96 replies to this topic

[LaROR]

Guys,

I’m so disappointed!!! My ceremony time is 12 noon. I am just finding out that we have no options until 6 pm. Maybe we have other options…I need your help!!

Can you all share your after ceremony plans/timeline??


Thanks girl

[Spazz]

I'm in the same situation as you. I racked my brain trying to think of things. I contacted a party boat company, thinking that would be an option, but then decided against it. I was going to go off-site and have a reception elsewhere, but don't feel like dealing with that either. Most of my family and my FI seem to think it's ok that there is a large gap and that they'll just go to the pool or to the bar in between the ceremony and reception; but it really worries me. I don't want (1) all of the bridal party to have to stay in our hot clothes all day (2) everyone get way too drunk before dinner and it be a huge drunken mess (3) people to be annoyed. So, I'm absolutely no help because I'm at a loss too. If anyone else has suggestions, I would love to hear them!

[TammyB]

Hmm, that's a hard one. I personally don't like long wait times for local wedding, and a DW might be different. Is 12:00 the only time you can have your ceremony?

SO,,

12:00 Ceremony, probably lasts about 15-30 minutes, then you'll take pictures after for at least an hour.. so now your at around 1:30 or 2:00, so that leaves about 4 hours before your reception. Maybe a cruise or I know some people did a gambling night, maybe some sort of activity.. Did you ask the resort or your WC for some suggestions?

[starchild]

Is it 6:00 because things are booked or they just don't do receptions until the evening? If you have no choice I would turn it into a really unique day.

You may have to change out of your wedding clothes though, but I think taking a dip in the ocean with your guests, having some drinks, etc. would be really fun. Then you all shower up, change, and get ready for dinner. You would have a whole wedding day as opposed to a ceremony and reception that lasts just a few hours. Plus, how many people can say they got married then all the guests put their swimsuits on and frolicked in the Carribean ocean?

The Riu has a catamaran they take people out on - maybe you can arrange to charter it for an hour or two of sailing to kill some time.

I have a picture of the catamaran, let me find it . . .

[Spazz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TammyB Hmm, that's a hard one. I personally don't like long wait times for local wedding, and a DW might be different. Is 12:00 the only time you can have your ceremony? SO,, 12:00 Ceremony, probably lasts about 15-30 minutes, then you'll take pictures after for at least an hour.. so now your at around 1:30 or 2:00, so that leaves about 4 hours before your reception. Maybe a cruise or I know some people did a gambling night, maybe some sort of activity.. Did you ask the resort or your WC for some suggestions?

12:00 was the only time left when I booked my date (more than a year in advance!) and I didn't know at the time that they wouldn't start receptions until 6:30. The WC did not offer any suggestions; basically, just told me that this is the way it is done and that's that.
I was thinking of a party cruise, but don't know if that's too much in one day for all of the guests: ceremony, pics, cruise, reception dinner, reception dancing. But I may end up doing that.

[Spazz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by starchild You would have a whole wedding day as opposed to a ceremony and reception that lasts just a few hours. Plus, how many people can say they got married then all the guests put their swimsuits on and frolicked in the Carribean ocean?

That's a good way to look at it!

[starchild]

Okay here is the Riu Catamaran I speak of:



Also, if you don't want to get wet or mess up your hair by swimming, you can always have drinks and hang out. The sports bar was nearly always empty during the day, and there is a small casino inside with slot machines. They also have popcorn and sandwiches that you can snag and take upstairs (sports bar is below ground). The seating area for the shows is empty during the day. The kids are on stage practicing their routines some of the day, otherwise it's quiet except for the reggae coming from the speakers. Anyway, there are TONS of tables and chairs you can all sit at as a group, and there are 3 bars close:

one bar, stage seating to the right


stage seating, another bar under white structure to the right, Mamee bay restaurant & stairs to sports bar under Mamee Bay straight back where you see purple on the ground level

[IrieBride08]

Hey ladies! While I'm not getting married at Riu, I do have an early wedding time--2pm at Sandals Grande OR. I know that I need to think outside the box for ideas for the reception, so I'm still considering options to improve my timeline as well. I'm so glad someone started this thread!

Will the RIU allow you to have a cocktail reception after the ceremony or do all events have to occur in the restaurants? Are they willing to set up an outdoor luncheon somewhere?

I'm leaning toward hosting a cocktail reception with heavy h'ors for my guests following the ceremony and then make a group reservation at one of the restaurants later that evening (like around 5 or 6pm) That way, I will only have to pay for the coctail reception --between $15 - 25 pp. (Dinner at the restaurant would be part of the AI package.)

I'm mourning the fact that I may have to sacrifice the option of personalizing my reception with table decorations, flowers, etc., but I'm trying to get over it since I didn't choose the traditional route when I decided on a DW anyway. I'd love to hear additional input alternative options on this!

According to my sister, she thinks the guests will be glad the ceremony & reception is early and will relish everything ending early so they can enjoy their last evening at the resort on their own.

[LaROR]

I have the same idea as Iriebride08. What about music and dancing...I don't feel like it's a real reception without dancing. Does anyone know what is the earliest time that we can book the disco at the Riu?

[Spazz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaROR I have the same idea as Iriebride08. What about music and dancing...I don't feel like it's a real reception without dancing. Does anyone know what is the earliest time that we can book the disco at the Riu?

Chandlyn told me the disco can be booked from 9-11. But I can't see anyone using it earlier than that, so maybe if you ask, you could get it earlier than 9.