Hi Everyone,
FI and I got engaged at Christmas and knew right away that we wanted to get married in Aruba, even though we've never been there...
That being said, our first choice was the RIU but then after seeing pictures of past weddings we thought that it wasn't a very private ceremony and after the semi-private dinner there is no place on the resort that we can continue celebrating with guests (ie disco) after the dinner. We were also told by FI's aunt (who went to the RIU for a vacation in February and talked with the WC) that the upgrade for the bride and groom for July 2012 was "unavailable" since half of the hotel is time-share and the upgraded rooms are already booked. Needless to say that we were heartbroken with all of this information because at first glance, the RIU seemed perfect. It's a gorgeous resort!
Then we thought of the Renaissance (getting married on the private Island). We contacted Juney who was wonderful and prompt in getting back to us with any and all questions. But we have questions for past Renaissance brides or anyone who might be able to help out...
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?
ALSO, if anyone got married at the RIU and could share some insight that would be great... We really are torn between the two and need to make a decision soon...
Thanks,
Melly