Hi fellow newbie!
I can't help you much, but I have been to the RIU Palace twice. It's a beautiful resort! My sister-in-law to be got married there in 2007 and had her dinner at the brazilan restaraunt and had a reception at the RIU resort next door (I think it was the Playacar, but I'm not sure). It was beautiful and she had around 40 people (no kids though, so can't help you there). If you have more questions, I can ask her and then get back to you.