My Aruba Wedding

[Scat220]

I recently had my wedding at the Radisson Aruba (July 11) . I had 110 people fly down to my wedding. Despite, a very minor mixup with two rooms everything was wonderful and I couldn't ask for anything more. The food and service for both my pre-wedding celebration (Welcome reception) were excellent. Fransisca from the Radisson, helped plan wonderful affairs both days. She was patient and eager to hear my suggestions before discussing her thoughts. Lissy Lampe was my wedding coordinator along with Rita from ceremonies and celebrations. They outdid my expectations, from the chair covers to the centerpieces everything was beautiful and just what I wanted and asked for. In addition, Lissy recommended a few ways for me to save money by suggesting some minor things that wouldn't be needed. I must also mention I that I did my research in make up and hair and instead decided to bring my own people from NY. I'm not doubting Aruba salons, but my wedding day is the most important day of our lives and I wasn't going to take any chances. I also brought a very well know DJ company from NY, so I was assured good music. I did use some Aruba venders. the videographer and Angela, from Bella photographers. I also, rented a cigar roller for the wedding reception, which was a great touch.
Basically, everything went great. I must mention I put A GREAT AMOUNT OF TIME , Effort and of course $$ in planning the events. In order for things to go smooth you must keep on top of people, dot all your I's and cross all your T's. When people saw I was serious they became very serious. For everyone out there planning a destination wedding, here is some advice. Call and email frequently. Print out all things you are promised and bring it with you. Also, make a checklist of everything you want down at the wedding and have pre meetings before the event. Most important I did a great time at my wedding and as for my 110 guests they tell me it's the best wedding they ever been too. Happy Planning to ALL.

[Arubalisa]

Originally Posted by Scat220

For everyone out there planning a destination wedding, here is some advice.
Call and email frequently.

• Print out all things you are promised and bring it with you.
• Also, make a checklist of everything you want down at the wedding and have pre meetings before the event.

ALL terrific suggestions. I for one am very happy you had a wonderful day and congratulations on starting a new life together.

[jingle96]

I'm new to this forum, but reading the forums are very helpful!! My fiance and I are getting married at the Westin in May 2010. And we were thinking of getting a cigar roller for our receptions too!! can you tell me who your vendor was and the rates he was charging? thanks and congrats again!

[juliet723]

did you have a civil ceremony at the town hall as well? i heard that was a requirement. was it difficult getting your paper work put through?

[Scat220]

Originally Posted by jingle96

I'm new to this forum, but reading the forums are very helpful!! My fiance and I are getting married at the Westin in May 2010. And we were thinking of getting a cigar roller for our receptions too!! can you tell me who your vendor was and the rates he was charging? thanks and congrats again!

Hi..yes, the cigar roller for around 2 hrs was $230.00. That didn't include all the cigars. He came with a cigar menu and people were able to choose the one's they wanted and how much they wanted to spend. I did supply the guests with a free cigar, (of course it was one he included in his 230, a inexpensive one. I will look up his name and number in my wedding folder and get back to you very very soon...

[Scat220]

Hey Jingle 96
The cigar roller was recommended by the Radisson. The cost was $230 , plus the cost of cigars. He had a menu which the prices varied from lower priced cigars to a more expensive kind. It all depend on what the guest purchased. The cigar roller was a HIT. I would recommend asking the wedding coordinator to recommend someone. However, thats how much I paid for 2 hrs...Good Luck

[Scat220]

I got married in a church in my hometown prior coming to Aruba, as well as my city hall. Therefore, technically I was married. I had a ceremony in Aruba as well. However, didn't have to do any paperwork

[lynrivi]

Hi Scat220
I am considering the Radisson but I have a few questions if you don't mind answering:

1. Did you do a rehearsal dinner and if so where?
2. Did you do a morning after brunch and if so where?
3. Did you choose any of the group inclusive meal options for your guests during there stay? I know the Radisson has a few options but I am a bit confused. Can your guests simply request the $21 breakfast to be added or does everyone have to do that?

Any guidance you can give me would be greatly appreciated. We are looking at a 110 person wedding as well.

[Scat220]

Hey

Hope this well help...
We had a welcome BBQ the night before the wedding. For approx. 100, we spent around $3000.00. That included extra decor. EX: lighted palm trees, red carpet...In my opinion, a morning after breakfast sometimes is a waste if you have a crowd that will drink and party late. These people tend to sleep in and miss the breakfast in which you have paid for. Therefore, i recommend something prior to the wedding. Hope this helped

[Karen Lutzker]

Hello Scat,

Congratulations on your recent wedding. My husband and I will be renewing our wedding vows for our 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary on January 16th on the beach at sunset in Aruba. We met at 16 and got married at 18. In order to have a long and happy married life, my advise to you and to all newly weds or couples recently married or recently engaged is have lots and lots of understanding, patience and strong love for one another. You will have ups and downs through out your married lives as many couples do and meet chalenges along the way. If you guys stay strong and meet each other in the middle, your love will see you through. Believe it or not, your love will become stronger with each passing year. Take it from one who knows :-). We were once told by a clergyman that it is not about the wedding day, but how you live your lives. We have always lived by that rule. Again, Congratulations!