DaniScales2b

Rose Petals

I used freeze dried rose petals that I purchased from www.NYPetals.com.  I couldn't see spending a ton of money for fresh rose petals that would be thrown away and these were great quality and are actually REAL petals that turned out to be beautiful.  They have a great selection of colors and the price was very reasonable.  I purchased three bags.

Photography

We used a friend of mine for our photography.  He was awesome and was able to offer a personalized touch which we loved.  Here is one of our favorite shots:

Thank you Cara!

Thank you also Chelsea!  I printed my own brochure using brochure paper I purchased from Staples.  It was pretty easy to do and didn't use up as much ink as I thought it would. You're welcome to use the word document template that I included for yourself and change the wording to make it personalized for you.  

The wedding "Facebook" went over so well!  I used a postcard template I downloaded on Avery.com's website.  Here is the template I used.  You can add more pages and format it the way you liked.  I used the font from my wedding invitations.  Let me know if you have difficulty opening it.

Wedding Facebook (shared).docx

Here is a picture of the wedding brochure.  I finally figured out how to do a screenshot picture on this site.  The word doc link for this is above:

Peter-Gaye and her assistant did the makeup for myself and my two bridesmaids.  They were so easy to work with and correspondence with them was really easy.  I used PayPal for payment and sent her pictures of ideas for my hair and makeup prior to the wedding.  She was very responsive and so sweet.  If you would like to use her, she can be reached at [email protected].  Here are a few shots of her work:

Originally Posted by 1stmarriage 

 

 

Hi DaniScales2b, Congrats to you and your husband! I am planning to marry there in May 2014. I have a few questions. What route did you take with travel arrangements for your guest? Where did they stay? If they stayed at the suites or beach..how did you handle the day pass fees? I have 50+ guests and that fee adds a couple thousand to the already hefty price to pay! Where did you do your ceremony and reception at? What areas did you feel needed extra/your own decoration?

Hi 1stmarriage,

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!  We used a local travel agent and we were able to get money back for each person that booked through her once the final deadline had been reached.  Make sure you chose a travel agent that works well for you.  I had great communication with mine and even when she was off, there was someone answering her emails/phone calls which was great for me and our guests.  

We had four guests staying at the Suites and 4 guests staying at another resort completely.  We had a total of 46 people (including ourselves) and had our rehearsal dinner at the Surf and Turf restaurant and our reception at the Port Maria.  We originally planned for our rehearsal dinner to take place at the Suites so we wouldn't have to pay for the day pass for the Suites guests, but our wedding coordinator and property manager were able to work it out so we could hold it at the Grand with no fee.  We did have to pay for our guests staying at another resort to attend both days (rehearsal dinner and wedding day).  These fees are added to your final bill.  The Port Maria was a little warm so we didn't do much dancing at the actual reception.  After dinner and a few dances, we all went to change and met at the lobby bar for drinks before heading down to the Mango Disco where we stayed until around 2:00 - 3:00 AM.  We had so much fun!

We preferred to do something private for our ceremony so we held it in the dome.  I have pictures in my planning thread: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/86158/danielles-daniscales2b-planning-thread-iberostar-grand-rose-hall-montego-bay-jamaica-pic-heavy#post_1904340  I bought chair sashes and centerpieces with us in our luggage.  

Let me know if you have any questions and I will be more than happy to help!

Dani

Originally Posted by VanessaBB 

 

Daniscales2B did u do a trash te dress photoshoot with ur dress ? U looked gorgeous !

Hi Vanessa,

No, I didn't do the trash the dress, just a few shots on the beach before sunset.  Thank you so much!  One of the best days of my life.

Rehearsal Dinner

 We held our rehearsal dinner at the Surf and Turf restaurant at the resort and released lanterns with a note to send up a special prayer/wish to the bride and groom.  Here is a pic of my husband and I releasing the lantern.  Each of our guests got to release them as well.  We used biodegradable lanterns I purchased on www.justartifacts.com.

Best Destination Weddings has been such an awesome resource for my wedding planning this past year.  I felt it only appropriate to make sure that I shared any and all information from my wedding with this wedding community.  Please let me know if you have any questions and I hope this information helps! 

The Proposal

Color Inspiration

My wedding colors were coral and tiffany blue.  Here is my inspiration.  You are also welcome to look at my pinterest board as well for my wedding ideas at: www.pinterest.com/daniellel81/wedding-ideas

Wedding Location

We did a site visit to the Iberostar Grand Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica in April 2012 and fell in love.  We had the opportunity to meet our wonderful wedding coordinator, Janille, who gave us a tour of the resort and pointed out locations where we would be able to hold our ceremony.  We instantly fell in love with her and the dome location (pictured below).  We wanted something private and this provided the perfect location for us.  Everyone was so hospitable to us and it was a no-brainer as to why we chose this location for our wedding.  Janille also made sure the floors in the dome were freshly stained prior to our wedding.  The entire staff went above and beyond to ensure that our day was absolutely perfect from beginning to end.

Invitations

I used a vendor recommended by a former bride (proti007) on this site for my wedding invitations.  My colors were coral and tiffany blue so I opted for the blue to be the primary color in the invitation.  The proof of what it looked like is below and the vendor that I used was Paper Stories (www.paperstories.com).  Correspondence with Kelly was excellent and I highly recommend using them for your invitations.

Wedding Brochure and Luggage Tags

I used the attached template for the brochure that I sent out to my guests about one month prior to the wedding date.  I also sent two luggage tags per couple in the package and it was very well received and everyone found it very informative.  I purchased the luggage tags from Michaels and purchased DIY business cards to print the name and address of the resort.  I also included an extra line on the card for the guests to print their names.

OOT Bags

I loved my OOT Bags and while they were a ton of work, I was so happy with how they turned out and the response they received from the guests.  They were truly a labor of love.  Here is a list of items that were included as well as links to where I purchased the items from.  I went to Staples and purchased the AVERY Printable Bag Toppers with Bags and printed them on my printer at home.  So easy and everything fit perfectly!  I made my own folders and labels using scrap book paper I purchased at Michaels and AVERY labels I purchased at Staples.  I did have to cut the labels down to size, but everything turned out perfectly.  I've attached the template for those at the bottom of this section.

Wedding Weekend Survival Kit

​First Aid Kit (www.ebay.com) user: chumley63

Motrin (www.ebay.com) - user: firstaidsuppliesdiscount

Pepto Bismol (www.ebay.com) - user: firstaidsuppliesdiscount

Orbitz Gum - CVS Pharmacy ($0.69 cents per pack)

Tums - CVS Pharmacy ($2.99/3pack)

Fun in the Sun Kit

Sun block - Dollar Tree

Ben's Bug Repellent Wipes (www.ebay.com) - user: skipper_blue_sea

Hand Sanitizer - Bath and Body Works

Mini Tide to Go Pens (www.ebay.com) - user: jobrids

Tote Bags - Liberty Bags (http://www.jiffyshirts.com/libertybags-7002.html) 

I turned my mother's house into my DIY central!  I made packets for "Tears of Joy" for during the ceremony, raffia fans I purchased from www.orientaltrading.com with ribbon wrapped around the handle, folders for the welcome bags, along with a host of other projects below.  I also opted for the sand dollar escort card.  I don't have pictures of those, but have a picture below of my inspiration.

Here is the template information for the First Aid Kits:

The Wedding Facebook went over very well!  It gave everyone the opportunity to check everyone out and learn each others names and what they looked like prior to the Meet and Greet.  I used a brochure template in Word and used a paper slicer to cut them all down to size.  Then I purchased some rings from Staples and punched a hole in the "book" to bind it together.  

Everyone also found this very helpful.  I also used the brochure template for this as well, printed them out and used my paper slicer to cut these out. Here is the template:  

This insert was just a welcome that I used Vistaprint.com to print out for our guests.

This helped guests to keep track of all activities that took place throughout the week.  

The doorknob hang wasn't used by most, but I thought it was adorable and had this printed via Vistaprint.com as well.

Share Your Pictures insert was a nice touch so we can keep track of all of the photos.  Facebook, obviously, is an option that most people have chosen to use.

These were a big hit!  The ladies and guys used these and I purchased both the plastic name badges and lanyards on ebay.com.

Reception Location

We held our reception at the Port Maria Restaurant at the Iberostar Grand.  It was covered, but open air and allowed for the evening breeze to blow through. 

 I also ordered sand dollars for the escort cards and purchased purse hangers and money clips for the wedding favors.  I purchased both favors for the ladies and gentlemen on ebay.com.  I used tiffany blue ribbon for the escort cards and placed each favor in a tiffany blue box tied with a white ribbon.

 Escort card

  Wedding Favor - Ladies

Purse Hang - These were used the night of the wedding at the reception which was really nice to see!

 Wedding Favor - Mens

This was pretty useful for the guys while on the resort because it was able to hold their tip money.

Groom/Groomsmen Attire

My husband found the suits at Macy's.  They are Tasso Elba and we were able to get them at a great price of $139.99 for both jacket and pants.  Here is a picture of what the suit looked like.  It's not on the website anymore, but you should be able to find it in the stores.  My husband added the vest to complete his look.  I purchased the coral stripped tie from www.weddingtonway.com.  The groomsmen LOVED them.  HUGE HIT.  My husband opted for a bow tie he purchased himself.

And now the guys!

Bridesmaids Dresses

I fell in love with these dresses from the moment I saw them.  They are from Watters and I purchased them in coral.  I don't have the pictures back yet of my girls, but here is what the dress looks like.

Wedding Dress

I was fortunate enough to be able to go to Kleinfeld's in NY to purchase my wedding dress.  It was the fourth one I tried on and I fell in love instantly.  It was a Lazaro that was a silk charmeuse with a ton of intricate beading in the overlay.

 Here is the back of the dress

 Here is the front of the gown.

Wedding Brochure.docx

First Aid Labels.doc

Wedding Day Timeline.docx

This is my wedding dress I purchased from Kleinfelds.  It's a Lazaro and it was absolutely beautiful with tons of beaded detail. Loved it!  I need an excuse to wear it again! 

Hi Ladies,

I'm just returning from the Grand and the wedding was amazing!  Janielle and Syrecka are both absolutely wonderful.  They have everything under control!  We scanned and emailed our notarized documents to them about 1-2 months prior to the wedding and even sent a few last minute details via email to them while at the resort and despite some of my last minute additions, everything turned out perfectly.

We got married in the dome and it provided excelled acoustics for the ceremony.  Our officiant was wonderful and he kept the mood light while still making sure the importance of our union was recognized.  Janielle came and picked up my wedding dress and the grooms suit three days prior to the wedding and also worked with the butler staff to ensure that all of the wedding parties dresses/suits were pressed in time for the event.  Janielle also picked up the decorations for the ceremony and reception the night before and made sure they were set up exactly as we asked.  

My husband celebrated his birthday while we were there and she arranged for a semi-private dinner at the Japanese restaurant for our friends and family and even came in with a cake and balloons for his special day.  The rehearsal dinner was also planned to perfection and Janielle and Syrecka assisted in the Meet and Greet prior to that event and made sure that everyone was escorted to the Surf and Turf for dinner.  

There is a new process in place where the Public Relations Manager for Iberostar will be filtering all emails/correspondence for all three resorts and the Wedding Coordinators will not have direct contact until 45 days prior to the wedding.  I'm glad I was able to meet and correspond with Janielle and Syrecka prior to my wedding because it only helped to establish the close relationship that we now share.  Brides, please be sweet to these ladies and rest assured that they have your best interests at heart.  Aside from saying "I DO", having my wedding at this resort and working with these ladies was the best decision I've ever made.  Feel free to ask questions and I'll be more than happy to answer them all.

Happy Planning and Best Wishes!

Dani

Originally Posted by allieplask 

 

i have our birth certificates and passports all ready to send to the resort for our marriage certificate.. does anyone know the address?? i tried searching the forum but didn't come across anything?

Allie,

I was able to scan and email mine to my wedding coordinator.  I received confirmation last week that the documents were approved. Have you been in touch with the WC at the Suites to see if she can do the same thing?  It makes it much easier.

Dani

Originally Posted by Brook53 

 

I just read that I need to fill out paperwork to request a date? Where do I get that paperwork? I'm looking at JULY 2014, and am pretty open to dates (as I'm a teacher and off all summer!) but want to have a date reserved! Any help is appreciated.

Can someone email me the pricing for 2014?

[email protected]

 

Thanks so much!!!

Brook,

You do have to fill out paperwork to request a date.  I'm not sure which resort you're planning using for your wedding, but I've provided the link below for the Suites.  The email address is also on the website for Iberostar.  I do know that the only pricing available right now is for 2013.  They generally do not release pricing for the following year until sometime between October and December.  You might want to check with the WC once you've made contact.  Hope this helps!

http://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/montego-bay/iberostar-rose-hall-suites/extras

 [email protected]

Dani

Originally Posted by CourtandMatt 

 

 

 

Dani - How many people are you having and how many sky lanterns did you order?  Are you brining matches or did IRHG say they would provide them?  Finally, do you know what time you are going to release them?  We are planning to release sky lanterns as well!  The sky will just be filled on May 4th!!  

Hey Courtney!

We have almost 40 people booked so far so I ordered 20 lanterns, one per couple.  I believe they have matches at the resort so we should be good there.  I have a call scheduled tomorrow with the wedding coordinator at the Grand so I'm going to have her answer a few additional questions for me.  I'm thinking we will release them around 8 or 9 PM, after dinner.  It's going to be a beautiful night .  

Originally Posted by onyxluxenoir 

 

Hey DaniScales,

 

I am getting married at the Grand on 10/26.  I have a couple of questions for you if you dont mind.  Do you have a good idea of the "flow" for your special day?   I have been trying to imagine it and cannot come up with a fluid chain of events, ie ceremony, cocktail hour for attendees while we take pics or send our guest to the bar in the lobby to hang out while we take pics, dinner at the Surf and Turf restaurant and then......................  idk....

 

any insight is welcomed

thanks in advance

 

Ciao

Hi Onyx,

Don't mind the questions at all!  Our ceremony will begin at 5:00 PM and cocktail hour will be held on the balcony off the main lobby.  During that time, we'll be taking pictures.  Because of the size of our group, we're having a private reception at the Port Maria Restaurant.  I'm in the process of coming up with a Wedding Day Timeline to include in the Welcome Bags for the guests to make it easier for them...and me!  We also have Chinese lanterns to release at the end of the reception.  Feel free to PM me with any additional questions.  

Dani

Originally Posted by staroxx 

 

Did any one hire an outside photographer for the Iberostar Rose Hall Beach in Jamaica? I was asking then about vendors fees and they are telling me i can't bring one in, they would have to spend 1 night in order to take my photos. Any one have the same problems? What did you end up doing?  Thanks for your help!

One of my guests is our wedding photographer and we don't have to pay a vendor fee because he will be staying at the resort as a guest.  I'm getting married at the Grand.  If they aren't staying at the resort, I've heard of couples paying a vendor fee for the day for an outside photographer, but never having to require the photographer to spend 1 night.  Hopefully its a misunderstanding.

My wedding date is May 4, 2013.  So excited!  There are several other forums for Iberostar brides on this site.  Check them out, they are filled with so much information that will help you plan your special day.  Happy planning!

Pam,

I'm sorry, I've sold all of the bags!  Dollar Tree seems to bring them in stock around March/April.  I would check around that time if your wedding is next year.  If not, there are a few sites that have similar bags for about $3 per bag.  Hope this helps!

Dani

Originally Posted by susan1672 

 

 

Just got back from our wedding at the Grand and I will try to post an updated review as soon as possible! : )

Can't wait to hear about it!  Congratulations!!!

Originally Posted by TheWolferts 

 

Yesterday, we were able to make all of our dinner reservations at the Grande and the Suites for our stay next week! Just one more day of work to get through before we leave!

 

I am very impressed with how quickly and well they dealt with taking our reservations over the email. They were so prompt in making the reservations and they sent us a confirmation email to confirm all of the restaurants and times we requested. I hope this is a sign of the fabulous service we can expect next week!

You're going to have an awesome time!  Congrats again and enjoy your trip!

Originally Posted by sunshine2413 

 

I was just married on June 8th, we have been planning for about 2years, and it was 90% for us. So i just told all my guests they had to stay at the Grand. TRUST ME, it is so much easier that way!! My cousin and her bf stayed at the beach due to money issues and it was a MAJOR hassle to even see them the whole week. 

Sunshine,

Is this for the free wedding package or one of the packages you have to pay for that requires such a high percentage of your guests stay there?

Dani

Originally Posted by TheWolferts 

 

Did you attend any of the nightly shows? I think the 8:30 reservation slot is our best bet as the sun wont even be fully down by 8:30 and I dont want to rush if we do an all day excursion, but I am afraid that we will miss any of the fun nightly things.

 

 

 

We went to karoke which takes place on Wednesday nights at the Suites.  The Suites had another show that we missed, but looked like a lot of fun.  We were just coming from dinner and missed it.  How long will you be there?  

We had a late dinner, probably closer to the 8:30 PM time.  I think they keep that 7:00 - 8:30 time block reserved in case there is a private reception that will be held there.  

The Wolferts,

The Surf and Turf was our favorite while we were there.  And you can make reservations prior to your trip.  You can also request reservations at the Beach or Suites as well although I didn't get a chance to dine at any of their restaurants when we went on our site visit.  Enjoy your honeymoon and congrats!

Dani

Kfarkas,

Did Janielle tell you this?  I hadn't heard of this and haven't seen a contract once I secured my wedding date.  Did she send you one?

Dani

Hi Heather!

I'm getting married May 4th, 2013 and we are using a travel agent to coordinate travel and accommodations for ourselves and our guests.  We did have to place a deposit, but if the rate changes at anytime up to 30 days prior to our departure our travel agent will have the resort honor that price.  She was also able to provide a group discount code for our guests so they can be flexible with their room type and length of stay.  Shop around and find a travel agent that works well with you.  Hope this helps! 

Dani