beachbum21

Hi there!

I'm getting married at the Beach on April 18th!!!!!!!! So excited!!!

Originally Posted by to be mrs scuba 

does any bride know if the hotel has a problem with using freeze dried rose petals as a asile runner?  I don't want to ask and they say no!  Will anyone be getting married the week of April 13 - 20?  We are getting married on the 16th... Like 15 days away!!!!!!!!  I can't wait.

Yikes! Not cheap... they should really have a toll free number.

Q for all past brides out there: Has anyone had the cake with the champagne toast after the ceremony?? Just curious if it's too hot & if the cake held up.

I was thinking it would be nice to have our ceremony, champagne & cake (because they go so well together!!) and a steel drum band. Our dinner will be at 7 so also gives pple a bit of snack... plus i'm assuming there are plenty of other desserts at dinner!!

Originally Posted by JamaicaSukie 

Not yet.  The last time I did an 11 minute phone call cost me $48 bucks so I'm trying to avoid that.  Plus, I prefer to have everything in writing so they can't deny later.

 

 

Have you tried calling them?

Originally Posted by JamaicaSukie 

Is anyone else having trouble reaching the WCs at the Suites?  I must have sent them like 3 emails in the last 3 weeks and none have been responded to.  I get "island time" and all that but my wedding is almost 3 months away and I need assistance with band bookings and stuff.  What can I do to get their attention?  And when do they start giving you TOP priority?  When you're 1-2 months away?

 

So frustrating....I really hope this is worth it.

If the photographer is a guest at the hotel, what would the day pass be for?? 

Originally Posted by summerdaisies 

Now if the photographer is staying at the resort as a guest... do you have to pay for a day pass for them on the wedding day?

Hi there!

I too am bringing a photographer with us, he'll be staying the entire week with our group. 

There is NO WAY I am paying a vendor fee for him, he's a paying guest! They're out of their minds if they think we'll be paying for him. We're telling the resort he's a family friend who has agreed to take pictures, it's not any of their business as far as I'm concerned. If I was bringing someone in for the day, then I'd understand, but I'm not. Good luck girl!

Originally Posted by to be mrs scuba 

Hello  I am getting married at the Grand in 31 days and today the wedding coordinator emailed me saying I have to pay a vendor fee for our photographer.  We are bringing the photographer from home and it was my understanding that if they were staying at the hotel for the 3 nights, then no fee.   I am so mad right now, because I swear I had this in an email, and I can't find it, last summer I had a problem with my yahoo account and I lost ALOT of emails.  Does anyone have any info on this?  I am livid because, if I knew I had to pay this fee, I would have put them at the beach and not the Grand at $200+ per night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

HELP ME, I'm going Bridezilla tonight!

Ugh.. that's really too bad

Here are a few ideas, if you want to order online try etsy or ebay. If you want to try in person I would check out Michaels, I bought my veil there! It's not birdcage but I did see a bird cage veil at Michaels... it was pretty simple so you could add a flower or whatever yourself.  Also, I think I recently saw something an Aldo accessories store.  If you've got one, maybe also check le Chateau, they have a wedding line so they might have accessories. With prom season creeping up there's bound to be a few stores carrying something you'll love!

Good luck girl!

Originally Posted by acornk 

Bird Cage Veil

 

I had been in contact with a girl locally for quite some time about getting a bird cage veil, where here I am 2 weeks before my wedding and she bailed. She is off to Mexico and cancelled our consult.

 

I was wondering if anyone knows where I could buy one that would be here in time, I'm super bummed out about it , since I contacted her months ago about it

Hmm.. tricky.

A suggestion: Can you have someone else try it on?
 

Originally Posted by airica26 

Hi Ladies,

 

Alright I need some advice.

 

So I am a cheapo and ordered my dress online. The dress looked amazing and was just what I wanted and even though I am not getting married for another year I bought it.

I got it about a week ago and since I ordered it 2 sizes too small (in the process of losing about 30-40 lbs) I can't try it on and get a good look. However, the ruching looks all wrong on the top but I can't tell if this is just because it is on a hanger and not on a person and because the corset in the back is not done up.

 

Wondering if perhaps the ruching always looks weird on the hanger but looks better when you get the dress on. It will be about 2 months before I can get it on and have a good look.

 

Any thoughts?

Hi ladies!

Thought I would let anyone who's interested know I found 100% bio-degradable, eco-friendly sky lanterns. These are completely wire-free ( no harming creatures )!

I decided I would just pick up the phone and ask, so I talked to a few places:

www.weddinglantern.com - These have a wire frame (BAD)

www.wishlantern.com - This company has eco-friendly lanterns however they are out of stock until May. As I'm getting married in April, this won't work.

www.theskylantern.com - This company sells eco-friendly lanterns, $3/piece, also available by the case for less/piece I think and will ship very quickly. For all you Canadians, shipping was comparable to all of the other places I checked, plus if you call them they will give you a direct number for a Canadian distributor who can sell by the case (out of London, ON) which means you'll likely save on shipping. I didn't need a whole case so just ordered by phone (today). Shipping was $28 and i'll have them here in three days. The person I spoke to was also very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend!!!

While eco-friendly lanterns may be slightly more expensive, a few extra dollars is worth it knowing i'm not sending wire into the ocean to get stuck and torture poor, unsuspecting ocean wildlife.  Choose the eco-friendly options!!

Sorry - correction: i meant, www.theyskylantern.com

Thanks!

Originally Posted by beachbum21 

Hi ladies!

Can someone tell me if the lanterns from www.skylantern.com are wire-free? I know they claim to be biodegradable but i'm concerned about the wire pieces going into the ocean or floating elsewhere and animals/fish getting caught in them. Not worth it for me if I'm going to kill these poor creatures for some nice pics.  In the pics/video it looks like there is wire. 

If anyone knows where i can find the true biodegradable and safe lanterns, please let me know! 

 

Thanks!

Hi ladies!

Can someone tell me if the lanterns from www.skylantern.com are wire-free? I know they claim to be biodegradable but i'm concerned about the wire pieces going into the ocean or floating elsewhere and animals/fish getting caught in them. Not worth it for me if I'm going to kill these poor creatures for some nice pics.  In the pics/video it looks like there is wire. 

If anyone knows where i can find the true biodegradable and safe lanterns, please let me know! 

Thanks!

That's so strange!! They must have different "rules" for each of the resorts. You can bring in outside vendors at the Beach and you will be charged vendor fees.  With respect to the photographer, I must have been mixed up with the day pass as I recall being told there would be some sort of fee. We're brining our own photographer, so no vendor fee/day pass because he'll be a guest of the resort.

We're likely hiring a an external DJ, still deciding, but we've been given the go-ahead by the resort, and of course there is a vendor fee.

Originally Posted by Leah22 

I'm 100% certain there's no vendor fee for the photographer...only a day pass.  Also, they don't charge a vendor fee for outside make-up/hair.  But if you're thinking of getting married at the Grand, then you should check with them directly.  As of 2012 they don't allow ANY outside vendors (except the photographer).
 

 

I believe your best bet is checking with the resort, I'm fairly certain ALL vendors have a vendor fee if you have opted not to use the vendors that the resort works with, for example the florist, photographer, di and band.

Be careful that you're not confusing the "vendor fee" and the "day pass".  There's no vendor fee for photographers at Iberostar.  They only require a day pass, therefore you have to purchase a day pass for EACH photographer.  But for a band or musical group, they "should" be considered as 1 vendor...therefore, only 1 vendor fee (and no day passes).  You should check with your WC to confirm.

 

 

 

Congrats!! You have loads of time to book everything you will book your dinner one month prior when you fill in the wedding details form. As for reviews on the photographers and florists, bdw is already filled with loads of helpful info on them. Read through this thread and check out the reviews section, past brides have provided full reviews of the resort and vendors Happy planning!!

Set our date for April 20, 2013 at Iberostar Rose Hall Suites.

 

Some quick questions: 

-When do we book the rehearsal dinner?

-How are the photographers and florists that are provided?

 

Thanks so much, I am sure I will have a million more questions!!

Hey! So I don't believe it's filled up yet, I haven't heard that it has but I'm not sure if anyone has tried booking lately.  That being said, I believe the weddings where they did fill up were taking place around the November-February months.

Originally Posted by CourtandMatt 

Thanks for the advice.  We are having everyone book well in advance with our group price (which I hope still drops even though it is a great price now).  Has the hotel filled up for your weekend yet since it is only two months away?? 
 

 

Hey ladies!

I would just caution about waiting too long because the resort fills up. I've read numerous posts here where guests were unable to book because the resort was full and there was still 3 months to go! It all depends on time of the year, etc... but with destination weddings gaining popularity and the Iberostar resorts among the most popular in MoBay, it might be worthwhile to at least secure group rates for your expected group with an operator that offers a price drop should their prices drop.  One of our groups had a price drop so everyone was able to book at the lower rate than originally expected.  Just a thought! I guess it also depends on group size... if you are expecting a larger group, it would be nice to "hold" those rooms.

Originally Posted by BrideMichyBoo 

Yes I do remember you telling me that you guys waited until closer to the date.  I'm praying that the same price drop will happen for us as well or at least close to.  If it does i'll be so happy

 

Quote:

 

If its in your budget, rather than a bag you could take everyone on an excursion as a thank you for coming. Or maybe find something local as a token of appreciation and a souvenir. 

Originally Posted by Alysia85 

Wow .. thank you everyone for the helpful advice! I really appreciate it.

I've decided that I'm definitely going to do them because as you al lhave said .. its just a really nice gesture and nice way to say thank you to all of our guests for travelling with us.

I think I'm going to do them in small gift bags with an ID holder, tums, aloe, deck of cards, a tenative itinerary of any events/excursions we plan for the week, a timeline for the wedding day.. and of course a welcome/thank you letter. Maybe throw one or two moe things in depending on what i can find for the price but we'll see. I think we'll hand them out at the  resort as well.. but we won't be seeing most of the guests before we travel so giving them out here isnt' really an option. I think we'll just have them set up at everyones place setting at our first dinner.

A trunk show is an opportunity for the designer to showcase their gowns usually before they are made available to the public, so it's probably new stuff and not likely to be at a huge discount. Maybe try looking for a sample sale? 

I just bought a dress on eBay for ttd, should be getting it any day! Very excited, just hope it fits well  

Originally Posted by jenjosh2012 

Thanks for this post, what exactly is a trunk show? Do you know low do the dresses go in price? I have a dress but am doing ttd and thinking of getting a backup. I live 3hrs from edmonton. Thanks!

 

 

Wow, you got a great deal!! I checked with about 8 different agents and none of them came close. I guess date was a factor though, we were looking for April.

Originally Posted by daizyduke 

Our guests paid $1680 taxes included to stay at the Suites from January 5, 2012-January 12, 2012.  It was the best price I was able to find, but one of the factors on picking a specific date was based on prices, trying to make it the most affordable. 

 

 

Hi BrittVG:

Which resort specifically? The Iberostar has three resorts at different price points.

Pricing also depends on timing but generally, I think you'll be looking at about the following:

Beach - 1600-1800 taxes in

Suites - 1800-2000 taxes in

Grand - 2000+

Try selloffvacations.com, expedia, flight center or some other site for an idea.

Good luck!

Originally Posted by BrittVG 

Is anyone able to give me an estimate on how much is for flight and stay for a weeks vacation for their guest? We would be flying from Toronto to Jamaica. If someone could give me an idea of how much it cost, that would be awesome.

Sounds like you'll have to talk to the coordinators.

There are vendor fees you would be required to pay for having outside vendors on the property. I *think* they are about $100 per person but you would need to validate with the resort. That being said, if you're not booking a ceremony with them then I imagine you might be able to arrange a package with them so you can secure the space for the day and so they don't book another wedding but I can't seem them coming down much from their existing package price. Otherwise, I can't see it making much sense for them to give up the $ for the package.

Have you considered having the wedding off the resort?? It might be worthwile if you've got all your own vendors lined up already.

Originally Posted by infinite 

have a question for y'all:

 

we're wanting to get married at iberostar rose hall beach (we're staying at the suites but it's booked for the day that we would like) but they say their steakhouse restaurant can only accommodate 120 guests and we're expecting btwn 100-150.  we're afraid if we're on the high end that many won't have seats for the dinner.  has anyone encountered this problem?

 

also, we would like to NOT book one of the 2 packages they've arranged on t heir site - we have our own minister, getting married legally in canada, own musicians, photographers/videographers, decorators etc.  is there any way that we can opt out of the plans and just get married or pay another fee to just book the space? anyone have any insight?

 

thanks!

Congrats!

If you want to go to the Grand and you're all guests of the Suites you would have to pay for passes.  You can probably arrange with your guests to just show up at the same place around the same time rather than paying for a cocktail hour if you didn't want to. I know how you feel girl about paying for drinks at an all-inclusive! lol!! 

We would like to have a welcome bonfire so we'd have a bonfire with an open bar and will pay extra for extra guests.  It's a few hundred dollars, and while it all adds up we think it will be a great way to get everyone together and get to know each other at the beginning of the week  

Originally Posted by malikmakhi 

My wedding is April 13, 2013 at the Suites. I wanted to do a welcome dinner on the night before the wedding. I wanted to do the Japanese restaurant. Are guest from the Suites able to go to restaurants at the Grand? I also wanted to do a cocktail hour after dinner. I am wondering should I pay for a cocktail hour or should we just go sit at a bar. My group will be about 15 to 20 people. I really don't see the point in paying for drinks when its an all inclusive resort..let me know what you all think. THANKS!!!!

Yes you do need to order the long birth certificates we did it online, didn't take long at all!

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by erin2100 

got our date confirmation from IRHB! feel relieved after all the searching, glad we came across this place   I have another question about the documents required, I noticed on the wedding agreement that the birth certificate has to have mother and fathers name listed on them, does that mean that we have to order the long form birth certificate or will they accept the ones that dont have parents names listed on them?

Thanks!

I forgot and wanted to mention something else, have you checked the Wedding Photojournalist Association site?

http://www.wpja.com/

I think the photography is more focused on candid style of shooting and less portrait style if that's what you're looking for and you have to be accepted into this association so you know they are very talented photographers

Again... good luck!

Originally Posted by Krysta lee ann 

i am having her send me this so i can see...... so she quoted me at $2000+hst...... i am hoping she can come down a bit
 

 

I was amazed by the cost of photography when I started my research... that is decent for a very good photographer.

Originally Posted by Krysta lee ann 

i am having her send me this so i can see...... so she quoted me at $2000+hst...... i am hoping she can come down a bit
 

 

Hey Krysta,

I think this photographer does great work!! I really love her style. Have you been able to see complete weddings (ie. albums) or just whats on the site? If you could see a whole wedding it will give you an opportunity to view a lot of her work rather than her best shots. 

Good luck!

Originally Posted by Krysta lee ann 

ok so i found this girl and she might be the photog i go with!! she is a bit more than i wanted to spend but i think she might be worth it..... will you ladies take a look and be honest on what you think!!!

 

http://www.realimagephotos.net/

 

 

THANKS!!