CourtandMatt

 Question for upcoming 2012 brides:

I requested the updated wedding details from the WC.  She gave me the updated document that is still titled "2012 Wedding Details" but has changed the minimum number of people needed for certain restaurants.  See below:

Private Events:

Aunt Ruby 7-10:30 pm.  Groups of 100 or more only according to the new info. 

Calabash:  6:30-10pm.  Seats between 70-100 people depending on the seating arrangment.

Mediterranean:  "If you would like to have a private dinner, but have less than 70 guests, we offer the Mediterranean Restaurant for rental from 6:30pm until 10pm.  (The minimum number of people to have this restaurant in private is 40 adults and depending on the seating arrangement it fits up to 50 persons)." 

I don't really understand what you are supposed to do if you want a private reception with dancing and you only have 60 adults since the Med. restaurant says that it fits up to 50. 

Is this new document true?  In other words, is this document affecting any of the upcoming weddings?   I really hope there is some way around this... I don't want to have a reception at the Mediterranean restaurant. 

Originally Posted by marysnow19 

 

This update SUCKS!!!!!!!!! R they serious?? SO if u book a party of 40, or less u wld have to have a PUBLIC dinner?? WOW!!!!

I guess.  If someone else asks, let us know what you find out.  I asked for this info after another bride gave the same info.  I was hoping she was wrong, but it looks like the info is right.  However, something interesting:  the sheet is titled "2012 Wedding Details."  I wonder if any 2012 brides have been dealing with this. 

 I am less than a year out!!  Yay!   The countdown begins! 

Today Matt and I registered at Crate & Barrel.  Matt has already picked out his groomsmen, but I want to do something special for my ladies so I will be asking them in the coming weeks! 

Beautiful ring!!  BTW.. we are getting married the same day in Jamaica!  Maybe I will see you and your group at the airport!

Originally Posted by Dazeydawl 

So here are a couple pics of by beauty. I love it!!! I always wanted to go shopping for it as i am really picky with jewelery and never wear any but he decided to just pick one out himself and he did an amazing job. Funny thing is ive always wanted a tacori ring. fell in love with them when i was 16 flipping through pages of cosmo (damn advertising ruined me). I have never mentioned this love to my finace as i never thought it would be possible to have such an expensive ring (it not like hes well off). When he proposed and pulled out the ring and i saw that it was a tacori i was like how did you know!! (after saying yes of course) lol

 

Hi Ladies,

Just wanted to send you the updated info I got from the WC when I asked about prices, changes in the rules (e.g., minimum number of persons for a private reception at aunt ruby's), and beach receptions. 

We have not received yet the prices for 2013but you should expect an increase of about 10% over the extra services prices, the wedding package will remain the same. However we have updates our Wedding Details information, plesae see enclosed .

As it relates to dinner on the beach  the required amount of guest is 60pax ,plesae see enclosed menu with prices also  the latest we can have noisy  outside is 10.30pm.

Private Events:

Aunt Ruby 7-10:30 pm.  Groups of 100 or more only according to the new info. 

Calabash:  6:30-10pm.  Seats between 70-100 people depending on the seating arrangment.

Mediterranean:  "If you would like to have a private dinner, but have less than 70 guests, we offer the Mediterranean Restaurant for rental from 6:30pm until 10pm.  (The minimum number of people to have this restaurant in private is 40 adults and depending on the seating arrangement it fits up to 50 persons)." 

I don't really understand what you are supposed to do if you want a private reception with dancing and you only have 60 adults since the Med. restaurant says that it fits up to 50.  I am really hoping my fiance can work his magic and make sure we have Calabash or Aunt Rubys even if we don't have the minimum.

BEACH DINNER RECEPTION
SPECIAL MENU FOR PRIVATE RECEPTION

     

WARM APPETIZER
(Onion ring and chicken wing with jerk sauce)
 

CAESAR SALAD
(Option of grilled chicken or shrimp)


 

ENTREE
Combination of Grilled Tenderloin & Salmon
Served with baked potato covered in sour cream and a corn on the cob

 

DESSERT CHOICES:

Variety of pastries & Fruit Plate
(1 plate of each per table)



Supplement: $55US per person
Dinner includes red & white wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee & tea and National open bar
Location: beach in front of Steakhouse Restaurant “Aunt Rubyâ€
 

 Today is my "One Year To The Wedding Day"!!!   Yay to May 4, 2013!!  And yay to all of us getting married in a beautiful location!!

CONGRATS ON YOUR WEDDING!  I will be at the hotel during your time frame.  My FI and I are celebrating his golden birthday on April 27, 2012.  I hope you all the best!! 
 

Originally Posted by mscaduto 

Hello Ladies,

 

I posted on here a while back but kinda fell off the radar, sorry! I'm back and am really looking forward to mine and Stephen's wedding in 6 months! My plans were to get in touch with someone onsite after the new year...does anyone see an issue with that? The date and locations are already booked. The ceremony will take place on the beach at 5pm, the cocktail hr will take place in the gazebo at 6pm and the reception at 7pm. I have NO IDEA how many people are going to RSVP to the wedding (the RSVP date is February 28th, 2012 - 2 months before the actual wedding) so depending on that is when I'll determine whether or not to do a private event on the element terrace (which is what we currently have blocked for us) or something at one of the restaurants. Does anyone see a problem waiting until after the new year to get in touch with a WC at the resort?

 

Michelle

LOVE YOUR RING!!  ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!! 
 

Originally Posted by Jber713 

Thought I'd join the club by posting my ring... I LOVE LOVE LOVE my ring!!! My FI took a couple hints and did an amazing job!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love this thread!!  Good luck to everyone!!  This is really encouraging for me.  My fiance and I started a "diet" about three weeks ago, which we are calling our Save the Date diet since we sent our Save the Dates at the same time.  My FI has lost 10 lbs - only 17 lbs more to go and I GAINED 1.5 lbs - only 12.5 lbs more to loss   Goodness.  I know my issue is food.  My fiance always stocks up our cupboards with cookies, chips, and other junk and I have no will power.  We work out hardcore so it has to be the food.  I just don't know how to say no.  After reading this forum, I am going to try to step away from the peanut butter and chips and cookies and eat better.  I also want to see the weight loss like you ladies.  Thanks for encouraging me (with your forum)!

 Well, we are three weeks into our diet and Matt has lost 10 lbs whereas I have gained 1.5 pounds.  O man.  Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!  We work out hard, so I know it is the food, but man o man...

 Hi, All

I know this is a random thread, but I thought I might as well ask.  My fiance is an extremely picky eater.  He likes the normal kids meal foods - chicken tenders, burgers, mac n cheese, and cesar salad, but it is so hard to get him to eat something else.  He wont eat most vegetables, only apples for fruits, etc.  And, instead, he will eat lots of chips, drink soda, and eats junk food (candy and cookies).  I would really like to diversify our menu options with healthy, easy meals that a picky eater would like.  Does anyone have any suggestions for recipes?  Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks and happy planning/weddings/marriages!

Courtney

p.s. I can't eat seafood.    That is the one thing he is more open to eating...

Wow!  I have not seen this yet.  I just requested the document from the WC.  I also asked her for information about the beach reception.  I will let you know if I find anything interesting. 

Originally Posted by Shauna253 

So the Suites wedding coordinator just sent me the new information package for 2013 which now says that you need 100-200 guests to rent out Aunt Ruby's steakhouse.  This now changes everything for us because we only have 50 guests and wanted an outdoor reception.  Calabrash we need 70-100 people so that doesn't work either.  So pretty much our only option is either the Mediteranean (which isn't really the look I was going for) or reception on the beach.  I haven't really heard anyone mention anything about having their reception on the beach at all.  Has anyone read any reviews or have any information on this?  I have the pricing for the WC, but I haven't seen photos or anything of what it would look like.  My main worry is it getting too cold and windy.  Any input would be appreciated.

I love the different colored rings!!  The blue stone/diamond??  is BEAUTIFUL (both yours and Cateyedcutie).  I did the yellow diamond thing (see pic below) because I just love yellow, but your blue rings are beautiful!!
 

Originally Posted by finleya 

Mine is quite similar and I absolutely LOVE it! Going to get two smaller diamond bands on each side for the wedding bands.

 

Sorry about the picture quality. Had to take the pic with my phone!

 

 

 

I assume you are not getting legally married abroad?   Because if you are beware that Mexico has many restrictions (including blood tests taken in Mexico).  Matt and I wanted somewhere that was simple, spoke English (legal weddings in Mexico and DR appear to be in Spanish, including your marriage certificate - I am not signing anything I can't read 100% - and I speak Spanish but you never know), and had many all inclusives (which took out the Bahamas).  Just something to think about.  If you are not planning on getting legally wed abroad than you have so many places you can look at.  My TA highly recommended the DR.  I have seen some absolutely beautiful weddings in Mexico too, but because of the violence there I don't want to bring my family and friends there.  Jamaica is said to be nice and accomodating to large parties so I chose Jamaica. 
 

Originally Posted by ztag7 

After many long hours of research and not being able to find exactly what we're looking for in an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica, I'm thinking about moving the location to Mexico. Not only are the cheaper airfare, lower resort costs and better wedding packages enticing, there's a lot more options for people wanting an all-inclusive resort that allows children. Seriously girls, if you take the time to check into other places, it is sad to realize how much Iberostar Rose Hall overcharges. Now that I've seen the light, I highly doubt we'll be getting married there.

Wow!  That is blinging!!  Beautiful!

Originally Posted by venus909 

I posted a pic of my ering a while back, but I thought I should post it again since I just got the set completed. My ring came with as a set with a wedding band, but I wanted 2 bands, one for each side of the ring.  So we had to have a duplicate band custom made so that the 2 bands would match.  Here is the final product... I can't wait to wear them!

 

This is my ering alone:

 

And here it is with the bands:

 

Welcome!!  This is great that you have done so much!!  And, congrats on the engagement!!
 

Originally Posted by ztag7 

Hey girls!

 

My fiance and I hope to tie the knot at Iberostar Rose Hall Suites in December 2013. Right now I'm just collecting as much information as possible about the resort and outside vendors before I make our official budget. I'm a pharmacy school student and my fiance is applying for optometry school so right now money is very tight (but that should get better when I graduate in May 2013!)

 

 

Budget - Most of our wedding money will be tied up by the fact that we will have to pay for most of our immediate family members to go or they won't be able to attend. I kind of feel bad that my dream wedding will mean that people that we both care about will have to miss it, but in the end we decided to do what is right for us. We would really rather treat our closest family to an awesome vacation than feed 300 people dinner in our hometown anyways.  My fiance and I really want to stay at the Grand and book the remainder of our guests at the Suites. We believe that separating ourselves, at least from the majority of the group, will give us some couple time and a retreat from any drama that may erupt (I hate to even plan for this but if you knew his family you would understand). Plus this will mean that we won't have to pack up and move to another resort for our honeymoon.

 

 

Colors - After a couple weeks of searching the internet and becoming addicted to all things wedding on Pinterest, I still have no idea what colors I want. I am naturally drawn towards pink, but have read many reviews about that being the worst color to choose as it will draw out the pink in your face (from either sunburn, the warm weather, or blushing). I prefer a more elegant appearing ceremony so the bright colors like orange, lime green and turquoise are out for me. I have always thought that white weddings are absolutely gorgeous, but it just doesn't seem right to not have any color in Jamaica. Right now I guess I am leaning in the direction of purple.

 

 

Cake - I have really not been impressed with the cakes I have seen from weddings at Iberostar. That along with the fact that upgrading a cake starts at $250 has really left a sour taste in my mouth. Since my fiance and I absolutely love key lime pie we are trying to check on the possibility of serving a couple of pies instead of cake. I think this would make it a little more special to us and we will probable have a cake at our home reception anyways.

 

 

A Vow Renewal Ceremony - Ever since I have been dating my fiance (6 years!) I have heard his mom daydream about renewing their vows at the beach. Unfortunately due to money circumstances they have never really had the opportunity and I thought it would be a really special gesture to try and arrange something small for her.  I know that I will not be able to spring for the $1900 vow renewal package but I have asked the wedding coordinator what the charge would be for a minister, bridal bouquet, and romantic beach dinner for the couple. Hopefully they can arrange something reasonable.

 

 

Pampering - I plan on purchasing the bridal spa package for myself which I believe includes hair, make-up, a manicure and pedicure. The only concern I have is with the make-up as I read a review that said they only carry wet and wild products (AKA cheap stuff). I will definitely be bringing my make-up from home for them to use and may actually see if my future sister in law would mind doing that for me. I really would like to take my mom and future MIL to get facials together but that will be one of those things we wait and see if there is enough money for.  We will probably choose the 30 minute couples massage instead of photos as I really prefer to use an outside photographer.

 

 

The Ceremony Location - The most important things to me in choosing a ceremony location are that it has a beautiful view and feels relatively private. My fiance has voted for using the lobby terrace and since it fits both of my criteria and seems to be the only thing he really has an opinion on I think we will go with it.  My only concern is whether or not the huppah can be set up on the terrace. If anyone has any detailed information on the lobby terrace or how the huppah is set up (anchored into ground/ secured with weights) I would love to hear it!

 

 

Reception - Since our group will be very small and our budget limited we will not be having a private reception. To me, this is not a big deal at all, especially since I read that they only fill the specialty restaurants to half capacity anyways and it pains me to pay for something that should be all-inclusive anyways.  I think I'll wait til I see the restaurant venues before choosing exactly where we'll be. I plan on doing some light decorating with candles and flowers. One thing that I really want to do is a sky lantern release with wedding wishes. I still haven't heard back whether Iberostar allows this but I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

 

 

The Dress - I really love the look of lace but I'm not sure if that matches the beachy feel we're going for. I think I will probably just have to try on dresses to figure out what I really want.

 

 

Photography - So far I have read nothing but excellent reviews on Sungold photography, Marcia Roberts and Brian Nejedly. Their work on their website is absolutely gorgeous so really it will just come down to price and availability for me in choosing between these 3. We looked into bringing someone from the states, but everyone is just way too expensive for us.

 

 

 

 

Please excuse my type A personality and the extremely long post (I may be just a little too excited about all this wedding planning stuff!) I'm sure if you read all of this you're thinking, WOA THIS GIRL IS P-I-C-K-Y but since we will be treating our family to a trip that they would possibly never be able to go on themselves I just really want to make sure everything is perfect for both them and me. Best wishes to everyone with wedding planning and congratulations on your engagements!

 

 

-Tashauna

 

Wow!  Beautiful job!!

Originally Posted by Kimberli1211 

Pics of the finished product at the reception.

(Sorry, pics taken with my iphone, so not great quality!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Everything turned out amazingly!!!

Btw, thanks for sharing!! 

Originally Posted by Kimberli1211 

 

Tenderloin at Aunt Ruby's. We ate there for our reception, so I was a little busy- this is the only pic I got. 

 

 

I did add a bunch of pics of my setup at Aunt Ruby's to my planning thread, but will add more to my review when I am finished.

This looks so good.  We are hoping to do our reception at Aunt Ruby! 
 

Originally Posted by Kimberli1211 

 

Tenderloin at Aunt Ruby's. We ate there for our reception, so I was a little busy- this is the only pic I got. 

 

 

I did add a bunch of pics of my setup at Aunt Ruby's to my planning thread, but will add more to my review when I am finished.

Are you working with a TA yet?  My TA is on top of them if we don't get a response ASAP.  We always hear back quickly now when we have questions.  Get a good TA if you haven't already done so (I highly recommend mine, you can find her info on my wedding site: http://CourtneyMara.com/Wedding). 
 

Originally Posted by ShayF 

Hi Ladies!!!

 

I've faxed Nicole a wedding request with all the info but now I'm FREAKING out because she hasn't responded and it's been 4 days.  

 

In your (anyone's) experience...is Nicole usually this slow to respond? 

 

Do I need to take a DEEP BREATH? lol or is my freaking out justified??

 

 

I am also a May 4, 2013 bride!!  

Originally Posted by Sophia2616 

Hi! I am a May 42013 bride, seems so far away! We are getting married in Playa Del Carmen. We were torn between Playa and Turks and Caicos. Turks is our fave place on earth! But Playa was as lot more affordable for both us and our guests; plus we have a lot of single friends and Turks doesn't have a nightlife really. Anyways I am so excited!! We went for a week and Jan and just booked our wedding planner, reception place and photographer.... I think for STD we are just doing a website and sending out our invites (passports) 6 months prior.

CONGRATS!  And welcome!!  I am also a Jamaica bride so yay to Jamaica!!

Originally Posted by Katie McLean 

Hi All!

 

I too am a newbie! My FI and I are getting married at the Sandals Grande Riviera in Ocho Rios, Jamaica on April 12, 2013. We are SUPER excited. We have just gotten our Save the Dates and pricing out to our guests! Besides that we really haven't done much, i've tried on dresses but am no 100% on that decision yet!

 

Best of luck to all the new brides!

I didn't pay a deposit.  I gave my credit card, but supposedly nothing is charged unless you cancel by the time they are processing your legal paperwork (which seems to me to be a few months before the wedding - and I think it was only $100). 
 

Originally Posted by BrittVG 

Do you have to pay a deposit when you send a request for the date of the wedding? Do they charge the creidt card you use? (Also is there any cancellation fees?) 

AmberW:  Congrattsss!!!   There are a lot of us May 2013 brides!!  I heard Punta Cana is amazing for weddings.  My FI and I are even going there next month because it looks beautiful.
 

Originally Posted by AmberW 

I'm getting married in May 2013, it's just over a year away but I'm still being told by everyone that it's too early to plan a lot of things. Just have to remind myself to be patient! We're going to be married in Punta Cana - working on the final resort decision now.

Shay4966 - I just sent out most of my Save the Dates for my May 2013 wedding!   I am so happy that now people can feel more secure with the date. 
 

Originally Posted by Shay4966 

I'm actually sending my "Save the Dates" out at the end of this month. I started a wedding blog for my family and friends to keep them motivated throughout the year. Aldo since it is soo far away I wanted people to get a chance to have a lot time to pay whatever they need to pay off.. I'm not sure if I'm obsessing but I'm definitly in wedding mode. My fiance is like "slow down" but I have planned weddings before and I have sooo many ideas that I just gotta get out.. 
 

 

Elissae - Good idea to skip the cost of Save the Dates!  My FI and I didn't want to do Save the Dates, we found it to be a cost that was not necessary especially since we are sending invites so far in advance, but his mom wanted them and so she paid for them, which was very welcome. 

Originally Posted by elissae 

You are so smart to do that!!!

 

I am so close to confirming the Easter 2013 (school scheduled) break...I should know wiithin 2 weeks.  I've got my website & invitations ready to go.  Once booked I am pulling the trigger.  I decided to skip the Save The Dates since everyone knows about the proposed wedding date and they want to book as soon as I have details....so I figured skip the STD and go right to the invites.

 

So you were able to reserve your date at RPRM without booking yet?  I may do that since we are down to the wire now to confirming the date....you said they just take your credit card info?  Any insight you could give would help.

 

My FI just laughs at me...I already found our favors, mugs for OOT bags, luggage tag holders, key tag & room key holders with lanyards, and started designing koozies and playing in VISTAPRINT.  I am a planning machine.  I figure get it done and paid for when I can afford to do so.  It's all being stored in the basement!  LOL! 

 

 

soonCB - CONGRATS and welcome to the site!!  I am also getting married in Jamaica so yay to Jamaica!   With regard to wedding planners - my TA acts as a wedding planner.  Have you found a TA yet because you should make sure your TA does destination weddings 
 

Originally Posted by soonCB 

Hello Everyone!

 

I am new to this website, but have found it very very helpful already! We are planning on getting married in February 2013 in Jamaica. We are still deciding on the resort as I am doing an off resort wedding. This also why I did not post where in Jamaica. We will likely be at the Riu Ocho Rios in Jamaica. We are using a wedding planner to arrange our big day, but I am getting anxious to do some of the "fun stuff". The save the dates just went out this past weekend!

 

Is anyone else planning on doing an off resort wedding or using a wedding planner (I admit, I did not go through all the previous posts)

 

Happy planning!

mrsrepp - Thank goodness you found that out now.  It is a national holiday with two days off so many people head to the beach and prices will go up!  May is a great time!! 

Originally Posted by mrsrepp 

Looks like I'll be changing my date too.  I'm bummed because I have gotten rather attached to the date I originally picked, but after talking to multiple people, they said that Easter Weekend wasn't a good time to get married in Mexico, as it is a National Holiday there ... so looks like we'll be doing mid-May as well.  I just hope this saves all of us (me, parents who are helping out & guests) save some money!!  Trying to look at the bright side of things ...