I need site visit suggestions and help planning!

[MorganShae]

Hello ladies… in case you aren’t following the "to the girls still waiting for the bling" thread - we officially have a site visit scheduled… and it is less than 3 weeks away. Apparently Brian found a great deal through worryfree and just booked it. We are staying at the RIU Palace and even though it is on the top of my list for possible wedding locations (Dreams wasn’t an option for this special offer) I am worried about the construction, etc. but I guess you can’t really worry about it. In fact, I am just thrilled to be going on vacation, especially considering it is to Cabo (I’ve never been) and he knows this is where I’ve been hoping to have a wedding next year. I secretly have a feeling inside this may be when he pops the question but I’m trying very hard not to think about that part and just enjoy the vacation.

 

Sarah (beachbridema) and Stephanie’s (rayenjay) wonderful reviews have made me not worry too much about the construction issues, among others, etc.. In fact, their reviews are what really made me consider RIU! (Yet another reason BDW rocks!) I have been apprehensive about RIU because of some of the horrendous tripadvisor.com reviews but I think that the location is more ideal for our guests. I like the idea of being in Cabo San Lucas and just minutes away from downtown. I have a feeling most of our guests will like being close to places like Cabo Wabo and Giggling Marlin to go out at night, etc. But that’s not to say I’m not open to other resorts in Los Cabos.. it is all so overwhelming. At least I am starting somewhere by getting to visit soon. Speaking of guests, I suspect we will have around 20-30 guests but that’s a total estimate and the day I am hoping for is 8/2/2008 (which I actually already have the confim number for at RIU but haven't done anything with it), but I need to check into weather for that timeframe. I want it to be in the summer when my cousins are out of school. That's all just FYI I guess.

 

So now I’m wondering how to prepare for the trip in such a short amount of time but still get the most out of it? Should I try to meet with Adrina (WC at RIU) while I’m there? Should I visit other resorts I’m interested in (Dreams, ?) and if so, how do I go about doing that? What about photographers? Heck, my dream would be to get engagement photos taken on the beach while we are there… (like Sarah's/AQUARIDER awesome e pics) but there isn’t a guarantee we will get engaged on the trip Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

[JaimeLynne]

Oooh Morgan that is exciting! Getting engaged in Mexico is awesome!

 

Maybe you could do what I was thinking of: Email a couple outside WCs there and ask them to show you around the different properties you're thinking of. I did that and the lady said she would do it for free which surprised me. When we went on our site visit in June we really didn't get much done. Aside from getting really sick (beginning stages of mono!) and getting engaged (YEAH!) we honestly didn't know what we were doing, who to talk with, etc. So I think it'd be a great idea to have someone who is knowledgeable about the area and experienced in weddings to personally take you around. Plus they will probably have more connections. I felt like our last scouting trip was kind of a waste so on this one we are going to try and plan it out much better and have someone to show us around! Hope this helps. Oh, and GOOD LUCK!!!!!

[NYJen]

Well I'm not sure if you have a budget or not but that may end up playing a role in your ultimate decision. So my advice is to read up on as many of the wedding locations as you can. Read site reviews from other brides, check online - anywhere you can think of so you can narrow it down to 5 or so places for your trip. Make appointments with the WC at each of those locations and make sure you get all their wedding info. And make sure you take notes and pictures on your own too - you'll definitely forget some of the details when you get back. Good luck!!!

[jak27]

OMG, this is so exciting! My advice is to do as much as you can do in Cabo, b/c you won't regret it! I know you'll be tired, want to relax, etc but see as much as you can, go to as many places as you can and get to know the areas!

 

And of course, let us know how it goes and take tons of pictures!!!

[michelle08]

I agree with everyone else....get as much info as possible before going and try to email as many wc and hotels as you can so you can make the most of your visit.

[lavalos]

Schedule as many site visits as you can...it will be tiring but, at least, you know you've hit everything. I regret not checking out more venues for alternative functions (ie., rehearsal dinner, activities, etc) when we were ther on our site visit.

 

Good luck and have fun!!

[TammyB]

How about you mention to your (hopefully soon FI) boyfriend about making the most out of your trip and just look at a few vendors in case you guys get engaged soon.. OH maybe have him look into the photographer and tell him "oh wouldn't it be cool if we would have been engaged for our trip to take some engagement pictures there" "maybe one day we can do something like that" Then maybe he'll ask about photographers and "maybe" he'll get the hint, and scheudle something for you two... :-)

 

RIU is a great location, I love that the pictures will have such an awesome back drop. Their are definitly less expensive resorts in walked distance from RIU, IE. Villa Del Palmar and Vill Del Arco, they both have full kitchens so that the guest that don't have the money to eat out all the time can buy food and just cook most of their meals there. We stayed at Villa Del Palmar and It was actually nice, I love to people watch and they always had stuff going to to keep you busy if you wanted to.

[TATrisha]

Why not just ask him if you can take couple pictures? They don't have to be engagement shots... they could just be some good photography shots of the two of you (and then secretly hope that it becomes an engagement shoot!).

[michelle08]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tlseege Why not just ask him if you can take couple pictures? They don't have to be engagement shots... they could just be some good photography shots of the two of you (and then secretly hope that it becomes an engagement shoot!).

I think that is a great idea!!!

[smwatson]

you could always get pictures taken the day before you wedding and use those as your engagment pics.