*The official Aruba Brides CHAT thread*

[Bryan Morris]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmastr05 Hi all, I'm new to this forum. Obviously, I, too, am considering a wedding in Aruba! I've done a lot of research, and will hopefully be able to take a trip down there Novemeber 2009. It looks like you're all considering a variety of resorts. My top choice is/are the Divi/Tamarijn All-Inclusive. I have seen some bad pictures of the rooms and bathrooms on the internet, but I believe there have also been rennovations since then. Has anyone been there to be able to confirm this? I also really like the Manchebo and Amerstadam Manor. Amsterdam Manor is actually my personal favorite, but the more offerings of the Divi/Tam seem to work better for the varied tastes of my guests. All opinions/information is welcome! I'm excited to have this forum to share experiences!

All the hotels mentioned that you might be interested in are very different.

Divi/Tam is AI so this will be great for your guest, it is a very young resort, referring to the crowd. Yes they've since renovated so the rooms are nothing like you've seen on Trip Advisor. For a wedding the beach is also great and the wedding planner's certainly know how to make your day stress free.

Manchebo is on a vast piece of beach the best on the island for weddings to my opinion. Very little crowd. It's been a while that I've been in a room there. However the Bucuti next door is what I would call a boutique of hotels, small, private, adult only thus romantic and it is Manchebo's neighbour. The wedding planner is the envy of the business. It's awesome for your wedding. It will not be appropriate however for your guests to stay there.

Amsterdam Manor, I would say would probably come closest to Bucuti in style but Bucuti's beach is still much better for the privacy for your honeymoon as well as your ceremony.

This reference is not done with pricing in mind, I don't have a clue what will be most economical as I haven't studied that and besides I'm not that type, If I like it I'll go for it even if I have to save harder. I really prefer to save hard and get what I want than to settle for less.

There are a few other options that are great also RIU is AI and you have the superb for a ceremony and reception, the Renaissance Island.

If you have any questions feel free and ask away either open on the forum or by PM.

BTW, congratulations and welcome to the forum.

Bryan Morris

[taxchick]

Hi jmastr05,

 

My FI went to visit the Divi while we were there, a friend was staying there. He brought me back pics which were phenomenal! I think only one part of the resort is upgraded though, which I think are the suites. It had marble everywhere, a full kitchen with stainless steel, and a very nice pool view.

 

I never saw the other resorts that you are mentioning, maybe because they are not in the high rise area. I would want to be in that area because all of the bars and restaurants are there.

 

Hope that helps

[Seven]

I don't know what to do. DH is set on Aruba, but I don't have many brides to discuss Aruba with. It seems most of them use the RIU plans in Jamaica!!

[Sheree10]

Seven:

 

I know the feeling. When I first got engaged and we decided on Aruba, I noticed that there weren't many Brides around but there are some. Between theknot.com forums, tripadvisor.com and aruba.com forums I've met a few. I've been able to get feedback on different resorts and it really helped to make my decision easier.

 

I'm getting married next summer at The Rennaissance resort. Let me know if I can help in any way.

[leahstafford]

I had a bride get married at Bucati and I believe she use to post here. There may not be a lot of brides but don't let that deter you, Aruba is a gorgeous place!

 

My bride and groom got married in the courthouse and then had a ceremony on the beach and their reception on the beach. They used Bucati and they had the whole beach to themselves during the ceremony. it was very intimate!

 

The nice thing about Aruba is, it is so small that your guests really can stay anywhere and easily navigate around the island with rental cars/cabs.

[MK1]

I just found a blog called Our Aruba Wedding. It's a blog on a bride-to-be's site visits to hotels around Aruba.

 

This bride seems to be looking more for a "hip" hotel vibe instead of the laid back beach scenario, but I'm pretty much reading anything I can about Aruba, so wanted to share.

 

MK

[mrsjackson2010]

Another Aruba bride checking in! I joined this site a while back and I apologize for not checking in more frequently. I too remember the frustration of not finding any other Aruba brides (until the KNOT and BDW). Our ceremony will be at Bucuti and our reception will be at Amsterdam Manor. Contact me if I can assist any of you. Congratulations and happy planning!!!!!

[MK1]

mrsjackson, I'm also considering the Bucuti. Have you been there yet? Congrats on finding your venue!

[soxgirl]

Another potential Aruba bride. I was happy to find others. We are newly engaged and considering the Divi or the Tam, but definitely open to any suggestions or ideas. A

[cjaruba]

Congratulations Aruba brides! I'm getting married in Aruba too and don't remember seeing this thread before. Our wedding is in less than 12 weeks now - yikes! I'm getting pretty excited and am finally checking some things off the list. After a site visit in May we chose the Aruba Marriott but also liked the Hyatt, Westin and Manchebo Pavillion. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or find any great resources you'd like to share!