kendra6303

I've verified with them and I cant have a beach reception w/o 30 people present. Which is okay, I guess, it saves money Janielle also sent me the list of photographers they contract with, I just wasn't moved by most of them. Sungold looked awesome but I thought they were a bit pricey for what I wanted. So...do I need to request this "private" beach or is this the location for all the beach weddings?

I will not have a videographer, only a photographer; Merrick Cousley. I am under the impression photographer/ videographers are the only vendors you can choose, you will need to purchase a $100 day pass for them.

Wow, it sounds like you have it all together, thats great! I plan to do one welcome bag per room; to include a variety of door hanger (do not disturb recooperating from the partying), chapstick, lotion, sunblock, a deck of cards, dominos, popcorn (need to ask about a microwave, gum, antacids, tylenol/ benedryl, flower bombs (package of wildflower seeds to throw anywhere, with the message 'love grows').....ideas welcome Everyone arrives to the resort the day before the wedding so I intend to have an informal meet and greet that evening at the main attraction/ entertainment event. We intened to buy extra liquor from the airport and take it to the hotel in case we end up sitting up all night talking and hanging out....I sure we will My ceremony will be on the beach at 5:30pm. Im planning to have the huppa arch as well, with two flower arrangements in the middle of the two front vertical poles where the sheer fabric will be tied. I will more than likely make the flower arrangements with real-to-touch flowers, I have found an example that I really like. I will have white chair covers, Janielle sent my a picture of the chairs, which are black and hard plastic with rounded backs( the kind you would find in a waiting room). Not the white folding chairs as I had expected. That kinda killed my starfish tied to raffia aisle marker idea that I liked, since its supposed to hang from the side of the chair. I havent really put much thought into the aisle runner stuff. We will be doing a sand ceremony with the wedding colors.....I guess. Afterwards will be the cocktail hour, which I still havent figured out where it will be. We will also take pics during this time. I will personalize a playlist and use the PA system (still figuring out the songs I want). I have 27 people booked at this time, so the only option we have at this time is to have semi-private reception with one menu option for everyone. I still need to ask if I can have a beachside dinner as well or not. Table decor: small round votive candle holders holding sand and a candle in the middle and hurricane glasses to place shells at the bottle of, then water and a floating candle. Seashells will loosely be placed on the table and I will probably work in the flowers from the huppa as well. I still need to purchase some lights. I am ordering personalized shot glasses as a favor and for everyone to take a shot after dinner After the dinner I want a steeldrum band, a fire eater and limbo for entertainment. Afterwards, we can go to the club.... I still need to work in the toast....Im hoping to avoid a first dance :/ The following day will be my trash the dress session

Thank you soooooo much for the pinterest link! The more pics for inspiration the better. Limbo! You are a genious! I have purchased all my table decorations for approximately $100 (thanks to Ross and Garden Ridge), for the quoted price from Tai Flora for what I wanted was ridiculously high. For each hurricane glass idea I wanted it would cost $55 each. I had not considered table cloths (thanks). I thought about the string lights but I wasn't sure if it were as simple as buying Christmas lights or if I needed something fancier. I'm not really sure what light options are out there but I will check them out. Ive decided to make my own flower arrangements for the arch with real to touch flowers, then reusing them for certain aspects of the table decor. Thank you for the ideas, I really appreciate it. I'm happy with the way things are coming together in such a budget- friendly manner

Ive just seen photos on Tai Flora's website, but they are not exclusive to The Grand. I have decided to bring the majority of my decorations based on quoted prices to me. I have to be realistic on the budget that I'm working with.

Thanks for the info! Ive been considering a few idea including a beach reception for the sake of minimizing costs/ decorations. I have my table decorating ideas figured out and I can bring most of it with me. I wondered if the Port Maria had a balcony/ patio, thinking maybe I can have steel drums and /or a fire eater during or immediately after dinner. I'm thinking this is a non-traditional wedding and it would be good to have some native entertainment. I do not intend to plan for a traditional reception w/ a DJ....we can always head to the on-site nightclub.

Ughhhh, I'm getting nervous about the dinner planning b/c our RSVP's are nearing 30. Who new everyone would jump on the chance to go to Jamaica?! I currently have 23 people booked, four definites who still need to book and a few maybes. Under thirty is a semi- private dinner where I only have to worry about table decor (budget friendly). If I hit thirty and am required to rent the Port Maria for a private reception/ dinner. I don't know where to begin with decorations. Bring my own or allow Tai Flora to do their thing? How large the space? Get a DJ or just stick with the playing of soft music in the background on the PA (my actual cocktail hour plan)? I am using Merrick Cousley as my photographer.

I have had recent contact with the WC. Its usually takes her a couple of days to respond, her communication style is very cryptic and she usually responds late in the day (even on Fridays and it kills me to have to wait the weekend). I always email her, assuming that will be the most effective way of communicating however, I find that some the responses to the questions I ask are unclear. She just so happen to send me an email late this past Friday ( approximately 7:30pm), and I immediately called her, I think catching her off guard. Even the verbal conversations were cryptic, lol. She just responded with "ok", when I needed an actual yes or no. My questions about seating and the private reception were clarified, so I'm good for now. Note: be veryyyyyyy specific when asking questions

Sunshine, I had to copy and paste the link into the address bar and delete the period at the end. Hope that works! Jen and Brad, congratulations the pics look great, thanks for sharing and giving us anxious brides a sneak peek!

The information I have is showing that dinner groups over 30 people have to use the Port Maria, however for groups under 30, there is an additional cost for a private dinner and /or for a dinner lasting more than 1.5 hours at the Beach Restaurant. Then there is the Mango Walk Disco w/ a 20 person minimum....decisions, decisions...I have mailed off my message in the bottle invitations (profile pic) this week. After sitting down with fiance, we estimated more RSVP's than previously quoted, but we shall see. We agree on wedding ceremony details, cocktail hour and dinner, but a reception/ party...ehh, he wants a "first dance", which is not a requirement for me, so I'm trying to find a medium...

Ugh, sorry for that....

I chose the Free Wedding Package for my 7/3/12 wedding date b/c I wasn't initially sure about the amount of people who would be attending. I am estimating 15-20 people at this time. I'm just looking for a nice and simple wedding; wedding on the beach, cocktail hour and a dinner. I'm torn b/t a private party or just having folks meet at the night club (is that crazy?). I'm just not sure how many "partiers" I have that will dance and and really make the most of a private reception DeAngelis2be, how was the food at Port Maria (variety/ taste)? Leah22, the free wedding package includes minister fees, arrangement for official license, bouquet and boutonniere, wedding cake for 10 people, one bottle of champagne for a toast, room upgrade depending on availability, late check-up on departure day, one romantic dinner during stay. The package is for a maximum of 10 people or $20 extra pp. The "grand" package had a few things that didn't appeal to us, but as I keep reviewing it, it might look better once our a la carte options are added up :/

I chose the Free Wedding Package for my 7/3/12 wedding date b/c I wasn't initially sure about the amount of people who would be attending. I am estimating 15-20 people at this time. I'm just looking for a nice and simple wedding; wedding on the beach, cocktail hour and a dinner. I'm torn b/t a private party or just having folks meet at the night club (is that crazy?). I'm just not sure how many "partiers" I have that will dance and and really make the most of a private reception DeAngelis2be, how was the food at Port Maria (variety/ taste)? Leah22, the free wedding package includes minister fees, arrangement for official license, bouquet and boutonniere, wedding cake for 10 people, one bottle of champagne for a toast, room upgrade depending on availability, late check-up on departure day, one romantic dinner during stay. The package is for a maximum of 10 people or $20 extra pp. The "grand" package had a few things that didn't appeal to us, but as I keep reviewing it, it might look better once our a la carte options are added up :/

I chose the Free Wedding Package for my 7/3/12 wedding date b/c I wasn't initially sure about the amount of people who would be attending. I am estimating 15-20 people at this time. I'm just looking for a nice and simple wedding; wedding on the beach, cocktail hour and a dinner. I'm torn b/t a private party or just having folks meet at the night club (is that crazy?). I'm just not sure how many "partiers" I have that will dance and and really make the most of a private reception DeAngelis2be, how was the food at Port Maria (variety/ taste)? Leah22, the free wedding package includes minister fees, arrangement for official license, bouquet and boutonniere, wedding cake for 10 people, one bottle of champagne for a toast, room upgrade depending on availability, late check-up on departure day, one romantic dinner during stay. The package is for a maximum of 10 people or $20 extra pp. The "grand" package had a few things that didn't appeal to us, but as I keep reviewing it, it might look better once our a la carte options are added up :/

Hi my name is Kendra, I will be getting married in Montego Bay, Jamaica (Iberostar Grand Rose Hall) on 7/3/12. Only six months to go and it just hit me...I better get a move on it! I have already reserved my date at the hotel, which only allows one wedding per day. I have picked out a dress, just haven't purchased it yet. My fiance already has his linen suit. Save the dates have been sent and I am currently getting the message in the bottle invitation supplies. We are not sure how many people will attend but we are thinking a rough estimate of 15 people will be present. That's where I'm at....

Great and informative thread!!! My wedding date is 7/3/12 and I have chosen the complimentary package, for the grand package had a few things that didn't quite interest my fiance and I (wine and cheese tray, massage, hairstyling champagne, etc.). My save the dates have been sent and I am currently preparing to send out the invitations. I have been advised not to worry about planning so early until I get a good head count, approx. 2-3 month prior to the wedding. I will be having an evening beachside ceremony, with a dinner afterwards. I'm thinking that a formal happy hour is not needed, but we will see. Planning a reception party is up in the air, depending on the amount of people joining us. I will definitely check out Sungold Photography. Updates soon to follow. Keep the feedback coming!