*The official Aruba Brides CHAT thread*

[anad1027]

Hi Ladies, 

 

I am researching options for hair/make up in Aruba, and Juney (the WC at the Renaissance) suggested i look into the Spa at the Renaissance.

 

Has anyone used their services?  Would anyone suggest/not suggest using them?  If you have used them, would you mind posting some pics??

 

Thanks!!

[ashley927]

Hi, I just got so excited when I seen a bride that had there wedding at the Marriott, I fell in love with the pictures that I've seen there! Can you tell me how everything went,  if you have any pics that would be such a big help too?? Thanks

[kellyu]

Hi everyone!

 

I just started planning my DW.  My FI and I are taking a caribbean cruise this month to scout out venues, but Aruba is our top choice. I've read through this post and everyone is so amazing with all their helpful feedback and experience - I'm so excited to chat with other Aruba brides  I've made appointments to look at Amsterdam Manor, Bucuti, and will probably visit the Renaissance and the Westin as well to round out the selection.   I'm expecting 40-50 guests, and I'd love for all of us to stay at the same hotel where the wedding will be held.  Any other places I should check out while I'm in Aruba?

 

Thanks so much!

[sera1124]

Hi Anad1027

 

I have been researching Aruba Wedding Vendors for a little while.  I've heard that Jennifer Croes-Veeris (JenniVe)  is really good.  If you read some reviews from past brides I've heard her recommended many times.

 

How is the rest of your planning going?? 

 

Let us know who you end up selecting.

[katie2012]

Hi Kellyu, 

 

I'm looking at Amsterdam Manor and Bucuti too. What did you think when you visited? I stayed at Ren Marina in May 2011 (not AI). We liked it because there were a ton of places to just walk around and see downtown (some great restaurants I reviewed in my tripadvisor review of the hotel). However, we are not thinking of having our wedding there because we want a more beachy relaxed vibe. 

I'm also looking at Manchebo, which I love some pictures on this website of weddings there. If anyone can help me narrow it down I'm all ears!

[kellyu]

Hi Katie 2012,

 

Just got back from Aruba.  The team at Amsterdam Manor is amazing, so friendly and on top of everything.  The rooms and facilities are really nice, if a bit on the small side.  The only thing that really bothers me is the two way road separating the hotel from the beach.  We also tried the food at Amsterdam Manor - it was very good.  Bucuti's rooms are fantastic, I love all the thoughtful little touches like iPod docks. Bucuti is a bit more upscale.  I also want a relaxed, intimate beach feel for my wedding so I like that both resorts are away from the main downtown area (although it is easier to get downtown from Amsterdam Manor than Bucuti).  I'm also having a hard time choosing my venue - what might make the decision for me is the date I want at Amsterdam Manor is already booked  What have you heard about Manchebo?

[kharmer]

We got married in Aruba this past September. I can't say enough about how amazing it was. We used Aruba weddings for you with Lorraine and Lisa. They answered every question I had and made me feel so at ease with a situation I had little control over being so far away from Aruba. We used the spa at the Tamarijn and were married on the beach at the Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort and had our reception at the  Sunset Beach Bistro. We had our rehersal dinner at Gianni's, what an amazing experience. They made us feel so special and when found out we were their for our rehersal dinner they comped us bottles of champagne.

[kharmer]

We also bought all our OOT bag items before we left. Chapstick, suntan lotion, and aloe are some of the things we put in our bags. Once we got there we bought aruba postcards to write a little note to our guests. We paid the extra bag fee instead of paying for shipping it was cheaper. 

[katie2012]

It's great to hear that the team at Amsterdam is amazing. They took 2 weeks to get back to me, but I suppose that the holidays were in the mist of that. I would love to have it at Bucuti, but we want to be able to just hang out with his young neice and nephew. There are some great pics of weddings at Manchebo on here. I made a list of all the resorts and we just went down the line looking at everyone's rooms and wedding packages. It was tedious, but I feel comfortable that we are truly down to the best few for us. 

 

Being across the street from the beach as opposed to on the beach is weighing heavily on my mind, but having the option of a two-bedroom suite would be nice for some of his family. For every PRO there is a CON. We are deciding before we leave my parent's house on Tuesday. 

 

Oh, and to add to the stress of picking a resort (which inevitably someone will think is too inconvenient, too small, too expensive, etc.) I'm going to try on dresses for the first time tomorrow with my mother.... 

 

I hope you found a place for the date you wanted! Are you doing the civil ceremony there too?

 

 

Originally Posted by kellyu 

Hi Katie 2012,

 

Just got back from Aruba.  The team at Amsterdam Manor is amazing, so friendly and on top of everything.  The rooms and facilities are really nice, if a bit on the small side.  The only thing that really bothers me is the two way road separating the hotel from the beach.  We also tried the food at Amsterdam Manor - it was very good.  Bucuti's rooms are fantastic, I love all the thoughtful little touches like iPod docks. Bucuti is a bit more upscale.  I also want a relaxed, intimate beach feel for my wedding so I like that both resorts are away from the main downtown area (although it is easier to get downtown from Amsterdam Manor than Bucuti).  I'm also having a hard time choosing my venue - what might make the decision for me is the date I want at Amsterdam Manor is already booked  What have you heard about Manchebo?

 

[bulldogs11]

I am getting married at Bucuti on May 19th of this year.  I always knew i wanted to do a destination wedding but did not know where. One of my clients got married at Bucuti and loved it, said she wouldnt change a thing.  Nashette the wedding planner is amazing as well.  Bucuti is also adults only and mainly a couples resort.  If ur looking for a more private and quiet beach with no kids I hear Bucuti is the place to go!