Banana11

OMG! They are all so wonderful!! I'm wondering if you would be up for doing another? I'm so completely terrible at that sort of thing. I tried last night and failed miserabely. Here's our info...feel free to include what you want because I'm not exactly sure myself ... Alan & Andrea Western Caribbean Cruise 02-01-09 ~ 02-08-09 Wedding date/location: February 4, 2009, Ocho Rios, Jamaica (we are getting married while in port at a resort) I don't even have wedding colors...so not sure on that one? I love green and black together, maybe a little tropical blue...or whatever your creative mind thinks would look good together! THANK YOU!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by mnewbauer We aren't inviting everyone to Mexico so we have to have a party when we get back. Everywhere is just so expensive. I would rather spend my money in Mexico. I thought brunches would be cheaper...but what I am finding out is that they aren't. Hey fellow Minnesota brides! We also went back and forth on the whole reception thing. We finally decided that we would rather spend the money on other life things and are not doing a reception. We did a lot of leg work before making this decision. One possible venue we came up with was the Wabasha Street Caves in St. Paul. We liked it because it had it's own charm and would require little money spent on decorations. Plus, it works for the cold MN winter months when it's just too darn cold to be outside . We were going to do an appetizer/cake reception. They allow you to use outside catering so you can find a deal. There were also very few requirements on how much you had to spend on drinks/food, etc. Here's a link to their website: www.wabashastreetcaves.com Good luck!

We have a die cut machine at work and it's basically a big shape cutting contraption. Those are so cute! I'm considering a DIY luggage tag project too. Megan - what are you using for your DIY tags?

I think most destination wedding couples do some sort of thank you gift for their guests. The OOT bags are great! I attended a destination wedding for friends of ours a few years back and they gave us all OOT bags and they were a huge hit! We are going on a cruise with a group of about 20 people for our wedding. I'm trying to avoid doing an OOT bag because my friends did the same thing for their destination cruise wedding. Because of that i'm trying to come up with something a bit different. I'm leaning towards doing a pre-cruise care package and mailing it to them a few weeks before we leave. I think it may be easier than bringing everything along and assembling on the ship. Still not sure because there are pros and cons to mailing them versus handing them out. I would for sure not leave them on a door handle because they would be easy for someone to steal.

Thanks for sharing this wonderful idea! I was going to do a welcome/thank you packet but the book idea is waayyy better!

We will have dated for 13 years by the time we are married in February 2009!! It will feel weird to start the count over again!

If you give me your email address I can send you what we used. We did a letter that explained everything and included an info sheet with booking and TA info. I printed the letter on beachy nice paper and used heavy duty envelopes. After sealing them, I put a wedding themed sticker on the back. They turned out great! I also had guests RSVP to my wedding website and that helped move along the process more quickly than a US Mail RSVP. As far as people flying to Jamaica for the wedding only...I wouldn't be afraid to mention something along the lines of...we will only be in Jamaica for a few hours for the wedding and you want to make sure they know that so they aren't dissapointed. Or, another way around that, is to book a cocktail/appetizer reception or luncheon back on the ship. Only cruise guests are allowed on the ship. That's what we are doing and it's pretty affordable. What cruiseline are you using?

Thank you!!!

Congrats! My friends were married in St. Thomas at the Frenchman's Reef Marriott and it was gorgeous! We came in on Carnival Triumph. She was able to get her hair done and have an air conditioned room to get ready in that was rather large and well set up. The gazebo and backdrop are amazing. Her video and photos were super high quality. She did a champagne toast and cake afterwards - all excellent. The only thing I will say is it was so extremely hot in St. Thomas in October...we were all drenched with sweat by the end of the ceremony. There was no breeze for relief. I'm not sure if this link will work to the ceremony location: Frenchman's Reef St. Thomas Hotel Photo Gallery | Marriott St. Thomas Resorts The beach area was also gorgeous and perfect for pictures!

Hi everyone! Has anyone been to Ocho Rios or happen to know the average temps, humidity, wind in early February? I read that it is one of the cooler months but not sure what that means. I would love to hear from someone who has been during this time of year? Thanks!

Thanks for sharing all of your info on this vendor! I am also considering using them for my wedding. We are coming in from a cruise to Ocho Rios.

Yikes! I appreciate your honesty about the place. The only difference I can think of is that we aren't staying there as guests but simply using their facilities for our wedding. But hearing it wasn't great is scary! Hmmm... Has anyone heard anything about using Tropical Weddings Jamaica as a planning company?

Hello! We are coming into Ocho Rios via RCCL Freedom of the Seas. We had trouble finding a resort where we could have our ceremony because we won't be staying as resort guests for the week. Anyone have experience with Shaw Park Beach Hotel? I have been working with their planner and she is super helpful and quick to respond. Just wondering if anyone has been there before? It's kinda scary booking a place based on a few photos and conversations! Thanks!

I am having a wedding cruise on RCCL (Freedom of the Seas) in February 2009. We are getting married in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. We didn't use the RCCL Royal Romance department and instead went with a local resort in Jamaica and their planner. So far, she has been very helpful! Anyone have suggestions on how much to tip a resort wedding planner? I have no clue where to even start with that?! It's different with a cruise because she really isn't assisting with anything besides the ceremony. The cocktail/appetizer reception will be back on the ship. Thanks for any advice!

Hi everyone! My name is Andrea and I am getting married 2/4/09 on a RCCL cruise (Freedom of the Seas). We are getting married at one of the stops, Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Just found this site and I am loving the tons of great info!