Kassi22

That $18 fee I think is actually to cover the champagne, cake, chairs, etc for the ceremony part for anyone over the 2-8.
 

There is no extra fee that I'm aware off. Its an AI resort, the wedding package already includes the dinner, you just have to pay extra for making it Private/Semi Private.... and then any extra (DJ, Decor, etc) But no.. you dont have to pay a per head fee.

Hey Julia, No problem! Glad I could help As for the DJ for dinner, we have not decided that yet. We are thinking we might just rent the sound system and microphone and hook up an ipod to it for music as its only 2 hours so we wont really have time for a DJ and dancing (as we have to eat and stuff) We will have a DJ out with the Bonfire on the beach, with bar for a couple of hours, then we will head to the disco after (which will be free at that point). The Bonfire at the beach comes with a bar (Per hour fee), but you have to book/pay for the DJ separately. We won't reserve anything until the WC contacts us in Jan/Feb time frame. We just have it all worked out in our head, and will discuss it with her when the time comes. Cheers, K.

Quackdoc,

Congrats on the engagement and upcoming wedding.

I can't speak for whether or not the salons you plan on going to need an appointment or not as I'm not from there, but from my dress shopping experience, most do.. but not all. They usually will say online whether or not they will require an appointment, if not you could always call. Weekends are busier for obvious reasons. I booked appointments on weekdays (took the day off) and the salons where pretty empty but apparently there weekends are nuts.

As for dresses, you better start looking. My dress will only take 4 months to get in, but some where 6 or even 8 months. Other then that, you will need to purchase a sample (off the rack) dress.

As for weight loss. You can always order a size smaller, but honestly, be sure you will loose the weight, its much easier to take a dress in then let a dress out, and you can generally alter a dress in a few sizes. I ordered a dress assuming I will need to take it in a bit. I was border sizes, and ordered the larger one just to be safe. The lady in the salon said more then not, brides think they will loose a lot of weight, order dresses smaller, and then aren't able to fit into the dress they way they want.. so be careful.

Hey Julia28,

I can help with some of the questions.

Though, have you actually booked yet? Did you go through a travel agent? They will sent you all the needed documents with all the pricing. You can find a lot of it here: (though, as you are two years away.. the prices will probably go up a bit.. I was told they may change slightly for my wedding next year)

http://www.weddingsbyiberostar.com/iberostar_rose_hall_suites_wedding_packages.htm

1. My most pressing question is this:  can I have my private reception dinner at the CALABASH (gourmet restaurant) for about 50 people? And be able to dance in here with a DJ? 

A: No, you have to little people to have a private reception. I have about 60 going as of now, and I was told no. However, you can book it out for a Semi-Private for $450 which means you have the restaurant to yourself for 2 hours... We are doing this, so we will have a short private space for eating and some speeches before heading outside for the dancing part on the beach.

2. I originally wanted to have the dinner at the steakhouse and then dancing on the beach but I am concerned about being extremely hot in July.  Although we will be having the reception on the terrace area....any thoughts on that?

A: I thought about the SH, but we too thought it to hot. I'm getting married next March, and even then thought it to hot, especially to us Canadians who aren't used to it. I wanted the guest to be comfortable, so we are going for the air conditioned restaurant for the dinner part, then move outside later when its cooler.

The terrace I can't comment on, we are doing ours on the beach. I hear its nice up there and private.

3. Also, I keep reading that people have been having welcome dinners, goodbye dinners and rehersal dinners at the restaurants.  If I, lets say, wanted to have a welcome dinner at the Japanese rest. for 50 people, is that something that can be done for no extra cost?

A: If you want a private event, there is a charge. We aren't going to bother having a private dinner (we also dont have the numbers anyway so we cant) as we are just going to get people together somewhere and have a gathering.

4.  How long before your wedding did you confirm a date with the Wedding Coordinator through email?  Is now too early for 2014 you think lol?

A: We confirmed ours about 10 months in advance, We basically took the day that was left in a 2 week time frame we gave them, as we are getting married on one of the busiest weeks of the year (easter) so you have LOTS of time as July is not the busiest time...Though, if you know for sure that's when, and the date you want, you might as well book it whenever.

Getting responses from the WC at Iberostar can be slow, I have been on communication with them but it took a few weeks, I hear the further you are from the date, the slower it will be, which I understand as they are busy with the 'now' brides. I got the basic information I needed and will now wait until next Jan/Feb time before bothering to secure all the final details when I will have their full attention.

Hope this helps!

Originally Posted by Gingerbeef 

 

Does anyone have any idea if you can have either a projection screen, microphone setup, or DJ playing music during the reception dinner if you do not rent out the whole restaurant? I wonder if that will bother the other non-wedding related diners.

 

I don't want to bug Nicole for something that is so far away, just thought someone here might have an easy answer!

I asked the Nicole a similar question. She said no, that other quest will be in the restaurant, but there will be the restaurants background music.

We are spending a week there with family and friends for our wedding. I wanted a honeymoon on top of it. We looked into staying a second week, (upgrading to a different resort) but the prices they wanted to extend our stay was insane (almost $6000). So we decided to have a honeymoon and spend that money to go somewhere new. We are coming home for a month, then heading to Italy for 3 weeks. We are having a Honeymoon Registry (instead of gifts) so that any guest that want to buy gifts for us, can just donate money to that.

But yeah, I  wanted a honeymoon... I won't get any time alone with my Husband during that wedding week.
 

Nope, you need more then 100 I believe.

I just spoke with the wedding coordinator and she says that at the steakhouse, no semi private, but at the Gourmet, which is what I want, you can.. which means its only you in the restaurant for 2 hours. .. in case anyone's curious

Does anyone know what the difference in the dinner types are at the Suites?

I was told that I do not have the numbers for a private reception (55).

One of the coordinators told me you can have a semiprivate dinner for $450.00usd from 6.30-8.30pm where there will only be you and your guest in the restaurant until 8.30pm.

However, now I’m being told by another coordinator that there will be other people in the restaurant during this time.

So, why would you pay money to have a semi-private dinner if it’s no different than just having the normal dinner?

Does anyone know the differences? Has anyone had a Semi-Private and can tell me what it actually is?

I'm based out of Toronto to

I can tell you my experience. I wanted to do everything I could myself to save money, and I to.. are a bit of a control freak.

Though, you almost do need a travel agency to book your packages (from Canada its seems easier/cheaper this way IMO.. and I travel.. alot).

I went online and just went with iTravel2000.. and I would NEVER recommend them. They have been terrible from start to finish. I guess I could have pulled out, but I already had quotes and the ball rolling. I just feel I have to be on top of them for everything. I will be filing a complaint with them once this is all said and done.

I booked my package with Transat Holidays. They had the best pricing but I could not book directly with them as you have to use a travel agent to get group rates that I wanted... otherwise I would have.

So, for the package deal, we got a rate good for so many people and after a certain number we get free travelers. I believe this is linked with the courier (ie, Transat in this case) and the hotel. People that want to book now, and fly through Toronto will book via my travel agent. Other then that, everyone else (the other half of people coming are coming from all over the place) are on there own. I gave them the details and then they can get there on packages from where they are located. It was way to hard to get deals out of every province so we choose Toronto as the main hub (most flights to Jamaica fly through Toronto first anyways).

For everything else, I will work directly with the Hotel/Coordinators. I have already made contact with them and will work everything out with them once it gets closer to the wedding. I have booked my own make-up and hair artist, photographer, and working with a florist. It is really straight forward and I didn't feel the need to pay the money to have a wedding coordinator do this for me.

So unfortunately I can't recommend a travel agency, but I can suggest against one ahahah.

Hope this helps!

We have guest coming from all over Canada so the price ranges all over the place.

For 7 nights, flight, hotel at AI they are paying anywhere from $1800-$2900pp. The price we got via our Travel Agent was about $500 less then you would if you booked online. . For peak season this isn't a bad price I thought.

When I went shopping I wore a white strapless bra and white undies (full coverage). I went to two places. One had a curtain around me that I could change, but was in the room with the people I brought with me..Though, the consultant was very careful and would make sure I was covered before clipping me into the dresses.

The second place had my own private dressing room so I would get into the dress as best I could and then they would clip me in.. They didn't see me in my undies at all .. just my back when clipping me in.
 

We didn't do STD's. We did up a website and sent it out to everyone. We will send out formal invitations though, but not until about a month before the wedding. I want the formal invites to have all the details about the wedding day itself which I won't have ironed out until I deal with the wedding coordinator at the resort (ie. a month before)

I have seen Chuppah's using fabric sewn out of pieces of clothing.. It can almost look like a quilt laid over the top, and can actually look really beautiful if done properly.

I agree with the above poster as well. Its their wedding day so you might want to just leave it be.
 

I'm getting hitched March 28, 2013 at Iberostar Rose Hall Suites Jamaica!  9 1/2 months to go still! I feel like I have everything I can do at this point done .. the rest I do about 2 or 3 months before... the next 6-7 months are going to go by so slow!
 

I went out shopping on Monday which was my first time out. I had two appointments booked, and a third option backup plan if the first two ended up being disasterish… luckily I didn’t need it!

I found a dress at the first place that I really liked. I thought it was the one. It was a little over $1800 which was under what I was willing to spend however I wanted to alter certain things (I thought it would have been minor) but the cost they said it would probably be would be about an extra $1000!! Craziness! I could make a dress for less than that. I probably would have went that way but at the second appointment I found a dress I liked even better, that was similar to the first one but the way I would have altered the first one (shorter train, sweetheart neckline, etc) that was a little less than then $1700 and the alterations are minimal (couple hundred) So all in all I ended up spending what I was ‘hoping’ to spend and not more!

I did try on some samples that where for sale that where about 60% off the original pricing but I found that they either where not taking care of or really popular. They were either really dirty (dust marks, the edges of ruffles where grey, etc) or broken zippers, clips or buttons. I decided to just spend the extra money and get knew. However if you are lucky to find one in good shape you can get some awesome deals from what I saw!

Now I need to wait 5 months to see my dress….boooo!

Originally Posted by Chyna2012 

 

Seriously, what exactly is a sample?  I haven't actually went into any bridal stores yet.  I keep reading about "sample sales" but what is it, how do you find out about it, and do samples come in all different sizes?

 

I am guessing that samples are dresses they have in store that people have tried on and they want to sell them off? 

 

once you pick your dress (not during a sample sale), do they sell you the one you tried on (if it fit) or do they special order it for you and then do alterations if necessary?

Samples are the gowns that you try on.. usually at the end of the season, they sell those off (Basically, you buy the gown off the rack) They won't order it in, as that would be new.

If you can find a sample of a dress that isn't overlay popular (hasn't been tried on a lot, as they can get damaged) and can be altered to your size it’s a major score.

I don't really have a budget. Personally, I would like to keep it under $2000 with alterations.. I asked my Fiance what he thought was reasonable and he said about double that.. (which shocked me!) but he has had to sit through 'say yes to the dress' and knows what dresses can go for. I honestly don't know how much they are (the ones I like anyways) as I have not start dress shopping, though I head out Monday for my first appointments. I think that unless I 'LOVE' and can't find anything similar I will spend as little as I can. I too can't see spending so much money on something I will wear for such little time. Though, I guess that could possible change once I start trying them on!

Originally Posted by noreenp79 

 

I sent my documents to Jamaica via Fed Ex....it was over fifty dollars!!!  Then I got an email today saying that in addition to your birth certificates, they also need notarized copies of the passports.  Is this a new thing?  I'm a little annoyed because I could have saved some money by putting those in the same envelope and gotten them notarized at the same time had I known they were needed!!  My documents just say birth certificates and divorce decrees....

The documents I received from Rose Hall Suites that are dated for 2012 say Notarized copies of the long form Birth Certificate and Passports.

This is something that happened at my FSIL wedding which wasn't so funny at the time (well, maybe a little) but is now that we look back at it.

This was at their AHR at a Hotel. We (immediate family) where to meet a little before the doors opened to the reception area, just outside of them. Myself and FH get out of the elevator and I see my FSIL pacing around (in her wedding dress I might add, though, she was fairly calm). All I can hear is load vacuuming. I walk towards the door and she goes "Don't open the doors..." and I was like, "what’s going on?" She tells me that the staff where trying to put together her giant (and I mean giant) chocolate fountain... but they hooked it up backwards. When they turned it on, the thing exploded sending liquid chocolate, EVERYWHERE!! All over the floor, ceiling, walls, reception tables, everything!

The workers where frantically trying to clean the place up as people where to arrive in 10 minutes. In the end they were able to do a fairly good job, however the place smelled of chocolate (which is not a bad thing IMO).

The only thought that went through my mind was OMG, can you imagine if all the guests, plus the bride in her white dress had of been in there when that happened? Everyone covered in Chocolate!

I wondered why there is so little information on SSJ and SWO. I originally planned on having my wedding at SSJ. Requested quotes and had all the package details ready to go... but I just couldn't find any reviews of information on their weddings so I ended up dropping it and going with another resort.

I did hear that the resort is really nice. My Travel agent said it had good feedback from travels but didn't have much on the wedding side of things.

To bad for lack of information as it looks nice. Interested in hearing if anyone has been there and their experience was though!!
 

Originally Posted by mthackeray 

 

Kassi-  Thank you Ya I have emailed her but as I think we are all aware of, she is taking her sweet time responding lol

I'm really contemplating how to do this, so hopefully I can come up with something. Worst case scenario, I might just give them two welcome bags haha one at the airport with all the info, welcome letter etc and the other upon check in from the place in Montego Bay.

 

The girl that I got in contact with for the OOT bags is Jo-Anne at Wedding Belles ( http://www.weddingbellesjamaica.com/services.html). I agree some things are over priced but as you said the convenience and also the little tastes of Jamaica I think are a really nice treat and special touch for our guests, not to mention a small token of our appreciation for making the trip (and I mean who doesn't love getting a little surprise here and there lol)

I have priced out everything and this is what we will be getting in the bags:

- Jamaica canvas beach bags as main bag

- small bottle of Appletons Rum

- bag of Jamaican Coffee

- 2 packs of Banana Chips

- a bottle of Jerk sauce

- a Post card

- Gizzada

- 2 bottles of water

 

We have to get 27 bags and the total will be $400 which I think is pretty decent. One bag per couple so not even $10 per person.

If you want me to send you their price list, let me know or send me your email. Thanks for your help

That price is awesome!! Wow. I need to look into that...Im all about convenience.. and with the airline baggage restriction I think this huge sell. Thanks for sharing!

Married!!!!

6.30.2011 – mrsdeloatch2be – Suites
7.13.2011 – daisymable – Suites
8.28.2011 - MrsWashington11
9.8.2011 - QTPie11 - Suites
9.9.2011 – Islandgirl910 – Suites
9.10.2011 – toiinlove – Grand
10.8.2011 – futuremrstgun – Beach
10.30.2011 – nolabride78 (Stacy & Raymond)
11.6.2011 – pmwoodard1978 (Paula & xx) – Beach
11.6.2011 - ErinDoc (Erin & Bryan) - Suites
11.11.2011 – mrsgreene2011 (Jeanine & Reuben) – Suites
11.14.2011 - Sn2bMrsMarshall (Eric & Sheena) - Beach
11.16.2011 – starrysim – Beach
11.20.2011 - lianac (Liana & Jeff) - Suites
11.24.2011 – Bride2be – Suites
12.3.2011- DeAngelis2be (Christine & Joseph)- Grand
12.5.2011 - Marlena (Marlena & Brian) Beach
12.6.2011 – Kimberli1211 (Kim & Coleman) – Suites
1.5.2012 - clonedtwice - Beach
1.9.2012 – daizyduke – Suites
1.18.2012 - RyGuysBride - Suites
1.18.2012 - nikadawn - Beach
1.29.2012 - JenAndBrad - Grand
2.2.2012 – shanas (Shana & Brian) – Beach
 

2012 Weddings:

2.11.2012 - bmaxam12 - Suites
2.17.2012 - butyfuldreamer - Suites
2.22.2012 - X-Tina - Suites
2.23.2012 - Luvmoo (Jen & Bobbie) - Beach
2.24.2012 – hayjk – Suites
2.26.2012 – bjcs21 – Suites
3.4.2012- vbbbtk - Suites
3.19.2012-Saskbride2012 (Kari&Sean) = Suites
3.30.2012 - Ciecee (Candyce & Rich) = Suites
4.18.2012 – cGd41812 – Suites
4.27.2012 - Jamaica2012 - Beach
5.12.2012- photolvr77- Suites
5.14.2012 - poddoc - Beach
5.25.2012 - MissHoneyBee - Grand
5.30.2012 – MoBayBride2B – Suites
6.8.2012 – sunshine2413 (Shannon & Maurell) - Grand
6.9.2012 - Sj4680 (Susan & Kyle) - Grand
6.10.2012 - Leah 22 - Grand
6.22.2012 – dcrow55 – Suites
6.23.2012 - fungirl97 - Suites
7.1.2012 – JADE28 (Charene & Kevin) – Suites
7.7.2012 – JamaicaSukie – Suites
7.13.2012 - tdotey (Tomi & Kevin) - Beach
7.19.2012- flamenca520 (Kelly & Andy)- Suites
7.22.2012 – IslandBride201x (Kim & Eric) – Suites
7.22.2012 – MrsDesz – Beach
7.23.2012 – IslandBride12 - Suites
7.30.2012 - noreenp79 – Suites
8.3.2012- amyandjeroen- Suites
8.12.2012 - dthomasg - Beach
8.18.2012 - MrsG 81812- Suites (Will and Ana)
8.24.2012 – Kadijah – Suites
10.6.2012- Jen723 -Grand
10.7.2012 - mcolon722 - Suites
10.13.2012-Mecampb - Suites (Jim & Morgan)
11.11.2012- meeshamillz - Beach
11.11.2012 – futuremrsclark (Megan & Nick) – Suites
12.3.2012 - Sjay (Sarah & Nelson) - Suites
12.12.2012 Bridemichyboo-Suites

 

2013 Brides

1.07.2013 - Shauna253 - Suites
1.20. 2013- Jreist - Beach
1.26.13 - Grand
2.21.2013 - Cateyedcutie (Monique & Robert) – Grand
3.07.2013- mcc842002 (Meagan & Tom) - Beach
3.13.2013 - kristencanada (Kristen & Kyle) - Grand

3-23-2013 - Laura2013 (Laura & Jonathan) - Beach

3-28-2013-Kassi22 (Karen & Wayne) - Suites
4.27.2013 - albellis (Andrea & David) - Beach
05.04.2013 - CourtandMatt (Courtney & Matt) - Suites
05.04.2013 - DaniScales2B (Danielle and Robert) - Grand
5-18-13 kinsellak1 (Roland and Kate)- Suites
05-24-2013 - heather1214 (Jack & Heather) - Beach
5.26.13 - allieplask (Allie and Nick) Suites
5.2013- amybutz89- Suites
6.2.2013 - Lillove81 - Suites
6.17.2013 - Bruuning17 (Laura & Jaden) -Suites
6.21.2013- kfarkas26 (Kristi and Jack)- Grand

Have you checked all the OOT threads? Your best bet for answers.. and there are a few of them

I would just ask the coordinator and see,..... I think that is your best bet as you really dont have a choice.. your idea is brilliant.. but if you are going to do it that way.. who else will you do it?

I'm curious though, on where you got your OOT in Jamaica. I have seen a few places that delivery, but thought they where a little over priced.. but I guess its a convenience thing... which is a big bonus.

Originally Posted by allieplask 

 

Does anyone know the price of open bar at a private reception at the Suites?  I just realized (when I was looking over all the info) that if you have a private reception and rent the restaurant it includes dinner, beer/wine, soft drinks, coffee/tea (instead of having to pay the $18 per person).

 

I see for a cocktail party it's $7/hour per person for a National Bar and $10/hour per person for International Bar..... so 1) what is the difference between national/international and 2) do those charges also apply to a reception?

 

Thanks!!!!

As far as I'm aware.. the $18 is for the ceremony part (champagne, cake... set up fee) this has nothing to do with Dinner. Dinner is its own separate charge..... and it seems they nichol and dime you for everything...

National bar would be there local stuff (red stripe, appleton, etc) International will host a selection from everywhere else.