Riu Palace Paradise Island - Bride to be and NERVOUS!!

[JENBRAND]

Hey Everyone
 

Okay so my finance and I have planned on getting married at the Riu Palace in Paradise Island, Nassau Bahamas.  I just don't know what to do from here and I need some experienced help

 

I have requested my date via weddingbyriu.com and our day is confirmed...I am just looking for information on past experiences, what I need to bring with me, how I go about booking a reception (or is this included in the Caprice Package?), and a recommended photographer for my big day.

 

www.mywedding.com/shaunandjen

 

Thanks in advance to everyone with advice

xoxoxo

[loua4]

 

 

Originally Posted by JENBRAND 

 

Hey Everyone

 

Okay so my finance and I have planned on getting married at the Riu Palace in Paradise Island, Nassau Bahamas.  I just don't know what to do from here and I need some experienced help

 

I have requested my date via weddingbyriu.com and our day is confirmed...I am just looking for information on past experiences, what I need to bring with me, how I go about booking a reception (or is this included in the Caprice Package?), and a recommended photographer for my big day.

 

www.mywedding.com/shaunandjen

 

Thanks in advance to everyone with advice

xoxoxo

 

 

Hey Jenbrand,

Congrats!!! When is the big day? We are getting married at the RIU this coming Nov on the 27th. We are getting the Royal package as there are only 21 of us going down.

Depending on your date, you unfortunatly will not hear from them again until up to 2 months before your wedding from the wedding planner Debbie. She just emailed me last week. Unless you want to spend more money than your package (which we dont) Yes your reception is included in your package. It will be semi-private in one of the ala-cart restaurants, but not Krystal. That is the one I REALLY REALLY WANTED and they do not do large group meals.

They provide you with your bouquet, and your FI boutoneer, it is extra to get flowers for your girls or anyone else. It is also extra for ceremony decor, but your cake is included, but extra if you want more than one tier. but it is only $45 a tier.

 

We are bringing our Ipod down loaded with music to play instead of paying a dj, and we are not using the photograper they suggest. I went on their website and hated everything and the prices are crazy expensive. So we hired a really great guy from Nassau. His name is Tim allen. His photos are great, and the prices are amazing too. Plus he emails you back with-in a day or 2 if you have questions. That is all i know for now.

[miamor]

Hey Amanda,

 

I am also getting married in Feb 2011 at the Riu, I looked at the website of the photographer that is offered by the hotel and it's horrible. Can you tell me if the photographer you used Tim Allen has a website? I am having trouble locating it. Also can you tell me what  your overall experience was with the hotel on your wedding day and throughout the week? Did you have to pay extra to have the outside photographer come in or just 100 for a visitor's pass?

Any information would be great and helpful. We are doing the free wedding package and are only having about 10 ppl, it's going to be very simple so we are not going to worry about decorations, etc. What restaurant would you recommend for the reception? We are thinking of buying a tour/excursion for our guests, can you recommend any?

The thing that is worrying me the most is the photographer.  We have a super small budget and only want some photos of ceremony with our guests and the rest on the beach. We would like to do a TTD session another day if possible.

Thanks

[loua4]

 

Originally Posted by miamor 

Hey Amanda,

 

I am also getting married in Feb 2011 at the Riu, I looked at the website of the photographer that is offered by the hotel and it's horrible. Can you tell me if the photographer you used Tim Allen has a website? I am having trouble locating it. Also can you tell me what  your overall experience was with the hotel on your wedding day and throughout the week? Did you have to pay extra to have the outside photographer come in or just 100 for a visitor's pass?

Any information would be great and helpful. We are doing the free wedding package and are only having about 10 ppl, it's going to be very simple so we are not going to worry about decorations, etc. What restaurant would you recommend for the reception? We are thinking of buying a tour/excursion for our guests, can you recommend any?

The thing that is worrying me the most is the photographer.  We have a super small budget and only want some photos of ceremony with our guests and the rest on the beach. We would like to do a TTD session another day if possible.

Thanks

We have not gotten married yet. We get married there next month. But yes of course! I will let you know once we get back.

As for Tim, yes he does have a website. it is:http://www.timaylenweddings.com/index.html 

As far as i know we dont have to pay for tim to take the photos. The photograper that usually does the RIU is a local as well. I will get back to you on that though. Yes it is $100 for visitors and only for 8 hrs of the day.

I cant tell you to much but once we get back next month I will let you know. take care!

[boneola]

Hi Ioua4,

I sent you a separate reply asking when your wedding date is and how the experience was.  I just learned from reading this post that it is not until 11/27.   Mine is coming up 12/11 and getting excited.

I total agree with you on the photographer pkg at Riu. I am working with  Benjamieson instead.  You are also right about not hearing back from the coordinator.  She must be busy with your wedding planning now and maybe another one; hope to hear from her soon.  I just want to write you a note; I thought it only happens to me.

Well, congrats and I hope everything will be the way you wanted. 

[skp1]

I just booked Tim Aylen for my Atlantis wedding next year.  I didn't want to use the resort photographers since they aren't wedding wedding specialists (plus I'm not doing a package if I'm paying a la carte then i mind as well have my choice).  I met Tim last month at our site visit and feel very comfortable with him.

 

I heard from my sales person that this fall has been an extremely busy wedding season so I think all the coordinators are bogged down right now.

[loua4]

Hey Ladies!

So we just got back on the 28th of Nov and all i can say is WOW! You guys are going to love it! Everyone at the Riu is so nice, the wedding planner is a little slow with getting back to her emails but once you get there she is fantastic!

We met with Debbie the day after we arrived and she was all prepared with all my emails. We went through all the preparations and choices and it was all done in maybe 1/2hr.

On the wedding day we chose to get married on the beach and Debbie had the stairs going down to the beach closed off with lounge chairs so that only wedding party and guests could come up and down. The music playing at the pool was shut off and the vendors on the beach were asked to move.

 

All I can say is it was so wonderful! the other guests at the resort are fun too. they get right into it and stop what they are doing to watch and cheer when you are finally married. it is so cool!

We chose Sir Alexander for our semi private dinner. It was so elegant and the best meal of the week! Our cake was beautiful and so yummy!

 

I am not going to tell you the surprises that will happen (good ones) just know that this is a great hotel and resort.

[belledame]

Helllo, I'm so excited I found this website!! I too, am planning on having a destination wedding but I had no clue where to start.

I have a few questions. Do I get to have bridesmaids maid of honour, grooms and best man during the ceremony? And also,

will their dresses co-ordinate with the decor? Sorry, i'f I'm babbling, I'm just super excited and just don't know where to start. Lol

Please tell me your experiences!

[JandT2011]

Hi Amanda!  I have some questions about the hotel because some of the reviews have been mixed online... What did you think?  Have you stayed at other riu's before?  We are booking our wedding for September of this year and just want to confirm we are making the right choice.  Any advice would be helpful!  Thank you,

 

Jennifer

[swojdyla]

I am hoping to have my wedding March 2012. I'm just afraid to make the final leap and book the date. I'm just afraid no one will come haha. Thanks for all the reassurance. This whole thread was very helpful! Anyone who gets married anytime soon at the RIU paradise island let us know how your expereince is!!! Best wishes to everyone!  ~Stacy