Originally Posted by IrishGirlMD 

 

Soon2BNJersey, I took your advice and I emailed the sales team at the corporate office.  I told them that I feel as though it's fraudulent for them to lore in brides with an "all inclusive" gimmick just to slam them with an extra $4,000 rule after the contract was signed and deposit paid; and that no where on the website nor my contract does it say anything about having to pay an extra $67 per person plus an additional $600 rental fee simply because I'm bringing the resort more money by having more guests.

 

So hopefully they will respond soon.  I'll update if they do.

Good for you,

Unfortunately I had to do the same before I got results.  They didn't wanna lost 30+ guests over a disagreement.  Good luck and get it ALL in writing!

Hello Brides,

I was married at ROR in 2011 and I still get updates form this site.  I had to chime in on this one.  First off, they have NO right to force anyone to get a private room that has over 40 people.  NOWHERE on the website does it say that.  They can't just make up rules.  they get you to book and then spring rules on you.  talk to the sales department, (the people you book with before getting hooked up with keisha) and threaten to take your business elsewhere. Get it in writing when they retract their statements and BRING ALL DOCUMENTS WITH YOU.   They have to honor what is stated on the website.  Don't let them bully you into paying more, cause they will try.

The free package says semi private dinner for 10 guests, I paid for 35 she waived the extra 10.50 pp for extra cake and sparkling wine & toast.  (because it wasn't stated in my original paperwork)

I was not forced into a private dinner.  as long as 80% of my guests stayed at the hotel I was told that 40+ was fine.  my original number was 40 in fact. 

good luck, give em hell!

PS: I'm glad they didn't charge me for additional cake it was the standard size anyway.

for more info and pics check out my review

These are the quotes I rec'd for my Sept. 2011 wedding:

First Option:
Plantation Restaurant
Schedule 6:30pm & 8:30pm= (schedule subject to availability)
Prices: $500usd for 2 hour & $ 1,000usd  for 4 hours= (schedule subject to availability)

This includes dinner set up, menu and with dinner is served red and white wine ,sodas, juices and beer.

Open bar can be added at a cost of $10usd per person

*** DJ can be added.= $150usd per hour
* The latest time is at 11:00pm

Second Option:
Poolside OR Beach bar receptions:(locations are subject to  availability and have an additional cost)

* Required a minimum of 20  persons .
* Price: $ 55usd per person
* Includes buffet menu, open bar and dinner  set up.

*** DJ can be added.= $150usd per hour
* The latest time is  at 11:00pm

Third Option:

Mamee Bay Steakhouse: (semi private dinner)

Schedule 6:30pm

Price: FREE

Includes: dinner served with red and white wines, soda, juice, and beer. (the bar is about 50 steps away if you want something stronger).  Free wedding cake and sparkling wine toast. 

Fourth Option:
After dinner, the cost for the beach reception is $15usd per person which includes bar, lighting, tiki torches and beach chairs in semi circle.

If you are interesting to have a Dj the cost is $150.00usd

With the Private dinner or Semi Private dinner, your on-site wedding coordinator will accommodate your reception in the venue that fits better with your wedding party. As I mentioned before the locations are subject to availability and Keisha Adams handles the scheduling of each one.

Originally Posted by kdaly 

Hey ladies,

I was hoping someone could help me with some questions regarding costs of reception at the ROR.  Do they charge per guest for dinner or is that included in some type of package?  Also, does anyone know how expensive it is to hold a private reception on the beach or anywhere in the resort for that matter?  Any help would be so appreciated!  I want to make sure we aren't spending money for unnecessary things =)  Thank you!!

5pm reception might be cutting it close.  Your ceremony will be like 15-20 minutes and that doesn't leave u too long for pics before your 6:30 reception. BTW ALL receptions start at 6:30pm.  As for the chairs its part of the decor and Tai Flora will charge u for the chairs and the sashes, flowers, aisle runner (the white draping is free) delivery, tax and anything else they can name.  ask for a quote TaiFlora.com.   Also, if you use an outside photographer there is a $350 vendor fee that you have to pay in order for them to take pics there. If you plan to use the hotel's videographer you have to use THE RESORTS PHOTOGRAPHER. I flew in my photographer and paid for his stay as a guest for the weekend (vendor fee was waived!)

Originally Posted by tkpickard 

 

Newbie. I've read many, many posts. But its hard to find the exact answers to everything. So much to do. Nervous. Help?! LOL!

 

Oh...Getting married at ROR June 23, 2012 at 5pm, 20-30 guests...

 

Have ya'll seen these pics from a ROR wedding and reception? I LOVE IT! I want it. Does anyone know what the cost to upgrade the dinner/reception to something like this would be?? I really like the brown chairs with the white sashes too...are these the "free" brown chairs or an upgrade? should we bring our own sash or does anyone know the cost to rent them? How long of a runner do I need? Is my 5pm ceremony going to get too dark for pics, or will I get great sunset pics? I haven't seen GREAT pics like these from THEIR photographer, but am I wrong and the final prints are beautiful??

 

 

 

 

the tent, lighting, flowers and decor is done by Tai Flora, ask them for a quote. Things change constantly so I would email your coordinator Keisha Adams: ([email protected]) and tell her your interested in the beach reception, tell her what you want and get a quote.  Then contact Tai Flora and show them this picture they will give you a quote for the tent and the decor:  www.taiflora.com.  They have a few weddings a day and all of them start at 6:30pm so the beach area is first come first serve. 
 

Originally Posted by tkpickard 

Newbie...ROR Bride for June 23, 2012...EEK!

 

I have been reading and searching all over this forum, but there doesn't seem to be much posted about the Private Beach Dinner/Reception they offer. Has anyone on here done it? Or know what is included in the $500 set up fee? Tables, chairs, linens? What kind of lighting? I love the idea of a beach dinner/small reception but I still want it to feel somewhat intimate. I found a pic of a spectacular beach dinner/reception at ROR, but it must have cost quite a bit, idk. But, I would love to be able to something similar, but on a more simple scale. Any ideas or information would be wonderful!

 

This was 3:00pm you should be fine for pics at 3.  other note: weddings are usually scheduled every 2 hours, so you don't have a long time to take pics near the gazebo. after your 15 minute ceremony that leaves you a little over an hour.  now u can take pics anywhere on the resort so when u get there scout out the hotel for places you love.  Question... when u say cocktail reception do u mean in place of the reception dinner or a private rental for cocktail hour??

Originally Posted by Lauren Newsham 

 

The only other time available was 11am. L

That’s a good idea, I’ll have our photographer scope out some places that might be unique! We’ll do all the pre-ceremony photos with the guys and gals and then the family shots and candid photos will be after the cocktail reception. Hopefully by then (3pm) the sun won’t be as strong! 

well the bright side is you won't have a huge glare in the pictures form the HIGH NOON sun. Are there any more times avail?   What my photographer did was he did a lot of the bridal party pics in designated places in the hotel:  balconies, stairwells, gardens, don't worry about the sun you can find places to take good pics.   after the guys got dressed he did their pics, after the girls got dressed he got us. so after the wedding was done he only had to worry about family and our candid fun shots. 
 

Originally Posted by Lauren Newsham 

 

I tried to move my ceremony up to 3pm but unfortunately it's already booked...5:00 is really late, especially since the sun starts to set at 5:30!

 

I am so grateful for this site, I really wish that the WC’s would send you all the information once you’ve confirmed your wedding so you know exactly what to do. Although, Keisha has been amazing and has responded quickly to each of my questions!!

 

1:00 is is very sunny and hot, I did 3pm, and I was fine (the ceremony was 15 min).  instead of hiring the steel drum band I downloaded steel drum music.  after we were married it played while we enjoyed rum punch and started pictures.  that gave people time to go freshen up and meet at the bar, where we ordered cocktails until our table was ready... free!  I think 5:00 is cutting it you plan to have a cocktail hour.  I wish they would be more clear when you book, thank god for this site. hope this helps.  for the record I didn't see anyone use the steel drum band, and I watched weddings from my suite everyday that I was there (10 days)

Originally Posted by Lauren Newsham 

All receptions start at 6:30pm?? Yikes!!

My ceremony is at 5:00pm, followed by a cocktail reception and 1 hour of a steel drum band...maybe I should move my ceremony up... I am thinking 5pm is too late now and that leaves no time for photos!!

also since my girls wore dark teal the free flowers didn't exactly match.  too many colors for me. takes away from the simplicity of the beach wedding.  thats why I didn't go with them.  it was hard to even find a single blue - like flower on that island LOL.  I have the catalog they sent me if your interested? inbox me ur email and I will gladly send. 

I did NOT use Tai at all.. I brought my own real touch flowers. thats right 4 bouq., 4 bout., and 2 corsages.  spent about $150 for the flowers ribbon and accessories (free shipipng) and the hotel provided flowers on the gazebo from the hotel garden.  I brought my own organza ribbon for the white folding chairs on the beach, and my own aisle markers made of rafia, curling ribbon, and a starfish on each (6 markers in total) oh and BTW I bought an aisle runner from another bride on this site I packed it in my husband's suit bag and he carried it on the plane.  all the other flowers were carried my a few of my guests who flew Caribbean Airlines (since there is no baggage fee) I got married in september and my flowers are STILL in great shape, i was even able to bring them home and use them again for my at home reception.  The beach area is beautiful enough no need to over do it with too many flowers, I see people do that on here all the time, they dress their ceremony site like the are dressing a church.  remember beach weddings are kind of simple, not draped with every ounce of tulle or ribbon u can find. 

Chair sashes do make the difference on the white chairs but again not required.

NOTE: for the ceremony site all rose petals thrown on the beach MUST BE REAL or they won't let u use them. 

Originally Posted by Lauren Newsham 

 

Hi Ladies,

 

I'm getting married at the ROR in May 2012, I just wanted to ask you about flowers… my bouquet and my FI’s boutonniere are included in the package. We have requested a quote from Tai Florist for décor and the bridal party’s arrangements. I don’t want to spend a fortune on the flowers, etc but we have chosen the free package so we literally have no decorations at the ceremony site. Any advise on the set up? Did you use Tai?

 

Thanks so much!

 

 

All Receptions Start at 6:30.  For Semi Private your choice is

Mamee Bay Restaurant:

Private Receptions Locations include:

Poolside (cost is per head and you have to pay per hour for a DJ):

Plantation Restaurant (you have to pay for open bar, DJ by the hour and room rental fee $500-$1000US):

Beach Party:

I don't have pics of that, but you also have to pay for a dj by the hour as well as cost for open bar per person.

OPTION:  you can rent the disco after dinner for 2 hours privately. it comes with the dj and open bar. 

Originally Posted by 4elisabeth 

Hello,

 

I am actually planning an offsite religious ceremony and a private dinner/reception at the ROR, but unsure of where to have it Poolside, Ballroom terrace or The Plantation Restaurant (is that private??)???? My groom really wants a dinner and dance at one location, anyone have pictures of reception set up, any suggestions???? How is the DJ?

 

Frustrated

Elisabeth

update:

I am glad I didn't purchase magnets.  It was VERY HUMID when I was at the resort.  I had absolutely no intentions on leaving my balcony door open.  I kept it shut to keep the cool air in.  It was so humid that I had to bring my bathing suit in my suite to dry.  it never dried while hanging on my balcony.  Save your money keep the door shut!

Originally Posted by Soon2BNJersey 

I had never heard of this before, thanks sooooo much for the tip!

I booked when I got to the resort with a company called Scuba Caribe, they sit right in the lobby.  we set sail at 10:00am includes snorkling, rum punch, and the cost of climbing the falls. we paid $42 pp. (well the guests paid)

Originally Posted by txbride 

Soon2BNJersey- Did you book your catamaran cruise through the vendor on-site? Drawing a blank on their name.  Would love to save money where I can! Thanks!

Thanks for reading!  You know whats crazy ( someone brought this to my attention ):

6+7+8 = 21 and 2+1=       3  (again from the yahoo story, not planned)

9+10+11 = 30 and 3+0 =    3  (we wanted september but we didn't want the holiday weekend so this was the next best choice)

the distance between both dates  3 months, 3 hours, and 3 days away. (wasn't planned this way at all)

the time we got married because of availability       3:00pm

Freaky right... I don' t know anything about numerology but does anyone have a clue about it?

Originally Posted by LisaMatterni 

That's really a cool story. I love how you connect the dates!

cool another wedding twin!  best wishes! 

Originally Posted by Maritza919 

Aww those are my best friend's dates as well  

from what I hear Negril has the better beach, kind of peace and quite type of place and Ocho Rios has more nightlife and things to do.  close to shopping, dunns river falls, margaritaville...we had a great time and the beach was still gorgeous!  look up reviews from RIU Negrill and RIU Ocho Rios, read and check out the pictures.  this site was very helpful when I was selecting my destination.  If you have any questions about the resort check out my review attached below and other reviews on Ocho Rios on the same page. 

Also feel free to contact me with any other questions

Originally Posted by nwhiteside23 

I am thinking of booking at RIU Negril for June 2012- I am most concerned about food, bard, nightlife/entertainment for our guests - can anyone comment on their experience there?

I did a container for my guests too.. huge hit.  they walked around loaded off frozen drinks the whole time.  very convenient and saved us a few trips. Also, I adored the Jerk Chicken Hut!!!!!  If I had the chance to do it all over again, I would have done a destination wedding again, hands down.  my guests had a great vacation, no driving, and it was all inclusive.  We also did the catamaran boat ride to dunns river falls/snorkling package with 20 of my 32 guests...good times!! came to $32 pp We also missed the bonfire because we rented the disco for 2 hours after dinner.  I would give this hotel a 4 our of 5 the cons - no room serivice, and the ants by the nachos, burnt popcorn and the limited late night snacks.   eat before midnight or else. 

Originally Posted by txbride 

Congratulations!! That's exciting!

 

So about your questions...the food I would say was sub par. But that being said, I could always find something I liked.  Let's just say I didn't end up losing weight on the trip! The french fries and nachos were definitely clutch lol!

 

The entertainment was probably one of my favorite things about the ROR.  We unfortunately missed the beach bonfire -Saturday and Michael Jackson show-Friday (arrived on a Sunday and left on Friday).  The staff is wonderful and we met a lot of friends with the other guests and couples getting married there/celebrating honeymoon there.  There was never a dull moment! We actually played Bingo a couple times which was highly entertaining, and I took a chance on the slots and won $50 in two pulls! Definite plus! This of course went to tipping for the rest of our stay.

 

We paid about $2500 each for 5 nights but that included non-stop flight from Houston as well (~$700 each for this). 

 

We did only one excursion during our stay which was the catamaran tour, snorkeling and Dunn's River Falls for just $40 each.  Fantastic time-money well spent! We are planning on doing this again for a group activity for our guests and paying for everyone that chooses to go. 

 

The beaches are absolutely beautiful and the water is calm.  You won't have to fight the tide or waves here.  Great snorkeling right off the beach! My fiance and I did this several times during our trip.

 

Yes there are vendors on the beach, but a polite "no, thanks" or "respect" work just fine.  They actually enjoy just talking to you about their life and where you are from.  Pretty interesting actually. 

 

One tip if any I can give you is to give all your guests the big igloo mugs.  We used these the entire trip! I honestly would fill it up at the beginning of the day and not have to go back for ice or anything until several hours later.  GREAT BUY! We plan on getting some monogrammed and put in our OOT bags for our guests.

 

Lots of info-so please let me know if you have any additional questions.

 

 

 

 

Hey ROR Brides,

Married life is going well for my but for some reason I can't stay away from these boards LOL.  Just sharing some information this time.  Afloral.com is a great floral supply site, they have real touch flowers and other wedding supplies.  Thru 10/31 I have a free shipping code that can be applied to your order at checkout which is :  THANKYOU .  i know in planning every little bit counts.  Pictured below are the flowers as they come packaged in a group of 12 priced at $25.  In the second pic are my bridesmaids bouquets (20 callas for each bouquet) 

i have a list of do's and don'ts on my review wedding review it should be attached to this message.  do u have any questions?  If you plan on ordering any floral supplies from Afloral.com they have free shipping thru 10/31.  use the code - THANKYOU at the end of your order to get the free shipping.  I got my real touch calla lillies from there in august, they are STILL in god condition.  

Originally Posted by Tia529 

Thank you!  Do you have any helpful tips for me?

glad to help!!
 

Originally Posted by txbride 

Thanks Ericka! I read a lot of your posts- they were very helpful!

Congrats! Your gonna have a great time there

Happy Planning, I got married there last month.... had a blast, I am also available for any questions.  This site def. helped me out a lot!!

Congrats!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by Autumn14 

Hi,

 

We're getting married 10-20-2011 at the Riu in Ocho Rios!!  I can't wait October seems so far away.

 

I've learned so much already from this website, what a life(wedding) saver!!!

SOLD!!!

My photographer is from philadelphia (not too far from me) he did our engagement pics as well.  we paid for his flight and hotel stay. because he was a guest at the resort there was NO vendor fee. and he took UNLIMITED pics from thursday - sunday (wedding was on saturday).  sweet deal! PM me if you would like more info.  I wanted more pics but not for the prices quoted by the resort.  The downside to NOT booking the resort's photographer...YOU CANNOT BOOK THEIR VIDEOGRAPHER IF YOU DON'T BOOK THEIR PHOTOGRAPHER.  oh well.  I made my own slideshow anyway which includes my ceremony music just as it was played: 

Originally Posted by ericka417 

Ericka (Soon2BNJersey)

 

Who was our photographer?