drhubby

Oh! and as for getting the wedding dress there most flights let you have it as carry on, I just put my in 2 dress bags and it was fine. I did have a GIGANTIC crinolin though which I stuffed in a "space saver" bag from zellers. Its a huge bag that you use a vacuum to suck the air out and it turned a 6' round crinolin into a 2" sheet that travelled perfectly.

Hi Amanda, welcome, welcome. A couple things. We got married at 1 and people really just wanted to bum around on the beach after until the reception (especially since it was many people's last day) so this is fine to do. We did our reception at seagrapes and after seeing the disco I was really really happy with our choice. It was a friday night and the beach party was saturday. You can email the coordinator and shell let you know if you can have it. If you are having someone else do the photography note that there is a 250$ fee that has to be paid to the photo shop there for bringing in an outside photographer. Also, we got married at the beach gazebo after getting there and seeing the options (the pond gazebo is completely surrounded by purple hotel...) the nice thing about the Riu is that they only book 1 wedding at a time so you can switch to any of the other sites for the wedding after you get there. (and Mammees Bay was perfect!!)

For the reception we had dinner at Mammee's Bay from 630-8ish (where the groom and i got full service but our guests had buffet salad/soup bar but got served their entree). That was fine and you get set up on a long table seperate from the restaurant. For the tour (which did include snorkelling) we had some older people that didnt want to hike the falls either, there is a walkway next to the falls and its quite scenic and they really enjoyed it. I think we paid about 72$ a person and the kids were either 40$ or 44$ but it was awesome cuz Leroy took us into town for shopping after for as long as we wanted (local market and sony's plaza) so it was a really nice event that didnt start too early in the day (1230 til about 6ish). I really enjoyed the Sandals Negril. In comparison to the Riu it depends what you're looking for. The food was much better at Sandals (except the Jerk Chicken that was AMAZING at Riu). The liquor at sandals was all top shelf and the wine was a hundred times better. But I didnt like where the beach gazebo was at sandals so im glad we did it at riu. Also, Riu was great for the family - the entertainment and night life were spectacular (heck, even the day activities were grandiose!). This was seriously lacking at Sandals which was fine cuz it was just the two of us but I wouldve been saddened by this if the family was there. Alternately Sandals has ALL watersports included and Riu only has some (catamaran, snorkel...) and we made good good use of the scuba diving at sandals So it really depends on what you want.

hey guys, I just noticed this was a thread. I just got back from Riu Ocho Rios and would strongly advise to take the beach bar over the disco for the reception. They really do it up well and the Beach Party alternates between friday and saturday nights (Right now its a saturday rotation) so if you're married on a friday you can get the beach bar and the beach for the reception. They really do it up beautifully complete with Tiki torches and a huge table for all the guests.

For the reception we had dinner at Mammee's Bay from 630-8ish (where the groom and i got full service but our guests had buffet salad/soup bar but got served their entree). That was fine and you get set up on a long table seperate from the restaurant. For the tour (which did include snorkelling) we had some older people that didnt want to hike the falls either, there is a walkway next to the falls and its quite scenic and they really enjoyed it. I think we paid about 72$ a person and the kids were either 40$ or 44$ but it was awesome cuz Leroy took us into town for shopping after for as long as we wanted (local market and sony's plaza) so it was a really nice event that didnt start too early in the day (1230 til about 6ish). I really enjoyed the Sandals Negril. In comparison to the Riu it depends what you're looking for. The food was much better at Sandals (except the Jerk Chicken that was AMAZING at Riu). The liquor at sandals was all top shelf and the wine was a hundred times better. But I didnt like where the beach gazebo was at sandals so im glad we did it at riu. Also, Riu was great for the family - the entertainment and night life were spectacular (heck, even the day activities were grandiose!). This was seriously lacking at Sandals which was fine cuz it was just the two of us but I wouldve been saddened by this if the family was there. Alternately Sandals has ALL watersports included and Riu only has some (catamaran, snorkel...) and we made good good use of the scuba diving at sandals So it really depends on what you want.

oh the salon again - I paid 40$ for a hair trial which basically got me 15 minutes of styling and not really clear on what she was doing. I dont recommend that waste of money.

The minister was really really nice but you only meet him when you get to the altar which is kind of funny. We also hired the steel drum band for the ceremony (250/hr) and it really gave it incredible ambiance.

we also took all our guests on the Lees tours Dunns River/Catamaran and snorkelling trip which people are still saying was the best part of their trip. (we had little kids with us as young as 3 so we wanted to do something that they could enjoy). Be forwarned though if you do do this, make sure the kids are seated inside on the boat ride back cuz thats when the captain really cuts across waves on purpose to make the boat bounce and the kids totally freaked.

HEY! ok for the couple of questions. At the beach bar we had our reception the night of our wedding. Second, my brother in law brought an awesome sound system for the beach bar - speakers and all (otherwise its 75$/hr to rent the beach bar system which is really just a little stereo that skips tracks alot from what I can tell during the day). Originally I had booked my flowers through Lee's but was shocked when I found out a beautiful bouquet and boutenniere were included for free with the free wedding package so I cancelled them. We were on a really tight budget cuz we went to Sandals Negril for the honeymoon. So instead of flower pedals for the flower girls I snuck down to the palm trees before, cut some palm leaves down and cut the palm leaves into tons of tiny hearts. It looked really natural and pretty when the girls were throwing them. (they cut easy too cuz they fold in half). The busride with Leroy was AWESOME the bus was nice and the red stripe/rum punch abounded and our family WAS sooooo excited when they found out (we only told them when everyone was searching for the sunquest bus...). It was really easy to find too (Norma sends some complicated sounding directions but really that whole part of the airport consists of just a room).

The hotel was at full capacity but Dan and I still got a free upgrade to a junior suite. I am not sure if its regular policy but we were only allowed to eat at each gourmet restaurant once. In the mini bar theres little rock beer and juice/soda - you cant get wine. The jerk chicken hut was amazing and the shows left us all dumfounded. This resort is fantastic for kids cuz the entertainers are really engaged.

What else? k, the busride is a nightmare. So we booked a private bus through Lee's tours to pick all our guests up at the airport (18$ pp including red stripe and rum punch!!) and we had a suitcase ready full of the welcome bags and handed them out on the bus (they contained a hair moisture treatment, spf lip balm, massage oil for valentines day, a game for the guys, heart lollipops, pool/beach toys, hand sanitizer, mini sunblock, mini after sun, scented bath powder)

Hi guys. Ok I am back from my fabulous wedding at the ROR. With lots and lots of do's and donts. First things first, beach gazebo is awesome and private. Basic and free decorating includes thule wrap around with birds of paradise and its just beautiful. Second, we ALL went barefoot and it makes the pictures amazing (we were all in super formal wear so it was a perfect contrast). Third, mammees bay has these perfect long tables for reception that are seperate from the rest of the restaurant and perched over the beach - just perfect. Fourth, get married AFTER 2pm otherwise the beach gazebo is IN FULL SUN (1pm= deadly for boys in a tux and girls in a dress). Fifth - disco, ew, no. Even if its just you and your guests its SOOOO smoky and dismal. Beach bar - OH my !! i have to post pics but it was incredible. They sectioned off the majority of the beach using tiki torches all lit up, had a really long table set up with white linens spanning the length of the beach bar which was stunning, and signs were put up saying "private party". It was more than I had asked for and it was stunning. We brought our own IPOD, note though that your reception runs in the evening the same time as the show which is upstairs so our "speeches" had to be shouted quite loud to overcome the noise but once our music started you couldnt tell anymore. Ok, bad points. If you've been to a sandals - this isnt a sandals. Food is good, but not gourmet however the mammees bay steakhouse steaks were PERFECT and gourmet. Liquor- no top shelf stuff - this didnt bother us but some people complained. Hair and makeup - I brought my own makeup and normally I wear makeup but my makeup artist CAKED it on rather thick - better to do your own. If you are booked and some of your bridesmaids are booked to have hair done on the morning of the wedding be clear that you want SEPERATE stylist. My wedding was at one and I was supposed to be out of the salon by 11am, but I was only out at 1230 cuz my stylist did my bridesmaids hair, then mine, then my makeup. Also know that if it rains, like it did the morning of my wedding - there are NO alternative locations for the wedding so you have to wait the rain out. None of this bothered me but if it does you then better to know ahead of time. Whats included for free?? A beautiful bouquet, a matching boutenniere, champagne, a lovely cake (that could easily feed 30), decorations of gazebo and reception site. You should make an appt with Chandlyn for while your there BEFORE you leave cuz she's hard to get in touch with (we knew this ahead of time). Michael the photographer is FANTASTIC and split our hour and 45 mins up between beach shots and the cake cutting/first dance at night. (it was probably more like 2-3 hrs but he didnt charge us extra).

Oh! And i know some people werent sure what to put in gift bags so we have done welcome bags per couple that include (some of which is because its valentines day while we're there...): SPF sport lip balm hand sanitizer hair mask treatment (as hair will get really dry with salt/sand) romantic bath powder massage oil heart shaped lollipops we got mini games for guys (like golf on the go...) and personalized drinking cups (as cups at resorts are often small) and we got special sand bucket gift baskets for the kids that have lots of activities ... anyway hope that helps!

hi! ok I didnt know that about the photographers so thanks! Also, thanks for the pics Mo! we booked Seagrapes and released the disco for our reception. My brother in law has offered to take care of the music. One note for girls on a tight budget (ie me with all my tuition...) We are having a private bus pick us and our family/friends at the airport so we can hand out gift bags on it and get a direct ride to the hotel. We're doing this through Lees tours. We're also doing a day trip with everyone and they have been so accomodating!! I asked Norma (the super nice woman from Lees tours) about what I could do for flowers and she gave me a ridiculously cheap price for flowers for me, my bridesmaids, the groom, and my flower girls AND they'll deliver it to the hotel first thing in the morning. If you need ANY services I am strongly endorsing these guys - they're fantastic and fast to respond by email. I cant believe I'm a week away!

ok that really didnt line up well, if anyone wants the proper document or the pricing packages for the spa lemme know your email address

Hey everyone, I dont know how well this will line up but heres the pricing on photography. Note that this photo shop has EXCLUSIVE rights over the property so you cant bring anyone else in Photoshop RIU Ocho Rios Wedding photo & video prices 2008 All prices are cash–prices in US$, major cards plus 5% Free*Classic*RoyalCaprice Initial Package (not a deposit) * Free/Classic clients can choose between Free & classic package from PHOTOSHOPUS$ 160 J$ 11,200 US$ 180 J$ 12,600 Ceremony included in RIU Packages ROYAL & CAPRICE Photographer will attend wedding automatically All extra time / pictures after the ceremony (after signing papers) needs to be arranged & PAID prior to wedding - please check with PHOTOSHOP Needs to be arranged & PAID prior to wedding Availability given up to 24 hrs before ceremony Included time 45 min * * starts at scheduled time, delay in appearance is subtracted from package time25 min * * starts at scheduled time, delay in appearance is subtracted from package time Wedding sitesBeach Gazebo or Lagoon Gazebo or combination Extra time Needs to be arranged & PAID prior to wedding Availability given up to 24 hrs before ceremony 1 extra hour 2-3 extra hrs 4-6 extra hrsFull day 8 extra hours US$ 90 / hour J$ 6,300US$ 80 / hour J$ 5,600US$ 70 / hour J$ 4,900US 500 J$ 35,000 Pictures / Files included6 prints 4”x 6” + same 6 pictures on CD & photo album10 prints 4”x 6” + same 10 pictures on CD & photo album12 prints 4”x 6” + same 12 pictures on CD & photo album 24 prints 4”x 6” + same 24 pictures on CD & photo album More included items for all 4 packages1. wedding viewing at PHOTOSHOP Within regular opening hours up to 1,5 hrs, for max. 4 persons Viewing must take place at least 24 hrs before departure time 2. Standard corrections of pictures (colour and contrast, bright- & darkness) 3. all pictures in low-res-quality on CD, on request (copyrighted, previews for orders from back home) Section A: you want some additional single prints / pictures on CD? 4”x 6”5”x 7”6”x 8”8”x 10” Paper printsUS$ 8 J$ 600US$ 11 J$ 800US$ 15 J$ 1,000US$ 19 J$ 1,400 Black & whiteUS$ 9 J$ 700US$ 12 J$ 900US$ 16 J$ 1,200US$ 20 J$ 1,400 Digital Picture each picture (High-res, printable min.up to 12”x16”, size between 4-6 MB) US$ 15 or J$ 1000 Section B: you are looking for packages printed on Photo Paper? Paper prints 20 photos30 photos Including 1 print 8”x10”40 photos* Including 2 prints 8”x10”50 photos** Including 4 prints 8”x10” Size 4”x6” Colour/B&WUS$ 150 J$ 10,500US$ 210 J$ 14,700US$ 290 J$ 20,300US$ 370 J$ 25,900 Size 5”x7” Colour/B&WUS$ 200 J$ 14,000US$ 300 J$ 21,000US$ 390 J$ 27,300US$ 490 J$ 34,300 Size 8”x10” Colour/B&WUS$ 360 J$ 25,200 Section C: larger packages with pictures on CD including “Home-use-rights” Picture on CDHigh-res, printable min.up to 12”x16”, size between 4-6 MB 30 pictures US$ 240 or J$ 16,800 50 picturesUS$ 380 or J$ 26,600 70 picturesUS$ 490 or J$ 34,300 100 picturesUS$ 570 or J$ 39,900 150 picturesUS$ 650 or J$ 45,500 200 picturesUS$ 750 or J$ 52,500 More picturesSpecial quotation on request Professional Videography / DVD & editing FreeClassicRoyalCaprice Time included45 min * * starts at scheduled time, delay in appearance is subtracted from package time CostsUS$ 300 J$ 21,000 Needs to be arranged prior to wedding in the PHOTOSHOP Availability given up to 48 hrs! before ceremony Items included1. professional videographer with professional equipment 2. DVD completely edited within 48 hrs after wedding ceremony 3. own songs (max.up to 3) possible on your DVD (music songs have to be available in mp3-Format available at wedding) 4.Length of DVD / Video approx. 20-25 min 5. Cost-free rental of DVD player to watch DVD in your room Extra CopyUS$ 25 each copy J$ 1,800 Extra hours Need to be taken in a row 1 extra hour 2-3 extra hrs 1 free extra copy4-6 extra hrs 2 free extra copiesFull day ( 8 ) US$ 95 / hour J$ 6,700US$ 85 / hour J$ 5,900US$ 75 / hour J$ 5,300US$ 570 J$ 39,900 UPS / FEDEX Shipping out of Jamaica Shipping USACANADAEUROPEREST CD or DVDUS$ 60 J$ 4,200US$ 60 J$ 4,200US$ 70 J$ 4,900on request conditionsUPS/FedEX-shipping out of Jamaica delivery time 3-5 days, copy of Waybill will be scanned & emailed to trace shipment on internet, weight up to 1 kg, wedding items will be only send by registered courier mail Terms and Conditions 1.Booking a photographer / videographer for a destination wedding at RIU Ocho Rios from home via Email •Booking in advance is now possible and recommended to reserve a specific date / time and photographer •Availability is given for all dates / times and wedding sites •Please get the advance booking form with all necessary informations •Advance bookings are only valid with a confirmation following a successful credit card payment. at the resort •Availability is given for all dates / times up to 48 hours prior to wedding ceremony 2.necessary arrangements for all Weddings Initial package If you choose the FREE or the CLASSIC package from RIU, you need to contact the PHOTOSHOP, otherwise you won´t have a professional photographer and – optional – a videographer. Please remember, there are still no other PHOTOGRAPHERS or VIDEOGRAPHERS allowed on the property, as it is a closed property and the exclusive right to do professional photos & videos has been granted to the PHOTOSHOP company BEST IMAGES. There are a lot of informations around, most of them even false. Please check with the PHOTOSHOP. The company will charge a fee for any photographer and videographer that will be discovered on the wedding sites. In order to avoid problems on your wedding day, pls get in touch with us about it. If you choose either the ROYAL or the CAPRICE package with RIU, you will have a photographer for at least the ceremony (included time of 25 mins) without further arrangement or payment. The date and the time is granted by the wedding department of RIU Ocho Rios. All necessary information will be given to us prior to your wedding. Nevertheless, please arrange an appointment with us to make sure that both parties know what is included and what not – you can then arrange extra packages if necessary and wanted. Picture packages The desired picture packages need to be purchased now prior to you wedding ceremony and the picture viewing. See the 2nd page with all possible offers. The choosen packages will have an impact on the amount of pictures to be taken in the wedding. The appointment of a specific photographer will be based upon the choosen package. The choice is between the European head-photographer or a pool of local photographers. See the necessary requirements below: 1.Head-Photographer: a.Personal appointment prior to wedding b.Initial package plus minimum 1 extra hour c.Minimum 50 paper prints or 70 pictures on CD 2. local photographer: a.Initial package Videographer Availability is given up to 48 hours for initial packages. Extra hours / Overtime Availability is given up to 48 hours for one extra hour Extra hours exceeding two hours need to be arranged latest one week in advance by adequate payment. 3.Payments from home via remote credit card charge •Please request the “advanced booking form” with all information •Please return the form by FAX •We offer the option “ remote credit card payment” • Credit card payments attract a 5 % processing fee •After a successful charge to your credit card and with a confirmation from the management, all necessary arrangements are taken •The purchase is final, refunds are not possible at the resort •We offer the 3 options: cash (US$ or Jamaican$), Traveler´s cheques (in US$ currency) or credit card •Credit card payments attract a 5 % processing fee •Please make sure that you still meet the necessary booking times for initial packages, Picture packages and extra time. 4.Wedding cermony Personal meeting with the photographer •Recommended to discuss all picture ideas and specific wishes •Without meeting, photographer follows standard list of pictures Time to start •Due to settled time / Schedule on wedding function sheet •Delays of wedding party or guests will be subtracted from included time “Family photographers” •Photographer will not take pictures with hundreds of “Family – and Friends-photographers” in his back. •We require an exclusive session after the ceremony to provide professional pictures without having everybody looking in different directions instead of the camera of our photographer. Time to finish •After the included time or after the arranged overtime •Flexible arranged overtime is possible due to day wedding schedule 5.Picture viewing •An appointment will be arranged for the wedding picture viewing •Appointment takes place in the PHOTOSHOP •One appointment can be held up to 2 hours, for max. 4-5 people at one time •Delays in appearance will cause a possible loss of appointment •Appointments can’t be later than 48 hours to departure due to the necessary editing •Any later appointment will automatically attract shipping costs for all purchased wedding package items. 6.storage of pictures / Contact data •After departure PHOTOSHOP will store your pictures for an unlimited time but has no obligation to do so •To order from home, get in touch with us by telling us your wedding number and all relevant data to email: [email protected] •Your wedding number is:_____________________________

Hi Mo! Your info has been so important to me!! we did book the disco for our dance but now we're thinking the beach bar might be better- do you have any pics of it? if so please please please send me some at [email protected] , we leave in 18 days so any help would be so great! thanks!

Sorry guys, I'm a bit of a post-a-holic right now but i just heard back from chandlyn. here's her responses we are a party of 20 where can we have our "free" reception? We can make arrangements for the dinner reception at the Mammee Bay Steakhouse which will be from 6:30pm -8:30pm. can I change the location of my wedding to the beach gazebo? The beach gazebo is available for your wedding as only one wedding is performed at an given time. where can we do our first dance? This can be done at the gazebo or at dinner as we will be able to provide you with CD player for this. how much is the officiants fees in the free wedding? The cost for the Minister's fee and documentation is US250.00 what documentation is necessary to get married? The following documentation is required: Notarized / certified copies of Birth Certificate Notarized / certified copies of divorce papers (If applicable) Notarized / certified copies of death certificate (If applicable) Documents stating name changes (If applicable) Notarized written parental consents (If below 21 years) Notarized copies of driver's licence or passports Documents need to be sent and received at the hotel at least 30 days prior to your wedding day to the following address: Riu Ocho Rios Mammee Bay, St. Ann’s Bay P.O. St Ann JAMAICA can we write our own vows? You may say your own vows. where can we do the rehersal dinner? The rehearsal can be done on the day before the wedding at 5pm. Rehearsal dinner can be arranged for the St. Ann Buffet at 6:30pm. can we have a private bar for the end/beginning of the rehersal dinner? The Beach bar is available for welcome receptions at a cost of US10 per person for the open bar plus cost of entertainment. can we get the disco? The disco is not available for the night of the wedding but is available for the night of the 14th at a cost of US250 from 9pm-11pm and includes DJ and bartender. Regards Chandlyn hope that helps wives-to-be! Kat

Oh !! And anyone living in Toronto without a dress I bought mine at Windsor bridal last weekend and SAVED A FORTUNE!! (ie I paid 600$ for a designer dress and even better, it doesnt need alterations) I REALLY recommend it. I also recommend going in with an idea of what you want cuz theres thousands of dresses!

Hi everyone, Ok this is what I've found out so far. Firstly, Lees Tours is amazing -i've been online with Norma for 3 days aranging group outings and transport to and from the hotel (you can get all your guests to the hotel on an airconditioned bus with red stripe and rum punch for 20$ a person - i think it's a great way to welcome everyone!). Second, anyone with my fabulous problem of getting married at 1 and having a reception at 7 who's worried about dying of boredom - Lees tours can book you a private little boat cruise. it's pricey but it'll be a great surprise for everyone (and maybe keep the party going a little longer...). Thirdly, i've seen a few people on here getting married same day as me (Feb 15, 200 have any of you booked the disco from 9-11? If you have and are worried about the "empty" feeling we could always pool wedding parties and share the disco, it'd cut down on costs and could be fun!! (well, i'd love to do it at any rate so if you are interested please email me at [email protected], we have about 20 people going and i'm sure we could each do our own first dances and what have you...). Other than that, still waiting to hear back from Chandlyn about my other questions but hey 3 months and 4 days to go! WOOO!

Hi! I'm new here but I have found all the info so helpful! I am getting married in Jamaica Riu Ocho Rios Feb 15th 2008 at 1pm. I am trying to book a boat cruise for after the wedding/before the reception for all the girls on here who arent sure what to do in between I'll let you know the responses I get. My coordinators name is Carolina so I am guessing there's more than one coordinator there I just asked her a gazillion questions about the ceremony (like can we write our own vows) so I' ll let you know what I get! But I just wanted to say hi for now!