All Inclusive Weddings

Hi Brides! Apologies for the long overdue review- but I am not great at social media so cut me some slack. We got married back in August at the Riu Palace and had a great experience. Overall costs were about 10k for the wedding plus our stay & flight.
Ceremony- We opted to do a ceremony on the beach, I feel like it was the right choice because hello we’re in Aruba, but if you are sensitive to strangers in the background of your photos maybe opt for the garden. The garden is gorgeous and a little more private. Keep in mind that it is a public beach and even at 6pm there are stragglers!

Reception- We did the pool bar area for some privacy (additional fee) It was excellent. We had 30 guests so 5 tables of 6, everything was gorgeous.
Food- We had no diet restrictions so we did a sit-down dinner and verified with everyone ahead of time that steak would be the option, and our guests were fine with that. No additional fee for sit down private dinner if everyone orders the same thing. (Caesar salad, steak with veggie and potato, cake) I personally am an Italian from Long Island NY and food is my life, but it was great, no complaints from anyone!
Drinks- Bartenders were great except for when one bartender told me to have some water and I laughed at him.
Music/Photo- To the right of the tables was a dancefloor area and our DJ (on site) did an amazing job. We basically put together a list of must plays and he stuck to it. I can also send you that if you would like to peruse/ take. Used the on-site photo as well, no video. They were fine, but I would maybe do more research on outside companies. Also, maybe I just don’t photograph well lol.
Wedding Coordinator-was awesome. Keep in mind that communication throughout is via email, so if you are a control freak like me, this may be the time you learn to let that shit go! We opted for no additional flower archways or centerpieces bc expensive, but our wedding coordinators literally stole them from the wedding the previous evening, so we got our archway and centerpieces for free! P.S if you got married at the RIU on August 18th, thanks a bunch!
Hair/ Makeup- Hair done at the spa on site and boy did she deliver. She was a beautiful Dominican girl who listened to exactly what I wanted. Long waves with little braids throughout. However, kind of wish I listened to her when she said it is very windy maybe do an up do. I would recommend hair up, but I don’t love my hair up so if you opt for a down hairstyle, just know that the wind/ heat is a thing. Also did my makeup myself because I am alright at it (competition dancer my whole life), it came out great because I had a nice tan. Also, I got a full set of lash extensions prior so no stress on the lashes.


Dress/ How to fly with the dress – My dress was medium sized, I double garment bagged it, and put in the overhead bin. Jetblue. I had a steamer with me but didn’t even use because it was fine.
Guest list- Overall experience is hard to beat in paradise but I will say this. PLEASE be overly picky on who you invite as you are quite literally stuck on an island with these people and unlimited booze for the duration of your stay. This is your special time with your spouse, do not feel any sort of way if you choose not to include someone for your own mental wellbeing!
~Christina Evensen~ Aruba Destination Bride

Lia planned my destination wedding in May to El Dorado Royale and it was the most amazing experience!