the place cards! Adding it to my DIY list

[Jez111213]

Maggie Mae and Elissa you both were gorgeous brides!  It's nice to see two different approaches to the wedding and what can happen when it rains!

 

I have lots of questions sorry:

 

Can either of you tell me if there was anything you purchased that in the end you think was not worth your money? Or anything you would have done differently now that you're back?  I'm planning on getting the mariachi band (which from everyone I've heard is worth it) and am still on the fence about using the resort photographer?  Decorations, I'm wanted to keep it minimal only because I don't want to pay the extra baggage fees, but when I look at your pictures I feel like what I'm planning won't be enough.

 

And can you tell me about the timing of your day?  Did you find you had gaps of time that you needed to find entertainment for your guests?

 

What about the planner too?  Was she able to get everything set up how you described or should we bring pictures with lots of detail? 

 

Shes, we'll be waiting to hear from you too!  I'm sure you're having a fabulous time!

 

Thank you all for sharing your experiences through this site!

[Jez111213]

Maggie Mae and Elissa you both were gorgeous brides!  It's nice to see two different approaches to the wedding and what can happen when it rains!

 

I have lots of questions sorry:

 

Can either of you tell me if there was anything you purchased that in the end you think was not worth your money? Or anything you would have done differently now that you're back?  I'm planning on getting the mariachi band (which from everyone I've heard is worth it) and am still on the fence about using the resort photographer?  Decorations, I'm wanted to keep it minimal only because I don't want to pay the extra baggage fees, but when I look at your pictures I feel like what I'm planning won't be enough.

 

And can you tell me about the timing of your day?  Did you find you had gaps of time that you needed to find entertainment for your guests?

 

What about the planner too?  Was she able to get everything set up how you described or should we bring pictures with lots of detail? 

 

Shes, we'll be waiting to hear from you too!  I'm sure you're having a fabulous time!

 

Thank you all for sharing your experiences through this site!

[elissae]

Originally Posted by Jez111213 

 

Maggie Mae and Elissa you both were gorgeous brides!  It's nice to see two different approaches to the wedding and what can happen when it rains!

Thank you - it was an amazing day!

 

I have lots of questions sorry:

 

Can either of you tell me if there was anything you purchased that in the end you think was not worth your money? Nothing comes to mind as of yet.  I think everything worked out well! 

 

Or anything you would have done differently now that you're back?  I would not have changed a thing. 

 

Although -  maybe 2 things & they are minor & silly.  The first being, maybe I should have added small Aloe bottles to my Survival Kits - only because I had one friend who never wore enough sunblock & he got very sunburned & one of the nights he woke up in the middle of the night searching through his Survival Kit for some and there was none.  He mentioned to me the next day (busting my a$$ of course), because I had everythimg in the kit except the aloe he needed.  Although I did travel with a bottle for myself so I shared some with him.  The 2nd thing I wish I did was get a Syracuse Orangemen (SU)garter to wear under my dress.  We did not throw a garter or a bouquet...that's why I did not buy a garter.  Although I was contemplating getting one since my FI was a huge fan of Syracuse.

 

Ironically they made it to the Final Four (who knew?  lol) while we were down there so it would have been cool for photos and to surprise him with it....oh well - no biggie!

 

I'm planning on getting the mariachi band (which from everyone I've heard is worth it) and am still on the fence about using the resort photographer? We hired the mariachi band for the cocktail hour & it was AMAZING.  Best decision we ever made.  We hired the resort photographer, Adventure Photos and they were spectacular!!!!  We loved them so much, we are buying all our pictures and we made friends with them on FB! LOVE LOVE LOVE!  Decorations, I'm wanted to keep it minimal only because I don't want to pay the extra baggage fees, but when I look at your pictures I feel like what I'm planning won't be enough.  The resort & it's surroundings are beautiful on it's own so you do not need to go overboard on decorations although if there are some things you want - bring them or ask Erika if she can supply them,

 

And can you tell me about the timing of your day?  Did you find you had gaps of time that you needed to find entertainment for your guests?

 

Our day went seamlessly:

 

4:00 wedding

 

4:30 wedding group photo & wedding photos

 

5:15 cocktail hour (our guests headed over earlier than this & it was all set up and ready for them.  There was a cigar roller there when they arrived

 

5:45 Mariachi Band started

 

7:00 Dinner Reception

 

What about the planner too?  Was she able to get everything set up how you described or should we bring pictures with lots of detail? Erika was MAGNIFICENT!  She got all my details perfect!  Loved working with her.  We went through everything in our meeting when we arrived at the resort.

 

Shes, we'll be waiting to hear from you too!  I'm sure you're having a fabulous time!

 

Thank you all for sharing your experiences through this site!