Kassi22

We had round tables at ours, but a rectangle for head table. We choose to do a seating plan as it saves time and gets guest seated promptly.. when you only have a few hours or so ever minute counts! We just had it set up with tables, and then told people what table they should sit at.. at which point the picked there own seat at that table. Made things flow quickly.
 

Julia,

I went in looking for a 'destination wedding' style dress in mind... and I ended up getting something completely different. Not saying that will happen to you, but I wouldn't base where I would look strictly on that.

I went to two places (in one day) and found my dress.

Ritche Bridal - TONS of dresses, all styles and designers. They had pretty much ever dress I asked about.

Beckers Bridal - Not quite as vast a selection as Ritche, but some other names, and their own designer name... ended up getting my dress here. They give a 10% off if you get alterations done elsewhere.. though I opted to get them done there and I'm glad I did as Rosa was a miracle worker.

Both places I found I had good service .. not pushy at all. Piece of advise though...no matter where you go, book on a week day if at all possible. I booked a Monday.. I had both places to myself!

Good luck!

k

Originally Posted by heather1214 

 

What bar were you having your welcome party at?  I'm also nervous about the spa appointment now!  I'm thinking I should call directly to confirm.  I made 8 appointments!

Blue Moon Bar. .. was hoping it would open at 8:30 but when we went, they told use not until 10:30. I dont know if it was a one off thing or what.

This is also where we ended up having you after dinner reception. It was closed off to the public until 10:30.

Originally Posted by Woods26 

 

Thanks very much for the responses, ladies!

 

I just keep reminding myself what we've all read over and over again: they're the professionals, they handle weddings ALL the time, they know what they're doing and it WILL work out.

 

Kassi 22: read your review, it was great! Do you have any last minute advice looking back?? Thanks!

Be prepared with a backup plan if any of your events are outside.. I wasn't .. which for me is odd as Im usually on top of stuff.. but I figured it would have been perfect weather.. it was not. So.. that said, the day of was a bit chaotic. I have to go back through the pictures and videos as I don't even remember certain things!

Also. Be flexible and don't worry about not having everything ironed out beforehand .. .honestly. .they told me I had appointment for the spa.. they didn't.. but they accommodated me on the spot... I was told that a bar would be open as I was planning on having a welcome party there.. it wasn’t.. had to make a last second change.. asked for rehearsal dinner reservations weeks before..they ended up making it.. the day before..

Just go with the flow, relax and things will work out...

Originally Posted by Julia28 

 

Hello all,

 

Just curious if any of you brides out there were able to have a priest come to the Iberostar Rose Hall Suites resort to perform your Catholic wedding ceremony?

 

I emailed Nicole and Tiffany but thought I would try to see if anyone here had success with this.

 

If you did do this, how much extra was it and did you have to bring some paperwork from your own church to prove you did marriage classes and that your parish approves?

 

I have read different things: some websites say Catholic priests do not come to resorts and will only marry you in a church in Montego Bay, other says the the Rose Hall resorts and Sandals resorts have had Catholic priests do it.

 

Just curious....thanks a lot for the information

 

Julia

Can't comment on it on getting a Catholic priest to the resort.. but if its to be a true Catholic ceremony, does it not have to be in a Church? My Catholic friends all had to get married in a church to follow the church's strict guidelines.

If you can't find one that will do it, you may want to get married at home in the church, then have a 'renewal' on the beach?

I should also say.. I dont even thing the final details thing matters.. as they just sit down and ask you all the questions again once you get there... but yeah, it is frustrating... but don't worry.. it will all get ironed out in time.

Originally Posted by Woods26 

 

I'm 23 days out and haven't heard a peep from the Tiffany/Nicole..

 

Recent brides: when did you hear from the WCs?  I heard it's a month from your date, which I'm under now. Just want to know if other brides are in the same place! Also, if you can tell me what the "final details" email entails, I'll be able to relax a bit and collect that information so I'm prepared for their email. Thanks, girls

Same thing happened to me. About 20 days out I emailed them and was like.. hello?!? and they responded almost right away to get everything in order.. it only took a few emails back and forth and was settled in 24 horus.. so no worries.. it will get done, but I would advise emailing them at this point.

I just had my wedding and wore Allure 8915. While it’s not a true mermaid to trumpet, it is a drop waste and is fitted tight. I left a little room in the hips, butt but I will say that sitting was a little challenge. I had to maneuver around to get comfortable and I couldn't really bend (Also because of the boning). Posing for pictures was a little challenging as well. So I can’t say for sure with your dress.. but I think you  may not want it as tight as it can go… though… again.. its only for a few hours! All depends on if you want look, or comfort

My Review is up.

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/iberostar-rose-hall-suites-all-inclusive-montego-bay-jamaica/reviews/7127

If anyone has any questions, feel free to PM me.

Originally Posted by Jamaicanmecrazy 

 

Has anyone ordered jerk spice and rum in Jamaica to be delivered to the resort? I was thinking of doing this for favours? Also how many Ske Lanterns?! One per person or one per couple?? Thanks!

We used http://weddingbellesjamaica.com/ . I was in contact Jo-Anne. She was fantastic. She did up gift bags for us which where delivered to the hotel. There was a bunch of stuff you could select from (rum, sauces, coffee, etc)

In regards to sky lanterns.. I didn't have them myself, but I have used them.. you need two people at least to set them off.. (one needs to hold while the other lights it) so one per couple is more then enough.

Originally Posted by AandNJam 

 

 

Sorry to hear about the weather, but glad the WC's pulled through! Any lessons learned or things you wish you would've brought or done differently?

 

Congrats on your marriage! That's the most important part!

Lessons learned... not really.. but I would suggest to really just have the mentality of just going with the flow... if things dont work out as planned due to uncontrollable circumstances to just breath.. and let things take its course (ie.. wedding coordinators scrambling to make things work out.. ahahah)

Oh.. though, I will say one thing. I hired Misha Earle for pictures on the wedding day. She is awesome.. Big personality and professional. However, due to the weather all my pictures where inside for the most part. .. so a few days later I decided to hire digipix at the resort to do a photoshoot back in my dress on the beach. The guy was really nice, and did some great poses. I was really excited to see the pictures.. when I did.. I almost cried. .. they where terrible.. 80% where out of focus (I dont know if he just had the wrong setting or what... the camera he used was bottom of the barrel kit SLR). I ended up paying $315 for 40 photos that where mediocre at best. I should have gotten Misha to come back... kicking myself for that now.

I didn't bring much.. just a few things (guest book, fans, table numbers) as I couldn't be bothered dealing with that.. I had stuff delivered to the hotel from local vendors instead.. best money spent.

Originally Posted by KWandCM 

 

 

I'm really sorry to hear that you had bad weather! I'm glad that the resort was able to help you still make your day work even if it wasn't how you originally imagined it. Are you planning on posting a full review? 

Yes. I will post a full review as soon as I can.

Hello Everyone!

I just got back from a weeks stay at the Grand, but got Married at the Suites. I can say that nothing worked out as planned (due to a horrible weather system) which was disappointing, but everything did work out. I have to give a shout out to Nicole and Tiffany for pulling it all together on the fly (literally) and making it go as smoothly as possible.

If anyone has any specific question I would be glad to try and answer.

Originally Posted by nikki444 

 

I think you would only need to bring the music you MUST have for your wedding. Just in case the DJ does not have it... otherwise, I have read that the DJ can easily go online and find most songs you need or would request during the wedding.

Awesome. That's what I was hoping/thinking. Thanks!

Originally Posted by Gingerbeef 

 

Well as of 2 days ago, I am officially an angry Bridezilla thanks to Transat Vacations!!  We made our group reservation about a month ago, paid our deposit, and sent out our invites.  The package we booked was for Sat-Sat which worked perfectly with our Wednesday wedding.  We have 2 departure gates (Calgary & Toronto) Suddenly Transat decided to change the package out of Calgary to Thurs-Thurs which isn't going to work considering it is the day right after the wedding!!

 

We were told to book early because things were starting to book up.  Then they change the date by 2 whole days and tell us that's what happens when you book so early. @#$%&*!!! We've searched other companies but now the prices are WAY more than our group pricing we had with Transat at the minimums for group booking with these other companies are too high for my group that is flying out of Calgary. We could have people fly to Toronto to get in on the group booking through that gate, but that would add $800 per person on top of the package price.  This is a complete DISASTER!!! We are at the point where we are going to have to tell everyone that they just have to go book their own thing and probably expect to pay way more than we told them on the invite. 

 

Has this happened to anyone else? I'm just so angry, I needed to vent!!!  Transat..... BOOOOOO ON YOU!!!!!  }

OMG... That is horrible and I can imagine how stressful...

So they changed the date from Sat-Sat.. to Thur-Thur? They only fly out of Calgary 1 day a week?

I know when I booked, I originally booked Sat-Sat. They moved it to Sun-Sun.. but that wasn't such a big deal for us. .. Though we are based out of Toronto so there are more flight options.

What I did was only book one package, out of Toronto.. even though 80% of our Guest where coming from out West or out East, and told people that they can either get to Toronto and fly out with our group deal, or find their own package. Half the guest are flying to Toronto and out with me... it was an added expenses for flight, but it worked out to be about the same as flying from elsewhere. It was also easier in some cases as places like Calgary, Edmonton didn't have the same flight options that are available from here... It looks like more people from out west fly to Mexico apparently...

I had some issues with flight times being changed though, which caused some stress as people where getting connecting flights.. another thing to be mindful of.

Anyways.. yeah.. that sucks and I'm sorry you have to go through that. I really hope you are able to get things worked out.... but honestly.. I would consider asking guest to find their own ways. I did that, and those that aren't coming with our group managed to all figure it out on their own.

In regards to the Resort DJ. I heard several brides say they are bringing their own music...

This may sound like a stupid question, but I assume the DJ has all his own music, so unless I have my heart set on particular songs, I don't need to bring a CD/ipod, etc with music on it for him to play correct? Or am I wrong?

In other words, I'm not expected to supply the music the DJ will use to play at my wedding.. or am I?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by KaraMae 

 

I've been seeing a lot of people talk about "dress regret" and feeling funny about getting a  non beachy wedding dress. I obviously went for a more vintage look, not a beachy dress at all. I was so worried that it would be too fancy and not work for a beach wedding. I finally let go of that and just went with what my heart wanted. I bought this San Patrick Rivoli and loved it at the time. I bought the sample so I've had it since the day I found it. A month later I started getting dress regret and feeling nervous I paid a lot of money for something I wouldn't end up liking. I bought this belt for around $50 from Glory's House and hoped it would work since I was NOT going to spend $300 on a darn belt! I tried on the dress again with the belt last night and realized that I was being silly and LOVED my dress! I think I love it more now than the day I bought it! 

 

For you all that are having second thoughts, go try on your dress again! I'm sure you will love it just as much as I did the second time! 

You look stunning.

When I went dress shopping, I had the thought of a light flowy beachy dress as I thought that what I 'should' wear. After trying on dozen, they just did not suit me.. I looks terrible in them! So.. I tried on a dress that I loved from seeing it in books and on TV, and fell in love with it. It not Beachy at all as far as Im concerned... but I ordered it. For months I thought.. "what did I do!" but when the dress came in and I went for my fittings I was relieved to still love it as much as the first time I tried it on.. if not more!

Its your day, and you should get to wear what you want and what you feel beautiful in, whether is a poofy Ball-Gown, slinky sheath of lacey vintage!

DW are not the norm.. anything goes in my opinion!

Originally Posted by jennifer8913 

 

I have done this video now 3 times on level 1, and each time I get extremely nauseous. Have any of you girls had the same reaction? I am hoping as I get used to.the video, the feeling subsides, because I feel it is a good workout, and I want to see the results!!

That can happen if you get overwhelmed by a workout. If you need to, slow the pace down and just go through it slower.

I remember when I first started working out, the 30 day shred is what I started with.. but I worked up to JM No More TroubleZones after a month. The first time I did that video, I had to run to the bathroom and ... throw up. eeew. It happened a few times the first 3 or 4 months with some workouts.. but eventually went away ...

Also, be sure that you are well hydrated, and your eating properly.. this will also have an affect on how you feel.

Originally Posted by Jenny2014 

 

Our engagement is already two years- if we push it out, I think someone might snap (me!) haha

 

I know we will manage, I was just having a moment of anxiety, and wasn't sharing it with FI because I felt I needed all the answers before we talked about it. Over the last couple of weeks, I have let him in on some of the numbers, and he hasn't flipped out, so I think things will be okay. This wedding is my dream, not his, so I was so worried about how he would respond to a fairly large number. He seems to understand, so here's hoping our chat this weekend goes well!

 

I also know life happens, and if something big comes up that eats into our budget, then that will be the time to make the decision about where this wedding is headed. But worrying over the possible what ifs will drive me insane, so I have to just stop and let it go.

 

I am fairly realistic with our expense budget anyways, for our regular, non- wedding lives. Put so much into our account to pay bills, know what our regular expenses are every month, have so much left over for entertainment, etc. and then it's putting away for the wedding. As much as I would like to say we would put away every last penny, I know that is unrealistic of us, and we aren't big partiers/ adventurers, so cutting back on the very small things we do would make us go crazy and end up resenting that we had zero fun for 2 years.

 

On a VERY good note, FI got a promotion/ new job on Friday! It's for the same company, but into the corporate side, and a much bigger position, which came with a very nice salary package. So we know that realistically, we will basically be putting away what his new income will bring in, and still living off of what we currently are at the moment.

Ah, I didn't know the engagement was 2 years.. yeah, I think I would start going a little crazy too We head out in 10 days and I'm going nuts at this point waiting.. and waiting..

Weddings are expensive.. to say the least...

That's awesome about his promotion!! That should help put your minds at ease a bit. Congrats and happy planning

Originally Posted by mrsmannings2b 

 

$75.00. 

Thanks.

Does anyone know the cost of a Day pass for someone staying at the Suites, to be able to go to the Grand?

I know the excitement of a wedding plays a big factor, but have you considered putting it on-hold for an extra year so you have more time to save and you would be more comfortable?

You can absolutely do a beautiful destination wedding on a tight budget if you just go with the basics... but if your heart is set on any extras, why not just wait 6 months or a year longer?

When we did up our budget we took in account things that could happen within the year that would eat at our budget... unexpected expenses, etc. Ive seen a lot of people say they will put ever cent away.. but it ends up being about half that because 'this came up' 'or that came up'.

Anyways.. just a thought. Either way, its your day.. its your wedding. I can't see guest being disappointed about anything. If they are willing to travel to your wedding, then they are there to see you get married.. not there to see fancy flowers, or get favors, etc.

It will work out!
 

Originally Posted by papoue 

 

 

 

I don't know if It's the same as for the Beach, but on top of the Vendor Fee, you'll have to pay a day pass fee.  See the answer the wc of the Beach gave me (in blue) in an e-mail I've send to her:

 

"Hi,

My wedding is booked at your resort for November 13, 2013. I may book Rashel Edwards for my hair and make-up, but first need to know if there is fees charged by the resort when she comes.  For Rashel Edward, she is subtitle to a vendor fee and a day pass fee. Which is a total of $175.00"

 

So for Rashel And her assistant, it's a total of 350$ only in "resort fee's"...!

I asked this question last year when I booked and they told me that for vendors, you only pay a vendor fee. Also, this charge did not show up on my charge sheet.

If this is the case at the beach..that ridiculous! Not like she will be using the resort facilities.

Originally Posted by tms5221 

 

I used Rashel and if you are staying at the Suites you do not need to pay a vendor fee. I was getting ready at my bridesmaids room in the Beach and when Rashel got there they were going to charge me vendor fees. When i explained i had a room at the Suites Rashel said to go there because they do not charge a fee for her. I dont know if she has an agreement with the Suites or if she is just friends with the perople at the front desk, but when we entered the Suites they just said hello to her and let her go to my room, There was no fee on my final bill at the hotel.

This is what I'm saying though... Brides have had not to pay..but that was then, and this is now... when speaking with Nicole the past few days, and given my charge sheet, she said that YES I do have to pay a vendor for Rashel, and for her hairstylist. Its listed on my payment sheet. So either things have changed.. or there is some discrepancy along the way. Anyways, I'm hoping I can get it removed!

Originally Posted by heather1214 

 

Amen sister!!!!!  I'm not paying $300 before they even touch my hair!  I'm afraid the spa won't be able to handle 9 hair appointments, plus make-up... and thats if there isn't another bride at the beach and grand getting married the same day... We all share the spa.

 

Are these "vendor" charges on the hotel bill?  It seems like this is an "agreement" between the WC herself and vendor as they can change who they do and don't charge... who do you think splits the $100....  Rashel said to me that she will tell Nicole that I booked before this new "policy" and therefore I don't have to pay it... how about some uniformity here and not "rules dujour".

 

I get a travel fee as she comes from far away or if we aren't using the spa services at all, but we are going to split between Rashel and the spa, but if the hotel is unable to accomodate us at the salon I don't think a vendor fee is appropriate.  It's not like these vendors are at the pool bar drinking and snacking. 

 

Has anyone considered looking into a salon outside of the hotel... and taking a cab there?  They have such a monopoly on these services here!

The vendor fee is added to the hotel bill... payable to the hotel. That's what I was given anyways. I contacted Nicole about it and am waiting to hear what she has to say. In your case I think its totally reasonable to split it over the spa and Rashel...and they shouldn't charge for it.. 9 people is a lot! and you're right.. I would say there is a good chance the other resorts are doing weddings as well.