BeachBridein11

So happy to hear that your wedding was amazing!!!  Congrats on being a Mrs.!!!!!
 

Originally Posted by lindsayraz 

I'm back! Wedding was amazing!!!!  Will post a big review in the next few days.

Not bugging me at all.  :-)

We had a Waves of Love wedding, the centerpiece (vases w/seashells and floating candles) is included for the head table only.  You have to pay extra for the other tables.  If you choose to go with their centerpiece, it is enough.  Simple, yet beautiful.

Our programs were fans and they set them out for us.  No issues.

Originally Posted by Alysia85 

Thanks so much for the info ...and sorry to keep bugging... BUT lol

 

Which package did you go with??? i'm curious about the place settings .... in the waves of love package on the palladium weddings website... it shows a place setting picture of 3 squared vases with shells and floating candles. Now... is this centerpiece included for ALL tables set up ????? So do you get 5 if you have 5 guest tables???

 

I'm just not sure if i should  bring my own centerpieces to add ... or if those will be enough ??????????

 

Also.. i heard you cant ADD any outside items to the packages .... like you cant add a personalized fan on each chair for the ceremony.. unless u buy it through the resort (at $5 a fan)
If this is true (?????)  ... i was going to make "fan style" programs to get around that ... but are we allowed to do this ???????????

 

 

 

 

Champagne toast was included.  We had a 4p ceremony w/reception at 6p, so all our guests went to the Infinity Bar before the reception.  No complaints on time.
 

Originally Posted by Alysia85 

Hi BeachBride and Lindsayraz,

 

 

My ceremony is for 2pm at the gazebo (wanted 4pm but that was already booked!!) .... I see you guys have scheduled drinks for your guests after the ceremony ... was this an extra cost ... or are you referring to the included champagne toast???????? I have the waves of love package ... and im not quite sure what to do with our guests between the 2pm ceremony and 5pm reception ?????? anything? or should we just say after the ceremony (like how weddings are here) OK SEE YA at the 5pm reception for cocktails!!! lol

 

 

A LOT of guest engagement!!  I even participated!   Not sure about the ability to have it inside, definitely ask the WC.  But we definitely thought it was worth the money! No regrets!

Originally Posted by lindsayraz 

I was wondering if the Zurielamaka show could be done indoors, since it involves fire lol. I think that is such a great idea to book it during dinner!  

So you thought it was definitely worth the $750? Did they engage the guests at all? Like could the guests do the limbo? Or was it more just a show to watch?
 

 

It's as easy as saying, "I want the Zurielamaka show" lol.  Just let your WC know!  When to have it is completely up to you, but I didn't feel like the show interrupted dinner at all.
 

Originally Posted by Alysia85 

Hi BeachBride !!!!

 

We are definitely wanting the Zurielmaka show for our wedding ... it sounds like an awesome suprise for our guests .... but i have nooo idea how the booking works.

Is it up to US to schedule the show??? OR do we simply say "I want the Zurielmaka show" and the resort says... okay it will be booked for this time (regardless of dinner, etc) ????

I like your idea of having it during dinner...never would have thought of that!!!!  But is it too much when guests are trying to eat and converse over dinner????

Our ceremony is early ... at 2pm... so im wondering if maybe we should have dinner at 6pm (if possible) and then have the show at 7pm.

that way our guests can relax after dinenr and enjoy a really cool (and unexpected!) show

 

 

My parents were the first to arrive and requested everyone in our group to be in the same villa.  We had about 30 rooms booked, 70% of guests were in the same building, the rest were right next door.  Hopefully it works for you!

Originally Posted by lindsayraz 

I just received my music/meal/guest list forms to fill out for Omeshia!!! Exciting! Only 51 more sleeps til we leave!

 

Everyone in my group prefers to be close to each other (either in the same villas or at least nearby villas). Did you girls find that the resort accomodated that? Or were your guests pretty spread out over the resort?  I know with all inclusives, it's pretty much just "you get what you get".  I just wonder if they will make an effort or if it will just fall on deaf ears like most room requests do in typical all inclusive bookings.

Kate- I'm SOOOOOOOOOOO happy that your wedding was perfect!!!!  Yea!!!!  Can't wait to read your full review!

BTW, you were never a pester! LOL  So glad to help!
 

Originally Posted by Katis46 

Hello All.  I just got married January 7th here.  It feels like I just got back but quite some time has passed.  I meant to have a review finished by now.

Do not worry or stress. Everything will be perfect.  I loved my wedding, Nekeisha was amazing to deal with.

 

DoubleTee - we rented the microphone and speakers for $300.00.  And used our ipod for music.  We brought a docking station but were able to hook the Ipod up to the speakers/sound system.

 

Our reception was in the Posiedon (we wanted the blue lagoon but it was booked) and were actually happy we ended up with the Poseiden as we didn't have that many people and perfect and intimate and the scenery was beautiful.

 

Any questions anyone has do not hesitate to contact me.  I would have never got through this so calmly if it were for all of the brides on here.  Special shout out to beachbridein2011 who went above and beyond answering all my pestering questions!!!

 

Good luck ladies.  And I promise you will not be disappointed.  And if anyone is wondering what to do about hair and make up, I highly recommend Rashel Edwards!!  Let me know if you want her contact info!

 

Kate

I'm definitely FOR a DJ/MC.  I told our WC that I wanted dinner to be served during the Zurielmaka show, scheduled at 7p.  The entertainment was an hour long and dinner was served during the show.  We only booked the DJ for 4 hours, so we danced from 8-10p and then continued the party upstairs at the Infinity Bar.  Having the DJ and MC made our reception feel like a "true" wedding reception back home.  I will say, if you get the DJ then definitely get the MC otherwise, why not just hook up an I-Pod?  The MC made the experience!  Hope this helps!
 

Originally Posted by DoubleTee 

 

Hi ladies,

 

Hope you're all slowly but surely getting things organized and prepped for your special days!  Jeeeez, time has gone by so quickly.  I'm happily anticipating my wedding date which is going to be May 23rd.

 

I've been contemplating whether or not I want to hire a DJ/MC. I'm curious to know if any of you are hiring a DJ and/or MC?  I've read a couple posts that brides have indicated it was a waste of money because by the time you get through the dinner, speeches, etc, there's barely little time left for the DJ to actually play music.  Any thoughts on this?  They've quote me $300/hr.  

 

Are most of you bringing your ipod and docking stations instead?

 

Thanks,
T

Congrats and Welcome!  We live right now the road from you, Commerce Twp here.

I didn't really bring that much down with me.  For centerpieces, I did the 3 vase set-up that was $50/table, I believe, which included color napkins and seashell as well.  The scenery was enough decoration itself, so I kept things simple and it was amazing.  I was going to bring my own down, but with the OOT bags... we were bringing enough down in regards to baggage.  I had program fans for the ceremony, brought down my own sand ceremony vases w/sand, bridesmaids flower stems/boutinerres/corsages, and wedding favors.  Be mindful of all the stuff you plan on bringing down because suitcases fill quickly!!
 

Originally Posted by Mandy Covault 

First of all, you ladies are AMAZING! I just spent the last 2 hours reading all of your threads and am completely overloaded with info!!

I am getting married on April 5, 2012 and can't wait! I have a few questions for you... what did you put in your OOT bags? We are ordering mugs but other than that what do you think is needed?

 

Also, I noticedBEACHBRIDEIN11 you brought down your own decorations... what did you bring down? I'm thinking about doing my own centerpieces but part of me thinks it might be too much work.  What did you do?

 

Thank you SOOOOO much!

 

PS. Where in Michigan are you from? We live in Livonia!
 

 

 

I never skyped before, but my brother did it while he was there with his kids back home.  Not sure how it will work at the wedding though and I'm unsure of the wifi at the beach.  I know a lot of our guest went to the lobby for good connections.
 

Originally Posted by lindsayraz 

I think I probably know the answer   ... but is it at all possible to skype your wedding from the beach at the Grand Palladium?  We just received awfule news that my fiance's mother might not be able to come, due to health reasons :'(

Yes, we did.  If you search the spa on the internet, they have an email for wedding appointments.  I worked through that person, very easy and great to work with.  I use PayPal all the time, highly recommend, especially when dealing with other countries.  You can dispute with them and get your money back.
 

Originally Posted by lindsayraz 

Did you have to pay your deposit by Paypal?  Weird....

 

 

I'm so happy that your wedding was absolutely perfect!!!!!!  I can't wait for more pictures!!!
 

Originally Posted by snowbeltchick 

Yep, it was last Tuesday  It was absolutely perfect!  We were married at 4pm in the gazebo and had our reception at the Blue Lagoon after.  Everyone loved the zurielamaka show and MC.  The resort is such a beautiful place to get married!  All my guests loved the wedding and had no complaints.  We went with the BBQ buffet and the food was so good!  No one went hungry...there were so many leftovers!  We extended the reception and although expensive, it was so worth it!

 

I also have no complaints with the resort or wedding coordinators. I worked with Omeshia on the final details and I found her very professional and helpful.  I was, however, very organized with what I brought down and provided very specific instructions and labelled all my boxes accordingly.  She loved it!  I made her job easy and no guess work.  The ceremony location was decorated exactly as I envisioned and the reception was decorated exactly the way I wanted.  

 

I was also upfront and asked questions about the makeup artist, outside photographer, etc.  so she took care of the day passes and letting security know.  Rashel Edwards and my photographer, Misha Earle, had no problems getting on the resort.

 

 

I'm a little lean on the pictures right now.  Still waiting for the professional photos and for people to forward them to me!  I'm hoping to get some soon!

 

 

 

I originally booked Renova and they did require a 50% deposit to secure the appointments.

Originally Posted by lindsayraz 

Ladies that booked their hair appointments at Renova...  Do you have to pay before you can make your appointment?

OMG! I can't believe your day already came and went!!!  How did it go?? Where are the pics?? LOL
 

Originally Posted by snowbeltchick 

I second Rashel!  She did a phenomenal job on my makeup, my two bridesmaids and my mom.  Loved, loved the makeup.  Fiona (her assistant) did an awesome job on our hair and it held up in the crazy wind and heat last week.  Everyone was raving how great the makeup and hair looked.

Pat myself on the back 'cause I really didn't have anything left over.  Decorations we just left down there.  Good planning on my part, but sorry I don't have anything to sell/give ya.

Originally Posted by canadiangirl 

yeah for the most part, still looking at getting some more stuff lol and well im in DIY hell lol but im luvin it!! hey do you have anything still leftover? and looking at selling?

 

Married life is fantastic!  Though the same, but fantastic! LOL 

We went with the wedding cake that was included in the Waves of Love Package (resort), except we used our own cake topper.  Flowers, we went through Tai Flora. I worked directly with Sandy and she sent my invoice to the resort. 

4 months away?  I can't believe how quickly your day is approaching!!!  Ummm just keep EVERYTHING about your ceremony/reception and have a summary of it all and definitely take that down with you.  When I met with the coordinator, I gave her a copy of the summary, went over it with her, and also gave her a seating chart.  Do you have all your OOT bags completed? 

Originally Posted by canadiangirl 

i havent seen you in a while...how is married life? i have a question for you though, who did your wedding cake? did you use the resort for flowers or tai? and how does that work, since i have the waves of love package? which has flowers included...i know you upgraded yours, but did you do that through the resort? for the life of my i cant remember lol

 

is there any tips or tricks you can give me as iam only 4 months away? thanx hun

 

and congrats!!!!
 

Originally Posted by MrsD 

Hi Everyone!

I am an April 2012 bride at the GPLH as well!!! WOW there are so many of us, and a lot in the same week!! I have been stalking this website/msg boards since we booked our destination wedding which was 8 months ago hahaha...I finally have decided to start posting/asking questions etc... There is so much helpful information on here!  (I'm from Ontario Canada by the way too! Shout out to all the other Canadian Brides!)

 

My wedding is April 18 2012 at 4pm!

So excited for everyone!!

 

So happy to help!!!  I don't know what I would have done without this site.

The Poseidon was a decent enough size, definitely large enough for a reception.  Seating is kind of in a L shape, so that could help with making it more private.

I worked with Sandy from Tai Flora for flowers, and the resort for my centerpieces.  Flowers weren't bad at all (price), but I'm unsure if you can upgrade bouquets any longer (if upgrading to one not on the site).  At last minute they were trying to say I can only use the upgrades listed on the site, however, it was pretty easy for me to get my way. LOL

I brought other decorations with me and they decorated it for no extra cost.  I don't think you will have an issue with the paper lanterns.  They will look really pretty.

Happy Planning!

Originally Posted by Ryryks5 

Thank you Beachbridein11 ... I feel much better about the location. I was also able to finally find a few more pictures of what The Posiedon actually looks like (inside and out) from what you remember, was it on the smaller side? It looks like you chose the Waves of Love wedding package, which is what i picked as well. I was wondering who you worked with for your flowers/center pieces for the reception. Did you find it to be expensive? Also, are you able to add some decor to match your style at the reception (ie: white hanging paper lanterns etc.) Sorry for all the questions but you are THE most helpful person! All of your ideas and suggestions are SO helpful!

That's exactly what we did... Ceremony at 4p, champagne toast afterwards, Reception at Blue Lagoon at 6p.  While we were off taking pics, my guest were having drinks at the bar above the Blue Lagoon (name has slipped my mind) before they headed down to the reception.

Originally Posted by lindsayraz 

Question for brides who had their reception at the Blue Lagoon..........  What time did your reception start at the Blue Lagoon? Like what time were guests allowed to arrive there?

 

I'm thinking of doing a brochure or some sort of program and I want to specify "Ceremony at 4:00pm, Reception at 6:00pm" or whatever time it should be.

You don't need your final count till 60 days before the wedding, though I don't think they really need them till 2 weeks out.  No worries!

Originally Posted by lindsayraz 

Do you need to give them your numbers of guests though? I don't have my final count yet ...

I'd love to see the menu though! I wasn't going to worry about it until a couple months before the date, yikes! Now I might just have to email Omeshia.

 

Quote:

 

Doesn't matter which side you're on, exact same restaurants.

Originally Posted by canadiangirl 

sorry, lol i didnt look and see that you are at the GP...not the GPLH but its nice to see that the new ones are out, ill ave to call tomorrow

The band from the resort, I didn't want to worry about the hassle of bringing in an outside vendor.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShellyCarter 

did you go with the band from the resort or was it an outside company?

if so what company?

 

Thanks

 

Highly recommend Rashel Edwards!!
 

Originally Posted by ShellyCarter 

can anyone recommend an outside vendor for hair and makeup??

I paid $500 for an hour.

Originally Posted by ShellyCarter 

Hey girls, 

my w/c said its $800 per hour for the steel drum band?

 

is that the price everyone paid?

 

 

How many guest are you expecting?  Poseidon is actually quite secluded from the resort.  Though I didn't have my wedding reception there, I believe it would be absolutely beautiful at night.  With the Poseidon, since it is open to other guest, I'm unsure if they would allow a DJ or not.  Definitely ask your WC!!  There is no actual dance floor at Poseidon, but either does the Blue Lagoon.  You make your own (move chairs/tables).

Originally Posted by Ryryks5 

I just found out the Blue Lagoon is already booked the day of my wedding. Does anyone have pictures of the Poseidon or have any comments about it? Just wondering if its a nice location, i know its much more casual than the Blue Lagoon, i am so upset right now. Does anyone know if there is a dance floor at the Poseidon? thanks!

Congrats and Welcome!!!  I was married at GP back in June and it was absolutely amazing!  I hope your day will be just as perfect!!

GPJ and GPLH are the same resort, all restaurants can be shared.  Actually, all the locations for the ceremony are on the LH side.  Only difference b/w the two are the type of rooms and LH doesn't allow kids.

Happy Planning!
 

Originally Posted by Vancity Bride 

Hi All!!
 

We're getting married on Apr 18, 2012 at the GPJ and we are really looking forward to it! It looks like there are lots of people getting married the same week as us, too

 

I've been dealing with our wedding coordinator (Simone and now Loraine) since about June and they have been very helpful for the most part, although sometimes there is a bit of delay in getting responses to us (which our travel agent warned us about) Recently we selected our reception location (Blue Lagoon) and Loraine was very helpful in sending us all the info for the a la cartes, the dining options and even the music options when we asked. I'm finding the best way to deal with them is to write emails with very specific questions - Loraine was good enough to just reply right in the email directly to our inquiries.

 

I was wondering - are any of you brides staying at the resort with your guests? We are doing an all-inclusive for one week with all our guests at the GPJ, but we're wondering if anyone know if we can have the wedding at the GPLH as I know the properties are connected. I found this info really confusing...

 

Thoughts?