*The official Aruba Brides CHAT thread*

[anad1027]

Wow, I am so glad I stumbled upon this thread.... so much good info!  

 

My fiance and I are planning a DW for May 2012 (we think).  We originally were plannig a traditional wedding in NY, then thought about a DW in Mexico, then Bahamas, then Jamaica, and our latest idea is Aruba!  

 

I do think Aruba is going to be "the one" (although I'm sure I've said that a few times throughout the process LOL).  I just LOVE the idea of having a private affair on the island at the Renaissance.  It looks so beautiful and special.  

 

Any and all advice/tips/suggestions/etc that anyone has would be greatly appreciated!!!

[jmastr05]

Ooo. The Renaissance looked beautiful when I researched it! I chose a different resort, had a wonderful wedding (wouldn't change my decision if i could do it again), but I am still jealous of anyone that stays at the Renaissance!

 

Some brief and high level tips:

• Keep the wind in mind. Aruba had a trade wind that keeps the weather mild, but it effects hair, place cards, basically, anything not nailed to the ground! For example, I was advised against tall centerpieces. Your wedding planner will have tips for dealing with the wind, since they have to deal with it all the time. If not, ask us!
• You will have to mail or bring the things that you want for the welcome bags, ceremony, reception etc. We tried to choose compact things or keep what we brought to a minimum and we still filled 1 1/2 suitcases with the various wedding supplies!
• Be careful to not get sun burned before the wedding! As I mentioned above, the trade winds can make you feel comfortable even though the sun is very strong.
• Make a list or collect samples of the kind of pictures you want to take. Most ceremonies take place at sunset. After the ceremony, you won't have a lot of time to decide what pictures you want because of changing lighting. I wish I had done this!

[ronsoliman]

Hey guys, just want to share some of the images I shot in Aruba. Hopefully will give ideas to you in planning your wedding...make sure you do a "trash the dress"!

 

Here's the link to the blog -

 

http://www.litratophoto.com/blog/?p=1424

 

Ron

 

[anad1027]

Thanks for the tips, jmastr05!  I looked at your review of the Divi, and it sounds like your wedding was amazing!  

 

I am still waiting for a few more of my questions to be answered by the TA, but I really do think Aruba is the island for us!  Reading everyone else's reviews and advice definitely help, even if they are not of the same resorts I am thinking about. I can't wait to just make the final decision, book our date, and send out the save the date cards... I am so excited!

[LovestruckFilms]

Hello Aruba Brides!

Don't forget to capture your day with a wedding film! Take a look at Wendy + Tim's wedding trailer:

 

 

For more information go to:  www.lovestruckfilms.com

[Aruba Bride]

Hi! I am getting married at the Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino on September 19, 2011. SOOO SOON!!! Any last minute tips/advice would be greatly appreciated! Also, we are trying to decide between having out welcome dinner at MoomBa Beach Bar & Grill and Smokey Joe's--thoughts??

[jmastr05]

I vote for MoomBa. It's an outdoor bar and grill on the beach, so it's open and airy. They have a beach bum/rustic feel. I went there for a drink and thought the music and drinks were both good. Plus is super close to the Marriott. (I assume that since your wedding will be there, that you and the majority of your guests will be staying there, as well).

 

Smokey Joe's is further, though totally walk-able. It does have an outdoor patio area, but I wouldn't characterize it as an outdoor bar. To me, it seemed more like a Chili's/Friday's kind of place.

 

Keep in  mind, though, that I didn't go to Smokey Joe's while I was in Aruba. I am basing my opinion on location and the setting/structure of each place.

[traceysteve]

Absolutey gorgeous!! I can't wait...only 20 days...
 

Originally Posted by ronsoliman 

Hey guys, just want to share some of the images I shot in Aruba. Hopefully will give ideas to you in planning your wedding...make sure you do a "trash the dress"!

 

Here's the link to the blog -

 

http://www.litratophoto.com/blog/?p=1424

 

Ron

 

 

[Mmack]

Can't wait.........Im getting married at the Renaissance on August 31!!!!!!!

[Mmack]

Congrats on your wedding!