May 2016 Bride! Palace Vs Riu

[TheBHolders]

Hello

 

I have stayed at Riu Palace Riviera Maya in December and loved it, in September I will be visiting the reef coco beach to resort visit. I am debating on Riu Palace Mexico, Playacar Palace, or Moon Palace. I love the Palace packages and benefits and I believe we will be having a large group of people so any great incentives are highly appreciated. I was also doing research to find resorts in other countries that have similar resorts as Palace but I haven't found anything yet. I am seeking a family friendly resort that will provide plenty of opportunity for partying and relaxation.

 

I was hoping those with experience will chime in. My requirements are:

-family friendly

-group incentives

-all inclusive

- great entertainment and activities

-low vendor fees (if I need to bring an outside photographer or DJ)

 

Also what are the extra fees that can apply for a reception? I would still like to have a dinner, cocktail hour, rehearsal dinner, goodbye brunch, welcome dinner, private reception with dancing.

 

I also noticed Moon Palace has a nightclub that operates on some nights. I would like to get married on a Wednesday and wanted to know if this is a reception option since it already has speakers and lighting.

 

I'm sorry for babbling. I am trying to make this as cost effective as possible. I don't like the Palace theme packages and wanted the free ceremony and plan to decorate the reception on my own. I am going for a vintage theme, if you know of any affordable decorators or vendors in the area that would be great.

 

I am also hoping to take out engagement pictures in Playa while we are visiting so please recommend some affordable photographers that we can try out as well.

 

Thank you!

[acw271011]

Congrats and welcome to BDW! You'll definitely find a ton of information here that should help you out with your list!

 

Firstly, if you don't have a travel agent, I would highly recommend getting one. They are the best consultants as far as recommending resorts. If you're in the US, the owners of this site - Wright Travel - are destination wedding specialist and know all the ins and outs of who has some of the better incentives for groups. You can contact them through this site. You sound like you know what you want so you could always check out the vendor reviews and see what past brides have said and experienced. There are a lot of good photographers in the RM. Again, check out the vendor reviews. You'll be able to go to their websites and see what style jumps out at you for photography. They all have their unique way of doing things so what works for someone else might not work for you.

 

Lastly, all the brides (and few grooms) are more than willing to share info so you'll definitely get tons of advice and suggestions.

 

Good luck and happy planning!

[TheBHolders]

Thank you so much. I'm hoping to find information on extra person fees and deposits as well. I am in the US

[acw271011]

What you need to do is key into the search bar the information you're looking for. There are so many forums here that I can guarantee whatever you're looking for that something will pop up. It's almost a given that whatever you ask, has already been asked and answered by others so definitely take a look.

[bicoastalimages]

Hola @@TheBHolders!

 

Doing engagement photos while visiting Mexico during a site inspection vacation before your destination wedding is pretty awesome & doesn't get more perfect!!!!!! Not only will you get some gorgeous sunny photos to help celebrate your engagement and to send out with save the date cards (in a very appropriate beachy kind of way) but it's also the perfect way to bond with your wedding day photographer before the big day. We LOVE getting to have a little fun during an E-session with our future beach brides & grooms! 

 

Below are a few samples to take a peek at including images from a wedding at Playacar Palace we shot recently. Happy planning!

 

Engagement Session in Cancun, Mexico at Secrets The Vine (full album here)

 

 

 

Playacar Palace Wedding (full album here)

 

 

 

Trash the Dress (Playa del Carmen-full album here)