*The official Aruba Brides CHAT thread*

[arubarobinson]

Thanks for the feedback. We are looking at 8/2010 right now. I think the Fiance and I will rehash the numbers and look into it so a decision can be made; and we can get the STD out by November at the latest.

 

I saw that you mentioned you negotiated directly with the resort did you find that to produce a more affordable rate than a TA?

 

Thanks again,

[soxgirl]

I haven't worked with a travel agent as I feel that I can get everything done myself. I'm organized and like to negotiate and plan a lot of group travel trips each year. I'm also an event planner so it's in my instinct to do these things myself.

 

Cynthia at the Divi/Tamarijn has been great. Emails right away and gave me great prices that I really didn't need to negotiate as they were so much lower than everyone else.

 

The most difficult part for us has been deciding between the Divi and the Tam. They both have pros and cons.

[MsAmErika]

Hello Aruba Brides, you can add one more to the group. I am getting married at RIU in July 2010. I chose Aruba for my July wedding because it is on of the few places to go where you dont have to worry about a possible tropical storm ruining your day.

[Sheree10]

Welcome MsAmErika... we chose Aruba for that reason- it's out of the hurricane belt!

[hat0112]

Hi everyone! It looks like there hasn’t been any posts here in a while! I am just got engaged and I want to have the wedding in Aruba! It would be great to talk to other brides that are planning or already gotten married or already visited Aruba. My fiancé and I never been to Aruba so I am relying on what I read and hear. I want to get married October 2010. I am trying to pick a resort and I only eliminated a few (Occidental- my date was booked; Riu- I loved it but it’s too expensive; all the resorts that aren’t all inclusive or don’t have an all inclusive option). I like the Divi/Tamarijn a lot and they responded very fast. I like the Westin, but I haven’t heard anything from the yet and I don’t know anything about there wedding packages. Also one post about the poor service at the Westin concerns me.

 

Aruba brides come back!!!!!

 

Heather

[Marcia313]

Hi -- I am another (soon-to-be) Aruba bride that's new and just saw this treat. We're getting married in March 2010 on Renaissance Island. Neither of us has been to Aruba, but my mother and aunt go there all the time and love it -- they said we should get married there, so I'm really taking their word for it.

[Sheree10]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hat0112 Hi everyone! It looks like there hasn’t been any posts here in a while! I am just got engaged and I want to have the wedding in Aruba! It would be great to talk to other brides that are planning or already gotten married or already visited Aruba. My fiancé and I never been to Aruba so I am relying on what I read and hear. I want to get married October 2010. I am trying to pick a resort and I only eliminated a few (Occidental- my date was booked; Riu- I loved it but it’s too expensive; all the resorts that aren’t all inclusive or don’t have an all inclusive option). I like the Divi/Tamarijn a lot and they responded very fast. I like the Westin, but I haven’t heard anything from the yet and I don’t know anything about there wedding packages. Also one post about the poor service at the Westin concerns me. Aruba brides come back!!!!! Heather

Welcome! It's so funny, my FI and I have never been to Aruba, neither have most of our guests. It should be an adventure for us all .lol. The island is beautiful and there are many options for a resort based on what you would like. Some places that I've heard good things about are Manchebo, Bucuti, Raddison, Occidental, Marriot Stellaris, Divi/Tam and the Renaissance. But there are more places on the island. We chose the Renaissance because we wanted a private wedding ceremony and that's not possible at other resorts but they are beautiful. Do research before making your decision.

Check out the weddings section of the website www.aruba.com I found tons of helpful info there. Let me know if you have any questions.

Good Luck!

[Sheree10]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcia313 Hi -- I am another (soon-to-be) Aruba bride that's new and just saw this treat. We're getting married in March 2010 on Renaissance Island. Neither of us has been to Aruba, but my mother and aunt go there all the time and love it -- they said we should get married there, so I'm really taking their word for it.

How exciting, another Renaissance bride!! Welcome to you. I'm also getting there next July.

[frenchie427]

Hey Renaissance brides!

My friend was married on their private island there 3/2006 and it was GORGEOUS!!!

[hat0112]

I actually already checked out the Renaissance and my date is booked (not willing to change it unless I absolutely HAVE to)! I also looked into the Occidental and my date was booked there too. The Divi/Tam isn't booked and so far it is high on my list. I am still waiting to here back from a few other resorts. I am finding out that it takes them a while to respond just like everyone has been saying so I guess I need to get used to it!

 

So are any of you having your reception at another location? I heard that some brides are having the ceremony at one place and the reception at another. I am thinking about doing that, but I guess it will depend on what resort I go with.