Since I have never been to Aruba, and I am planning this whole wedding over the computer, I could use some advice about almost anything

Can anyone tell me if they have seen a wedding at the Renaissanc before?

Yes, seen set up many many times. Beautiful island, they do it right. There are 2 beaches. FInd out which one they will be using. Sunset is a great time on the island for pictures. Everyone that stays at the reniassance can stay on the island until 7 pm. A couple of things to think about and know about. Everyone has to take the boat over to the island. That means keep your dress shorter, and no heels. Also, that means your cake comes over on the boat. Opt for a flat cake for safety sake. Are you going to have a band ? There are dance floors buried on the island. The sit down dinner is lovely, white chairs and cloths, pretty arch for ceremony. You should advise your guests, casual, and comfortable. There is alot on the island....hammocks, iguana's, pelicans, walkways....I keep telling my teen daughters that that is where they will get married during our timeshare weeks....DO it, it is beautiful.

I am so jealous. My daughter just got engaged 13 days ago and I want her wedding so much on the Ren private island. We can't afford it though. Congratulations.

I too am sooo... jealous! Congratulations. My husband planned our wedding in the Bahamas over the telephone in a total of 3 hours, so yes, you can do it via computer....IF only it had been legal for Americans to marry in Aruba 10 years ago. Of course we still honeymooned in Aruba. Enjoy!

Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba
Back to paradise Trip #18

thank you everyone for all of your input

as far as my dress goes ...i opted for the traditional dress so I guess i will stand out a bit (and be a little hot)

and the cake I will definitely ask about


I guess they have it togther there ...because the wedding coordinator is always telling me that she had so many weddings over the weekend.

They have so many different packages I would defintely tell you daughter to look into it ...


thanks again...and any other info is much appreciated !

Hi Kim, I think the Renaissance private island is ideal and I was planning to have my wedding there but I thought the communication on their part was severely lacking--months would go by. However, if the wedding coordinator gives you what you need, then do it! And don't feel bad about your "traditional" dress; whatever makes you feel beautiful on your wedding day! Plus, I have heard that big dresses are quite common!

I thankfully havn't had a problem yet with the communication.


thanks ...i cant wait to wear my dress!

Aruban brides wear the "big dresses" too. You will look absolutely marvelous, you will survive and enjoy your day! It will probably just be a little "hot." Do take sandals or slippers with you if planning for the beach and make sure your dress has some kind of hook to attach the "overflow" of your dress.

The Renaissance also has a Festival Plaza and a beach at the suites which provide a nice spots for wedding ceremonies and sunset photos.

The island is naturally the best! Seen various weddings on the island and on the plaza - they are great sites.

I don't think you will have a problem with any cake, as long as it is assembled on Renaissance island and not before transportation.

Keep some bug repelent handy for night time events on the island. Although they light torches and do their best to "shoo" away mosquitos, some of us are just a little more sensitive. Your guests will thank you.

thank you....i am hearing so many good things and it making me feel so much better ...

I will be sure to have bug spray handy

Hi, I am also planning a wedding in Aruba. We haven't booked anything yet, but we're hoping for next year at the Occidental on Palm Beach. I've been to Aruba twice and it is like paradise, but have no idea where to start w/ the wedding plans, so if you have any advice feel free to pass it along, thanks!!