Grand Riviera Princess & Grand Sunset Princess

[kplewins]

We choose to get married at 4, because you get the Thai Beach from 6-10...however we went til around 11.  Then on to the disco for the real partiers!  No DJ.  We actually brought our our stereo equipment, as I was growing tired of the $$$add ons.  We programed the Ipod and it worked perfect.  It actually was more personal for us that way.  We introduced each special dance song and it went very smoothly.  There is an option I think to get the speakers for around $250 there to rent.  Not sure how much for the DJ.

[sasse75]

 

 

Originally Posted by kplewins 

 

We just back from the Grand princess sunset!  We had 35 people and actually changed our location from the beach to the Gazebo.  Not sure about the beach reception, although we did see it set up by the gazebo.  We listened to sasse75 and had our reception at the Thai Beach Club!  Way worth the extra money...trust me, reach down, find the funds and do it there.  The food was great, and they let you set up any way you want too.  We have a few pics, as everyone was partying to much to take pictures.  We have to wait another week and we will have our pics from Peter from All about photography http://all-about-photography.com/.  We loved how professional and how much he enjoyed setting the style of our pics.  Also, he downloads everything to a website, and there are no gimics with having to buy multiple portraits in a package.  This also makes him much more reasonable.  We had our rehearsal dinner at Mama Mias---Awesome choice.  Ask any questions, as I did here before we went!  Thanks to everyone!

 

I'm so glad that everything went well and that you were as happy as we were....it really is a PERFECT spot

 

[~Melanie~]

Hi everyone!

 

We're getting married at the Grand Sunset Princess (was originally the Riviera but apparently they're doing renos there). Our wedding date is Dec.3, 2010.

 

We're going to get married in the gazebo and I have booked the Private Beach Reception - but I keep getting swayed by the Thai Beach Club! We're likely going to end up with about 35 people there, so either way will still have to pay a bit extra. I also booked to get a dance floor - but I see that not everyone bothered with that - how was it dancing on the sand?

 

I have another question - my fiancee and i were going to get married by a commissioner prior to heading down there, and just have a symbolic ceremony there - has anyone else actually gotten married there and how was it? I just wasn't keen on getting blood tests and wondered if there were issues with translating the marriage docs after the fact, etc. If others have done the symbolic ceremony - can you tell me how it was -- did it feel like a "real" wedding ceremony?

 

I've read the reviews and looked at pictures - getting very excited about all of it - but i'm starting to obsess, i want everything to be perfect and want to make the right decisions! Any advice would be fantastic!

[Angie1017]

Hello and welcome!  Congrats on your upcoming wedding!  We are getting married there December 16th

 

Just out of curiosity, where did you hear that renovations were going on?  I've heard that there are renos going on now, but should be finished by late November. I really hope they are done by December!!!

[~Melanie~]

Hi Angie,

 

My Travel Agent was the one who advised me - apparently they started now-ish and its of the rooms and some of the common areas. I don't know how long its supposed to last though! Our wedding date  is Dec.3 so apparently it will be going until then?

[Angie1017]

Thanks Melanie This is the email my travel agent just sent to me:

 

Sunquest says they have not heard of anything for construction in December, and neither has their buyer...

 

My contact at Sunquest did say that often times resorts run at 40% occupancy this time of year and have closures and do construction etc, but December is the beginning of high season and it should be finished or the tour operator will/should be informed.

 

As well, my contact at Sunquest said the Grand Sunset Princess and Grand Riviera Princess are side by side, same service, same beach front, one is not better then the other so in the case when people are moved to the Sunset, it is really no biggy...

 

Ah the joys of planning a destination wedding!  He he.

[~Melanie~]

Ya, I figured it wasn't a biggie either - because they're literally side by side - one side is Riviera the other side is Sunset. And my TA had a great point - if indeed half the resort is closed, then there will be much less competition for prime beach/pool/restaurant spots! I had to agree so i'm not stressed out about it at all.

 

Have you made your decisions yet about the ceremony and reception? We're going to do the gazebo and then i've booked the private beach reception ... i keep waffling between that and the Thai Beach Club but I think i will stick with the beach.

 

Are you going to get legally married down there or do it up here prior and just go symbolic? I'm struggling with that because the idea of blood tests and all that doesn't really appeal to me. But my mother (of course) is giving me a hard time about it. If I get married here with a commissioner, she wants to attend, even though i told her that its just paperwork and my real wedding is in Mexico. Sigh. Sorry venting.

 

Mel

[Angie1017]

That is a very good point your TA makes!  I like it! 

 

We are doing the beach ceremony and then the private beach party.  I was waffling too between the two, but I actually really like the idea of being on the beach and dancing on the sand!  We are going to bring our ipod and bring a docking station to save costs on the DJ, and just pick one of our friends to be in charge for important songs like our entrance, first dance, mother and son, father and daughter dances, etc.

 

We are getting married here before.  We just didnt want to go through the hassle of the paperwork, blood tests, being there three days before, etc.  I can totally relate to you though, my mother in law feels like our "real" wedding will be the legal one.  We arent even making it a big deal, no dress, no rings, nothing...just saying what we have to say and signing the papers.  Our real wedding will be the one in my dress, walking down the beach to my soon to be hubby!  Ive had to realize to her it may be the real wedding, but when the Mexico wedding actually happens, Im sure she will change her tune!
 

Originally Posted by ~Melanie~ 

Ya, I figured it wasn't a biggie either - because they're literally side by side - one side is Riviera the other side is Sunset. And my TA had a great point - if indeed half the resort is closed, then there will be much less competition for prime beach/pool/restaurant spots! I had to agree so i'm not stressed out about it at all.

 

Have you made your decisions yet about the ceremony and reception? We're going to do the gazebo and then i've booked the private beach reception ... i keep waffling between that and the Thai Beach Club but I think i will stick with the beach.

 

Are you going to get legally married down there or do it up here prior and just go symbolic? I'm struggling with that because the idea of blood tests and all that doesn't really appeal to me. But my mother (of course) is giving me a hard time about it. If I get married here with a commissioner, she wants to attend, even though i told her that its just paperwork and my real wedding is in Mexico. Sigh. Sorry venting.

 

Mel

[pamphilia]

Hey ladies - the reno's are scheduled until at least mid-December.  Here in the memo from the Air Canada Vacations website:

 

Commencing August 29, 2010, Grand Riviera Princess All Suites Resort & Spa will undergo moderate renovations to some of its rooms and common areas. 

As a result, and in order to provide the best service to the customer, all guests arriving from August 29 until mid-December (completion date to be determined) will receive their accommodations in the sister hotel, Grand Sunset Princess.  This resort is situated on the same property and shares all of the same facilities, services and common areas.  Guest rooms assigned will be the identical room category that is booked at Grand Riviera Princess.
 
Additionally, the menus of all restaurants will be available throughout the week with some being offered on a rotational basis.

[TATrisha]

Melanie, I photographed a symbolic ceremony down there and it was beautiful.  I don't think a single guest would have known it wasn't the real thing.  They signed documents and everything.  It was really beautiful.