CourtandMatt

Matt and I have decided to do a wedding diet. Despite our wedding not being for over a year, we are going to try to shape up and eat healthier.  And, hopefully, a few pounds will drop off while we are eating healthier and working out harder.  Matt's goal is to lose 22 lbs (get back to his college days) and my goal is to lose 11 lbs.  That equates to less than 2 lbs a month for Matt and less than 1 lb a month for me to lose!  I will keep you updated on our progress!  

Collleeen12:  Great idea!  Are you going to be bringing down an extra suitcase just for your OOT bags? I really want to order the books but I am afraid for baggage weight.  

Originally Posted by Collleeen12 

Hi girls,

 

I just wanted to let everyone know that I emailed the Jamaica tourist board about getting some brochures for my OOT bags.  Well, yesterday, I came home to find a heavy box full of those nice full size Jamaica books!  I was so surprised they actually sent them and for free!!!

dreamwed2012:  CONGRATS on the upcoming wedding!  How exciting that it is so soon (comparatively speaking - I am getting married in May 2013)!

Originally Posted by dreamwed2012 

Hi Ladies...Congrats to you all!!! I am finally going to join in all the fun and hopefully share some good ideas as well. My FI and I are getting married on July 7, 2012! Sooooo excited!!! We are staying at the Suites, but our actual wedding is off-site. All our guests are staying on property and we expect about 45-50 guests at this point. Good Luck to you all!

MJ0404:  CONGRATSSS!!  We were originally booked for a April 6, 2013 wedding, so we would have been right after you, but we changed to May.  April is supposed to be a beautiful time in Jamaica so once again CONGRATS!  

Originally Posted by MJ0404 

Hi ladies! After lurking for a few months, I finally bit the bullet and joined the forum!  My fiance Jared and I are officially booked for April 4, 2013 at the Rose Hall Suites. Can't wait!

I have started sending out Save the Dates.  I sent out 59 yesterday, which invites 103 people.  Some people I already know wont be able to make it, but I wanted them to feel included and then there are 32 that appear to be definitely coming!  I still have probably 20 or so more that we are sending out but I am missing addresses.  Yay to moving on things!  Still have not chosen color schemes, bridesmaids (despite my groom picking his groomsmen - it is just so hard to pick 3), wedding dress, etc., but I have a lot of time.  

I will let you know.  I think our TA actually has someone in mind, but we aren't going to start pursuing that until we have a better idea of how many people are coming.  
 

Originally Posted by agarcia71413 

CourtandMatt, I like the idea of the dinner cruise, if you find out any companies can you please share. I am looking into on my end too to see if I can find anything, but think that would be a good start to the wedding weekend!!

 

 

There was no deposit.  They only charge you $100 if you cancel by the time they start to process your legal paperwork (someone correct me if I am wrong about this).  I haven't had to pay anything (just gave them credit card).  
 

Originally Posted by Kvanderploeg 

Hey Ladies,

 

I am wondering from those of you who have a confirmed date with IRHS did they require you to put a deposit down to hold your date??

 

Or was it when you picked you Wedding package they then required a 25% deposit.

 

Cause we contacted the Hotel today and for May 08, 2013 which was still available we asked if we could go ahead and book that day. We sued about a desposit they said they don't do despots just when they get all the final paperwork it then is completely confirmed?

 

What is everyones experiences so far?

 

 

Kvanderploeg & Justine416:  I highly recommend finding a good TA that will work on the communication.   My FI and I never have an issue mainly because if we are even waiting too many hours, our TA contacts them and gets an answer ASAP. If you don't want to work with the TA, just keep bugging them.  

Originally Posted by Kvanderploeg 

Justine416,

 

I have to agree with you, I am the type of person that wants answers yesterday. We placed a call into the hotel on saturday to request the day we wanted for our wedding. The lady said she didn't have the book in front of her but would email us by the end of the night. However we never got anything, we choose to send them an email last night to rerequest our date and get them to send us the packages. But still nothing. 

 

I think I might place another call into them again today. I just want an answer is the date we want available or not.

 

I should have been more clear:  We actually don't have anyone yet.  We are going to work with our TA to find one once we have a better estimate of our guest numbers.  If we have too many people, we may need to cancel this.  After reading a bunch of posts on here and elsewhere online, I estimated it to be around 50-60 dollars per person.

Originally Posted by MJ0404 

Court, I'm curious about your rehearsal dinner cruise... have you found a company to go through for this yet?  We were originally planning on just doing a cocktail party the night before to get everyone together before the wedding, but this sounds like a fantastic idea.

Peach:

I really want it to be an even number.  I just like how it looks in pictures.  I really just wish we could have had only one or two though but my FI needs his three BFFs.  I am going to try to figure a way to get everyone to have some part (my other BFFs). 

Court
 

Originally Posted by Peach 

Do you really want an even number? We aren't going to.

I would have been okay with one on each side, but I decided to have a moh and one bm... (my moh will only be 17 at the time). FI is only having one buy stand up with him. So maybe, if it is easier to only ask one, then do that.

Otherwise, maybe try to find something else for the other important people to do... Like a reading, or something like that?

Good luck!

 

 

shannonmarie:  CONGRATS and welcome!

Originally Posted by shannonmarie 

Hi Ladies! I am a June 2013 Bride! I've been reading these forums for MONTHS but this is my first post. This forum has been sooo helpful! 2013 will be here before we know it!

 

Tigger88:  CONGRATS!!

Originally Posted by Tigger88 

Planned date is July 13th 2013 still have plenty of time to plan and get things together. Can't wait tho
---
I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?g0ie2v

stefbelle:  CONGRATS!!
 

Originally Posted by stefbelle 

Hello fellow brides to be I got engaged in January and am now starting to plan my DW (as we have family on both coasts of Canada). I have a lot more people RSVPing then I thought would, even though not all will inevitably make it. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed about choosing the 'right' resort that everyone will enjoy. We are leaning towards Mayan Riviera, Mexico March 2nd-9th 2013 but I have no idea which resort. Hoping to figure it out soon... *deep breath

Mlite83: 

First, CONGRATS!!  Second, we first looked at country requirements since we wanted to be legally married in that country.  Jamaica is very simple whereas Mexico had a lot of requirements.  We also looked at DR which has no requirements, if I remember correctly.  What it came down to in the end is wanting our ceremony and certificate in English which only Jamaica could provide of those three (without translation).  We also looked at the Bahamas (which has little requirements), but we didn't find an all inclusive and prices that we liked.  Good luck!

Court

p.s. just an FYI, my TA highly recommends weddings in the DR. 
 

Originally Posted by Mlite83 

Hello ladies,

I am also a 2013 bride!  My FI and I know we want all-inclusive and are looking at Mexico or Jamaica but other than that we don't have anything planned yet.  We are thinking winter 2013 for our wedding so I know we need to get moving on resort choices etc but it is a little overwhelming (and it doesn't help that I am indecisive .  In Mexico we keep coming back to Moon Palace and Now and we haven't looked too much into Jamaica (yet).  If anyone has any words of advice on how they narrowed the field of choices I'd love to hear it!   Happy Planning!

NickyL:

We originally booked at the Grand Palladium (you can find some of my earlier threads about that), but changed it to Iberostar.  We just read a lot of bad reviews (there are good reviews, but too many bad reviews for us).  We also didn't like the sound of the beach (so many negative comments).  And, our final straw was when our TA, who is a family friend of ours, said she would never book us at the GP.  So far I have only heard wonderful things about Iberostar Rose Hall Suites (not sure about beach) and have had a great time working with their WC. 

HOpe this helps,

Court

Originally Posted by NickyL 

Congrats. My fiancé n I are thinking about July 20,2013. We are thinking of Jamaica. I am leaning very much to Grande Pallidium or Iberostar beach. I am having issues getting in touch with a coordinator for both location. The numbers on Gp websites are all out of service. Maybe we can team up n plan out wedding. 

Sllefebvr:

I could totally see not wanting to do a wedding in Jamaica if you are detailed oriented.  My FI and I are so carefree about the wedding that Jamaica has been just perfect for us.  I hope it all works out for you!

Court

Originally Posted by Sllefebvr 

I'm SO detailed orientated... As I am looking for "Jamaican" things for my oots and every other part of my wedding there aren't many things for Jamaica... that's the best way I can describe it. I love the whole idea of the Luau party in Hawaii.. there are more sites to see in Hawaii that I would love to do.. In Jamaica on the west side of the island there aren't very many excursions you can take at all. It is just a whole mixture of things.
 

 

Hi, Kvanderploeg:

First of all, CONGRATS on wedding planning!  Please do keep me updated! 

Court
 

Originally Posted by Kvanderploeg 

Hi CourtandMatt,

 

We are trying to get May 8, 2013!! If we end up getting it, we might see you guys there!!

 

Keep you posted!

 

 

 

amybutz89:

If we book 20 passengers then the 21st passenger is free (with a maxiumum of 6 complimentary passengers per group), plus transfers, plus a free upgrade for bride & groom based on availability at arrival date, private check in if group checks in at same time, and a welcome drink upon arrival.   I highly recommend our travel agent.  She is in Massachusetts.  You can find her information on my wedding site: http://CourtneyMara.com/Wedding.

Court

Originally Posted by amybutz89 

Hello ladies, Im a June 2013 bride at the suites and I was wondering if any of you managed to get any perks, like free room upgrades when so many people booked or free cocktail parties and such. My agent said he wasnt able to negotiate anything but he seems fairly new and hasnt done any weddings at Iberostar before so I wanted to get some feedback on if I should push for extras or not. Thanks!!

MJ040:

CONGRATS!!

Court

Originally Posted by MJ0404 

Hi ladies,

I've been lurking for awhile and finally joined the forum.  My name is Marissa and my fiance Jared and I are officially booked for April 4, 2013 at the IRHS! We're incredibly excited and I wish it was sooner than 399 days away (who's counting?  Not me...), but we're both teachers so we're sort of confined to summers and school vacations.

 

We sat down last week and mapped out some of the stuff we definitely want.  We're thinking we're either going to get married on the beach or the lazy river island, we're going to do a cocktail party the day before the wedding to get everyone together, and we DEFINITELY want a bonfire on the beach!

 

Looking forward to getting to know you all and planning together!

Mlite83:

We are looking at around $15,000 with an estimate of 60 guests.  This is our price if we book a rehearsal dinner cruise (estimate of $50/pp), photographer, outside officiant, cocktail hour, private reception fee, DJ, extra music, invitations, welcome bonfire with open bar, etc.  This is just an estimate.  You can obviously make it a lot less (take away people and extras - rehearsal dinner cruise, outside officiant, welcome bonfire, extra music, etc.). 

Hope this helps,

Court

Originally Posted by Mlite83 

Hi Ladies,

 

I am just starting to explore Jamaica as an option for our DW - I have heard great things about the Iberostar resorts from friends who have vacationed there so I thought I would check into it for a potential DW resort too. 

From a quick look at the wedding packages the Iberostar offers it appears that they have a more minimal package but lots of options to add on (and many are at much more reasonable prices than other resorts) -- for the brides who have already started planning and booking, would you mind giving me an approximate idea of what your wedding budget is?  Like most of you I would like a private dinner and reception but don't want to break the bank Thanks in advance for any input!

That stinks!  Well, good luck at your next resort!!

Originally Posted by Cateyedcutie 

The Grand changed the requirements for their free wedding. Contrary to what my contract states, my TA confirmed that 60% of my guests must stay at the Grand. When we booked our wedding date the contract stated that 90% of wedding guests must stay at 1 of their 3 properties. Moving my wedding to the suites was an option, but this situation has left a bad taste in my mouth so I'll be taking my 100+ guests and my wedding elsewhere. They can go piss up a rope with their nickel and diming bullish. Onto the next resort!

Have you tried calling with a TA?  That is how we got into contact with the WC and whenever we have issues (like more than 24 delay) we contact our TA and she calls the resort.  We always hear back promptly.  If you don't want to work with a TA, I would just continue to call.  I always think you hear back better when you get your voice in there. 
 

Originally Posted by justine416 

Hi,
I am trying to become a 2013 brides at IRH beach or suites but am getting frustrated from the lack of response. Does anyone have the direct WC email address?

My planning is going slowly, but going.  Next week we are addressing our Save the Dates.  I like that we are just taking our time since we have soooo much time.  People keep asking us about colors, but we are taking our time (plus I change my mind every week).  The only thing I need to stop dragging my feet on is bridesmaids.  My FI has picked his groomsmen, but I have been apprehensive to name my 3 top ladies (we decided 3 persons max on each side - I actually wanted only 1 but my FI has 3 best friends) since I have 5 great ladies plus 2 top men in my life.  How do you choose?  Gosh, this is the worst for me.   
 

Originally Posted by ntlsnow 

I am having long engagment as well. Engaged June 2011, getting married January 2013. I think that is the norm more so now. Especially with the cost of wedding right now, no where near what the low cost they used to be back in the day.

How is the planning going??

 

 

 

I am also a long engagement.  Engaged Aug 2011.  Getting married May 2013. It seems that many people now adays are doing long engagements.  I met Sarah from Say Yes to the Dress and she said she was engaged for 2 years!

Originally Posted by MrsKing2Be 

No, you aren't the only one waiting for "forever and a day" my fiance and I got engaged the day before Halloween 2011 and our wedding will be in May 2013 on Kauai! It will go by faster than we think!

CONGRATS!  Its all so exciting!
 

Originally Posted by bride81 

Yayyy!!! Deposit is down.  Our date is finalized. Feels like the small first steps are working out

Congrats!!  April 20, 2013 was our original date, but when we switched hotels we found that it was already taken   May 4, 2013 will do for us! 

Originally Posted by Sunshinybride 

We are also getting married April 20, 2013 Riu Ocho Rios!! Congrats

 

 

You can see the rates on my wedding website: http://CourtneyMara.com/Wedding.  The rates are only hotel (all inclusive hotel rooms).  Airfare is not out yet.  The special deal is I believe one free person per 20 persons (or something like that) plus an upgrade for the bride and groom.  We really wanted this place so we did not focus on the deal.  We have only heard great things about this place and we wanted Jamaica so this is where we are having it.  If you want to know more about why we chose Jamaica - let me know!  Good luck!! 
 

Originally Posted by Valerie and Duk 

Hi Courtand Matt,

 

I was looking into May 2013 next year as well but we haven't officially picked a date yet. Do you mind telling me about how much you got your hotel rates for?? Is it an all-inclusive, flight/hotel rate that they gave you?? Did the travel agency give you a special deal for the bride and groom since you are having 60 guests over??

 

We are still deciding on the location, then hotel. It all depends on the all-inclusive prices for everyone else, otherwise, not a lot of people can attend.

 

Thank you,

Val and Duke

Originally Posted by agarcia71413 

 

have any of you gone down to do a preliminary look? I have honestly booked based on all the positive comments and nice pictures, but wanted to go down before the wedding. Did they give you a discounted rate when you stayed being that you scheduled the wedding there?

 

 

I haven't done a preliminary look.  I completely trust our TA since she just did a wedding there, she highly recommends it, and she is our family friend.  Also, I just had a colleague who was there and highly recommend it as well.  Plus, I love surprises and new experiences so I really wanted it to be all new to me when I get there.

 

 

Originally Posted by Sagesma 

 

Hi Courtney! Congrats! I am impressed by your planning! You're doing a great job! May I ask you who your WC is? I am planning on booking my WD with IRHS in either May 2013 or February 2014... depending on the availability. Who do I need to contact?  Thank you! 

 

My FI has actually been the one contacting the WCs at the hotel (when our TA hasn't been).  We initially got in contact with the WCs through the TA and then our TA said if we ever have trouble getting ahold of them to contact her immediately.  That may be the reason why we get such quick responses from the hotel.  We have had no trouble getting ahold of them through the phone or email.  If you start having issues, talk to a TA (I highly recommend mine if you are needing someone - see my wedding website: http://CourtneyMara.com/Wedding).  Good luck!!  

 

 

Hi, All

About resort prices:  You should be able to find a TA who can get you 2013 prices.  The prices could fluctuate when the prices go public (for example, May 2013 prices probably wont be out until middle 2012), but your TA should be able to adjust it down if there is a significant drop.  I HIGHLY recommend my TA if anyone is looking for someone.  You can find her contact info on my wedding site: http://CourtneyMara.com/Wedding. 

About airline prices:  I wouldn't fret.  Airlines tend not to release schedules so soon because of changes to schedules and travel patterns (I think).  However, I feel that prices don't change that much from year to year because of competititon. So, I am just assuming that the prices will be about the same (or maybe a little more if gas prices increase) and as soon as they are released I am booking. I am not too worried because I think the price from DC to Jamaica is comfortable for my guests.  We didn't choose a farther/more remote destination because we didn't want the airline cost to be a factor in our guest's decision to come or not. 

To all 2013 brides:  CONGRATS!!  And, HAPPY PLANNING!

Courtney

Thanks for letting us know!  I am really going to get my guests on top of it.  I am having the deposits due by November (our wedding is in May 2013). 

Originally Posted by flamenca520 

Just wanted to put it out there that we have 5 months to go until our wedding at the Suites, and our travel agent informed us last month that all the Standard Suites are booked (at least through FunJet, the company she works with), and guests can only book the Ocean View or Ocean Front.  Guests that have waited until now are either booking online on their own and not recieving our group discount, or paying for the more expensive rooms.  She also indicated that this was a sign that everything will sell out early.  I was very surprised on how quickly the Standard Suites seemed to fill up, so I just wanted to share

HAPPY WEDDING!!  And, I hope you do get over your cold!!  I have one as well!  Take some Advil Cold & Sinus (it works well for me!). 
 

Originally Posted by luvmoo 

We booked our well in advance, as i a a planner, and i know that these resorts book up fast.. It was only a few months ago on here that one bride was devestated because half of her wedding group hadn't booked yet, as they were waiting for a lower price, but in the meantime ALL THREE Iberostar hotels were fully booked for the week of her wedding and half her guests didn't get a room... I couldn't handle that stress so we booked early.. lol 

 

But good luck to you ladies to wait!!!!

4 ore days and i fly out!!! 7 ore days and i will be married! eiik!!!

Now if i can just get rid of this stupid massive head cold i have, i will be good to go!

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?? 
 

Originally Posted by beachbum21 

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.

 

Congrats!!  Our resort has packages with a floral company and I was planning to have my hair done at the resort's salon (I haven't decided yet if I want to pay the $70 for make up or do it myself).   Most everything the resort offers - photography (although we are outsourcing), videography (we will use the resort), flowers (we are simple so we are just using the resort's florist), officiant (the resort offers one but we found one online that we are excited about), and other decorations (e.g., lanterns) we will bring. 

Originally Posted by SoonToBeMrsSer 

I'm so glad I found this thread! I am getting married February 9 2013 at Velas Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta Mexico! I am SOO excited! I can't wait to get married and for the vacay! lol I have my resort and photographer booked, Yay! I am reading some of these posts and starting to feel like I am behind! eek!

 I was wondering when are you ladies looking into florists, makeup/hair, other details for the wedding? 

Congrats!!  My FI and I are getting married on May 4, 2013.  We just ordered our STDs and plan to send them out mid/late March (gives people a lot of time).  The first deposit for the hotel rooms are due November 1, 2012, so we are sending out invites around September 1, 2012.   We are going to have welcome packets for everyone when they arrive around May 1, 2013.  You can see more info about our planning on our wedding website (http://CourtneyMara.com/Wedding) or on our planning thread (see link below).  Hope this helps!!

Originally Posted by vacpa757 

I'm a 2013 bride as well. We finally set a date of 8/31/13 and just secured our date at our location, Azul Sensatori in Mexico! I am super excited but a little overwhelmed. Althought we set the date out that far to allow our guests time to save and plan for this trip, I am confused on some of the timelines. When are you summer 2013 brides sending STD's and invitations. I am already obsessing over the details and I still have over a year! Aaaaahhhh!

Thank you!  We are very excited!  I am also excited that my officiant and wedding photographer are willing to do the May date!  I have already put in a deposit for photography!!  Yay!!  I am so excited to have someone from my home state do our photos and at the same time not to have to pay the travel fees (since she lives in Jamaica during the winter time)!! 

My Save The Dates should be here later this week, but in the meantime the following is our proof: 

Congrats and welcome to the forum!!  My FI and I are getting married in Montego Bay at the Iberostar Rose Hall Suites in May 2013.  BTW - great thinking about school vacation.   Some close people to me are not able to come because of school schedules (I totally forgot considering we have been out of school for years).  

Originally Posted by Aunje 

I'm also a 2013 bride! My Fiancé and I are planning for a July wedding in Montego Bay, Jamaica! As we've immediate family who teach and can't get holiday from school we're having to have our wedding during the school vacation (I'm not sure if the US and Jamaican Summer break falls between July-Sept as it does here in the UK???) it does affect our flight costs somewhat but what can you do??
My head is spinning with ideas and this website is most definitely a Godsend! I've not secured a venue yet but we've always dreamt of getting married on the beach. I'm struggling to figure out whether it's more cost effective to get married at a private villa or at an all inclusive hotel?! We're likely to be a party of 60 so it should be very interesting lol! Congrats to you all...new brides and born again brides renewing your vows!!!

Congrats!!  I am also having a wedding in Jamaica (May 2012).  You can check out my details at:  http://CourtneyMara.com/Wedding

Originally Posted by jlb392 

Hi everyone.....I'm in the Dulles area.  We haven't set a date yet, but we're 99% sure it's going to be Jamaica next spring.  So excited!

I am def. doing a cocktail hour right afterwards.  I don't want any gaps.  I know that when I go to weddings, it is such a pet peeve of mine to have gap time - I just want to party/celebrate the wedding.  Maybe you should ask your friends what they think.  

Btw, you could always chose to do the cocktail hour somewhere besides the beach.  I believe the champagne toast is def. on the beach, but then you could do the cocktail hour inside the building.  Matt and I are going to hire a musician to entertain our guests while we are taking photos.  I mean they are flying all the way to Jamaica for us - we might as well keep them entertained!