beachbum21

Not so great... No shipping to Canada.

Have you thought about an off-site wedding option? We are looking at a variety of villas right now, as well as Tropical Weddings Jamaica and what Almarie has to offer. Our research so far has resulted in a few options that give us more for our money than having the wedding at the resort. There's also the appeal of more flexibility, a more intimate affair, and much better service Just a thought! We haven't finalized anything yet, but it's just something to consider.

This is the first i've heard of it so I'll definitely look into it!! Thanks for the info!

That sucks. I am assuming that means all of their new luggage restrictions will be in effect for weddings next year. Not happy with Air Canada whatsoever. They have turned out to be the worst! No flexiblity, wouldn't allow my guests to upgrade resorts without impacting my concession, and now the luggage thing. I wish I had booked with another tour operator.

Hey there! We are handing ours out at the resort, we're going to get everyone together for a welcome party/dinner or something and do it then. It's a lot to carry, but i'm not worried about putting them together, i'll recruit the girls and we'll have it done in no time i'm sure Just keep it simple so it doesn't take too long. I wouldn't be able to get to everyone before the trip so i would still be handing some out there, i'd rather do all of them all at once and see everyone's reaction and they can use the stuff during the week. Just my two cents! I agree with Tori, I think it will be more impactful when you get there, it might lose a bit of the impact beforehand.

Is the private reception free at the Grand? It sounds like it would be a better deal - and then you and your hubby can enjoy the Grand

Just seeing this - GO FOR IT!!!

I too was super confused and didn't know what to do. I wasn't thrilled with any of the work by locals, and love, love, love the work of a photographer in Ottawa that friends have used so after much thought and comparison (costs/work) we are bringing our own photographer. Thankfully we are using our free concession towards his trip, we still have to pay photographer fees though. Sounds like you're getting an amazing deal!! We'll have shots from during the week, rehearsal, wedding day and TTD, so LOTS of pictures! lol, more than i'm sure we'll know what to do with but we'll have an amazing variety! In terms of costs bringing him, including travel, worked out to be the same as the better photographers who's packages were much more limited. Good luck with your decision - pictures are really important to us as well!

Hi there, I asked (a few times) and the answer has always been the same, the hotel will upgrade you to the next room class, if available. This doesn't mean you get upgraded to another hotel (from Suites to Grand, from Beach to Suites, etc...) it means they will upgrade you to the next room class within your resort. We were going to upgrade ourselves to the Grand and I asked about having the photographer take pics of us (who will be with us the whole week as a paid guest) and the bridal party (BM's) come get ready and I was advised we would need to pay for day passes. Ridiculous. I'm sure we'll have an amazing time, I'm just really frustrated with the resort right now, and all the "added expenses". We might just have them come over anyways if we upgrade and deal with it then. If they're in our room, will they really get caught??!

Thanks for posting MJKH! FI and I also just returned from vacay and we tried out a few of the items. We used the Avon aloe and lip balm, they were awesome. Aloe is really nice, love the size. The lip balm is great - not flavored and has SPF 15. Also, I bought a bikini wrap at bikini village for $12 before i left, it's convertible and can be worn as a dress, top, etc... it was awesome!! I had brought one in black and one in white, used them both. Used it as a bikini wrap, a top one night and as a little shawl. They come in various colors - will definitely be picking up these for the BMs.

I have read that security does a great job at keeping the strangers away from the wedding on the beach so not sure that will be an issue. Hope not anyways because I really want a beach wedding myself

Will def check it out! Are they Eco friendly?? I want to use Eco friendly ones without wiring.

Awesome!! I'm looking for a fuchsia one myself (long) but can't seem to find one! I've seen the short ones on eBay.

FI and I cleared out our local cdn tire of bubbas today and left with a raincheck for the rest. I can't be bothered to cross the border, and go on a hunt that won't guarantee I come back with what I want. Dollarama also has great prices for advil, etc..

Hi Sonia! Gorgeous pics Question - i noticed you had raffia fans at the ceremony, did people use them (not sure you would have noticed or not), but am wondering because I was planning to have them as well but am thinking if it's windy and no one will even use them I won't bother, I could use the extra space in my luggage! lol Thanks!

Response times can vary, some girls get immediate responses, sometimes it takes a few days to up to a week. For the fastest answer, call them. It's always worked for me! Congrats!!!

Try ebay!

People will definitely want them!! I was only going to do bridal party as well but figured the others would want them too so i'm biting the bullet, I think our guests will really appreciate them! Thanks for the notification on the sale, definitely going to be checking it out!!!

Hey Tori, how did you fasten the flowers to the flip flop? I'm doing the same thing for my girls, picked up some old navy flip flops and am making flowers for them but don't know the best way to attach them. They look really cute!! Great job

Hi girls! Beyond the rack shoe sale!! Lots of wedding options and summer sandals http://www.beyondtherack.com/member/invite/NND5E0AF48D

Do you have a picture of it?

Your post prompted me to check mine and thankfully that's not the case for mine. In fact, the prices look higher. I've been so stressed about this whole group rate thing as well, so many people are now saying they're going to book closer to the date so they're not taking advantage of the group rates expiring this month. Do you have a TA? I would see if they can price match, they might be able to offer a one-time price reduction.

Check with brides before you get them though - I haven't heard of bugs being a problem? Girls - anyone know if bugs are bad in Jamaica, DR, Mexico...?

We are bringing our photographer from Ottawa and will probably ask a friend to capture the ceremony in video. Our photographer will be staying for the week - i'm not sure we're going to be tipping him, wasn't planning on it. Would love to hear what everyone else is doing? Bartenders, band, wedding coordinator, for sure.

Yikes! Tricky situation indeed but I agree with every other lady, no way should your guests pay for their own meal! I would be very offended if I was invited to a wedding and had to pay for my own meal! It is most definitely time for a change in tradition! I also agree that if your/his parents really want to invite people then maybe they can help with costs. Good luck!