Anyone having a large destination wedding?

There's a DJ that works with the resort so we're thinking of using him. The alternative is to just bring our own music on an ipod and either have him handle the ipod or just get a playlist all set before going, and just press play during the reception. With this option, we'd just rent the entertainment equipment and not have an actual DJ. Right now I'm putting together a playlist and deciding if it's worth saving a couple of bucks, or just not have any headaches and have the DJ do everything.

Thanks! I haven't decided yet...less than 2 weeks to go so I better get on it!

OMG My FI and I are had the same problem!!!! Our WP established a group contract with the Riu initially. Our guests were complaining about finding cheaper prices. So, my WP went and re-negotiated the rates with another vendor... which made it even more affordable and it included ground transportation! Although we received better prices, folks are still booking through other agencies!

I talked to my FI and WP about this. My WP is still seeing if she can pull in those other folks' reservations to our group contract. We reserved 15 rooms for guests, 12 rooms are already full/booked through us..... while 3 rooms were booked outside of us!

We decided that folks who wanted to book outside of us will be responsible for their own ground transportation. I know it may sound heartless. However, our guests knew since November 2008 that we were getting married in JA. I do not have the time to be stressed out over folks that refuse to respect our wishes and time lines.

It's frustrating because we are also giving our guests OOT bags! We are placing final orders around September 1st... We will over 5 extra. Other than that, people will be s**t outta luck.

This is where we are at now. We have a couple of people who tell us they want to book but as of right now, the 3 flights that accommodate our wedding that are available through our package are full. These people who have not booked have to fend for themselves. We have been reminding people but there are other things that need our attention. My rsvp date was in March because our original package/flight was to Bahamas and it sold out, so we switched to Jamaica and called everyone over 1 weekend to tell them the new plans/get booking information so we could just book everyone ourselves. But still, we wait for the last minute travelers.

I am with you about them finding their own transportation. We have booked extra everything - chairs for the ceremony, seats at dinner etc. because they won't say 'no' they aren't coming...they just haven't booked yet. I can't organize hotel transportation for 'maybes'.

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Halfmoon is truly beautiful however it might caus you alotsince you have a group. Group wedding are better to be held at The Iberostar or Rio, Holiday Inn or the Hylton Resorts. However, you might have to look on the cost to have your wedding in these hotels e.g Iberostar charges a fee to have the restaurant private at one point it was US$800 just for the room. You may also try a villa where it would cot less by having the villa for some of your gust then using the grounds for your wedding where you can get to use affordable vendors.

We leave tomorrow at 7 and I STILL have 2 people 'hoping to make it to the wedding' and 'might make cameos'. Seriously. I feel as if they just don't want to say no, they aren't coming but in all honesty, it's more insulting to be given the false promises. Just grow a pair and say that you can't make it.

 

We have 51 people and are spending probably $15,000 including flights, clothing etc. This is more than we had originally wanted to spend but WAY less than we would be spending on an at-home wedding.

Oh Jesselyn, how can you sleep? I would be soooo excited! Congrats & have a good time! Show mucho pics when you get back!

I am still doing laundry so we can pack!! I am actually making place cards for dinner right now...so last minute!

 

I have been trying to do a planning thread but just have no time - I am going to have to do my planning thread and resort review when I get home!

 

I am such a photo junkie - I'll post lots of photos!

JesseLyn10- how exciting! I hope your wedding is fab and everything you want it to be! I can't believe 2 people "don't know" if they'll make it to your wedding! That's so crazy