Renaissance Island Aruba Bride - Lots of questions.... Hoping anyone can help! :)

MellyD · March 30, 2011

Hey Everyone,

After much deliberation, I think that my fiancÃ© and I have decided to have our wedding at the Renaissance Aruba in July 2012. We were going to go with the Riu, but his aunt went there and came back with a full report on their weddings that we were not so keen on.

That being said, I have a million and one questions for past Renaissance brides...

1) How did you get your pricing for your guests? I received a group rate from Annie (group sales) per room per night but when I contacted my local TA, he advised me that the tour operators that he knows of the deal with the Renaissance Aruba, base their rates on the non-AI package, which is NOT what we want. We want our guests to have a choice between AI and non-AI but he's saying that it's basically not available for AI. (I hope that makes sense)

2) Did anyone not have a dinner reception on the island? We were looking at booking a package that's approx $3000 which included an hour and a half cocktail reception (along with a few other things). We're really trying to keep the costs down and from the research we've done, some hotels just block off an area of one of the restaurants so that you have a sort of semi-private dinner at no additional cost. Has anyone done anything similar?

3) Which photographer did you guys go with? This package we're looking at includes a photographer but we're open to other suggestions.

4) Which of the two sections did you stay at (Marina Hotel or Ocean Suites)? What helped you make your choice?

Okay, so it's not really a million and one questions but I'll start with these! I'm sure I'll have a lot more as I go.... Thanks in advance for any and all help!

Cheers,

Melly

Mmack · May 12, 2011

Hi MellyD,

Well I know exactly where you are coming from! I has a million questions too. I am having my wedding at the Renaissance in August 2011. I would be more than happy to share my tips and prices with you. Send me your email address. I did a group rate with Annie and she explained to me the only option was All Inclusive and that if guests didn't want to go AI then they couldn't be in the group rate. Have you spoken to Juney Jones yet? He is the wedding coordiator there and is fantastic! Hope to talk to you more.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by MellyD

Hey Everyone,

After much deliberation, I think that my fiancÃ© and I have decided to have our wedding at the Renaissance Aruba in July 2012. We were going to go with the Riu, but his aunt went there and came back with a full report on their weddings that we were not so keen on.

That being said, I have a million and one questions for past Renaissance brides...

1) How did you get your pricing for your guests? I received a group rate from Annie (group sales) per room per night but when I contacted my local TA, he advised me that the tour operators that he knows of the deal with the Renaissance Aruba, base their rates on the non-AI package, which is NOT what we want. We want our guests to have a choice between AI and non-AI but he's saying that it's basically not available for AI. (I hope that makes sense)

2) Did anyone not have a dinner reception on the island? We were looking at booking a package that's approx $3000 which included an hour and a half cocktail reception (along with a few other things). We're really trying to keep the costs down and from the research we've done, some hotels just block off an area of one of the restaurants so that you have a sort of semi-private dinner at no additional cost. Has anyone done anything similar?

3) Which photographer did you guys go with? This package we're looking at includes a photographer but we're open to other suggestions.

4) Which of the two sections did you stay at (Marina Hotel or Ocean Suites)? What helped you make your choice?

Okay, so it's not really a million and one questions but I'll start with these! I'm sure I'll have a lot more as I go.... Thanks in advance for any and all help!

Cheers,

Melly

monique2011 · January 4, 2012

Hi Melly,

I am getting married in Aruba on August 18th, 2012. We booked our group also through Annie and we decided on the non all inclusive pricing option for our guests. We are having a reception for about 60 people on Renaissance Island. I still have not finalized the menu options and I am looking for a place to have my rehearsal dinner/welcome party.

I am also looking for a different photographer than the one suggested by Juney. See below for a link to other photographers in Aruba:

first choice: http://www.everafteraruba.com/

http://bryanmorrisphotography.com/

http://winklaar.com/#/home/

I hope this helpful. Would love to share ideas with you.

Nhollup · July 31, 2012

Hey Melly, Just read your post and was interested to know how things turned out for you? I am in the beginning stages of planning and are still waiting for the Renaissance to email me back with information. Very frustrating. Does anyone remember how long it takes to get a response?