jamielt

We just returned from Montego Bay, JA. We had our wedding at the Iberostar Rose Hall Suites and a few of us girlfriends personalized our bubbas with stickers. LOL They were a big hit and the bartenders had no problem just rinsing them out.

Wow - Our wedding day has already come n' gone!  After a year of planning, the day itself just flew by!!  We had an amazing time, with an amazing group of people!!  I'm so sorry that I didn't have a chance to share all of our finishing touches, before we left for Mo'Bay.  But, I'll post a review in the next couple of weeks documenting everything.  While we wait on the professional pics... I wanted to share this one taken from a friend’s iPhone.  Note the rainbow that appeared just moments before the ceremony.  It was such a beautiful day - a fairy tale!!  For that matter, we had amazing weather all throughout the week!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladybugbt 
 

Hey Ladies,

    This is the best site ever. I am so excited to have found it. My fiancé and I visited Dreams in September and we have just this week booked the date of July 18th for our wedding. We are very excited, however we are noticing that a lot of family members are starting to  be concerned about the wedding being far away ( we live in NY). My parents especially, are worried that many people won't attend ( which I am okay with).  I am just wondering how many people most of you invited, and then how many people ended up actually attending. If you would be willing to share this with me I would really love it!  Another completely random question I have that may be on here but I haven't read all the pages is whether or not Chinese Lanterns are allowed. We would like to release them the night of the wedding, and the ones I found are non plastic and biodegradable. I was just wondering if anyone knew. Thanks so much!

Guest count was a concern for us too.  But we ended up inviting 80 people, and our final count is 32 (including me & my fiance).  I recall someone saying that on average, it's safe to expect a third of your invites to attend.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamielt 
 

Well, we leave for Mo'Bay on October 25th!!  I know I haven't done my best on keeping up with this blog... but I will try my best to post as much as possible before we leave.  Here are some pics of the Door Hangers we made (front n back).  We plan on handing them out to guests upon their arrival, along with a Wedding Day Timeline we're printing off on similar card stock.  

 

Here you go... here are the finished products.  We decided again OOT bags, so I thought that in addition to our favors we should have a couple of hand outs.  Actually, I was also able to use up the left over ribbons from our wedding invites too.   Now all we need to do is pray that the plans don't change... LOL

As the official travel agent, I sent out everyone's final travel documents via email a couple of weeks back.  These included their individual e-tickets, hotel vouchers, insurance policies, etc.  I also included this personalized 'Travel Tips' document.  Thought it had some handy tips for those guests that don't travel often, or haven't been to Jamaica previously.

Travel Tips.pdf

Well, we leave for Mo'Bay on October 25th!!  I know I haven't done my best on keeping up with this blog... but I will try my best to post as much as possible before we leave.  Here are some pics of the Door Hangers we made (front n back).  We plan on handing them out to guests upon their arrival, along with a Wedding Day Timeline we're printing off on similar card stock.  

Finally!!  We finally received our Final Details Form from the WC.  We have since completed and returned it, with a request for a cost breakdown (we provided our own calculations to make sure they match up with the resort's).  We are suppose to hear back in a few days with their estimate/bill... but we have a question... can we pay for all with a credit card?  I'm assuming that the Steel Pan Band and the DJ (we rented a DJ for a private reception at Blue Moon Music Bar) are the two services that we'll need to pay in cash?

Shoes.  Well it took me a long time to decide on what shoes to go with.  Initially I wanted a wedge.  But, as time passed I started to like the idea of flats.  I think a flat best suites the Romina gown.  For that matter, I hope that me and my FI will be barefoot for the ceremony itself.  I finally ordered these Badgley Mischka flats.  I was SO happy they fit perfectly!

I thought it took me too long to decide on what shoes to wear.  Who'd thought that my FI's outfit, shoes and all, would take even longer to find!  He isn't picky at all, but there just isn't much out there once you count out a linen suit or full tux.  We didn't want either of those.  Did anyone else run into this problem?  Pictures on his final decision will follow.

I am not one much for DIY... but I surprised myself when it came to the wedding!  Early on I took advantage of the left over invitations and created signage for our wedding day pictures.  We plan to create our Thank You cards using the banner pictures.  I simply bought a stencil and some ribbon from Michaels and voila!

We ordered our guest book from a shop on Etsy.com (Etsy is my new best friend!).  We still have a couple of ‘works in progress’… a feathered pen for the guest book, as well as a door hanger for our guests.  We are hoping that the front desk staff can hand out the door hangers as our guests check-in.  Later on I’ll post a pic of the finished product.

My favorite project has been the wedding favors.  I say ‘my’ because although my FI had his input, I enjoyed putting them together on my own.  I was hoping for a vintage Jamaican feel. BTW please do not hesitate to ask if you want to know any of the supplier’s we used.  These were mostly online orders; Etsy.com, Zazzle.ca, Beau-coup.com.  Oh, and for extra dinner table décor I also ordered 3 sets of x12 votives from yummicandles.com.  Aside from what the florist provides us, I think the only other thing I'll add to the table top is a confetti of sorts.

Originally Posted by ChelseaCat802 

 

I'm getting married in November at the Suites but good luck Beautiful dress!

Thanks.  October and November will be here before we know it!!

I realize that it's a bit premature for a Planning Thread, but our 'personal' countdown has already begun.
My FI proposed back in June 2012 and we are getting married on October 28, 2013 at IRHS in Montego Bay, Jamaica.  2 months and 21 days from now... to be exact.    

Having discovered BDW early on, I can honestly say that this forum has been a lifesaver!
I find it SO very helpful being given some insight into other couple's wedding plans.
I can only hope that this little window into our own 'wedding world' might help another bride, even if only in some small way.

Let's start with our rings from Peoples jewelers.  My rings are from the Vera Wang LOVE Collection, while his is a simple stainless steel band.  Really, the following picture won't do them justice.

Then choosing our destination, resort, and TA... well that's me!  I arrange corporate travel on a daily basis, but for our wedding I decided to dive into the world of leisure travel.  Jamaica was on our list of places to go, and so far, so good!  The reviews for IRHS are undeniably great, so we booked through ACV and now have a group of 32.  Our final payments are due early September.  I suppose we'll find out then if anyone backs out... or signs-up last minute.

I think my dress was the next big decision.  It was easy as pie!  I saw the J. Crew Romina gown online and fell in love with it!  Since then I've pieced together the accessories bit by bit.  There are some small alterations that need to be made to the dress, and that apt. is scheduled for early Sept.  (Please note that my FI isn't big into social media, as such, the pictures aren't personalized).

To notify our guests well in advance, we first created a Save the Date FB page.  Later on, we sent out formal invitations.  We purchased these at Michaels.  We decided on ivory, white, and yellows for our scheme.  This Brides Magazine printable invitation kit was just right.  We pieced together the fonts and wording in a light gray.  We didn't want anything too elaborate (or pricey), and I think these did the trick.

After going back and forth on the idea of a seating plan, we decided to go for it.  We just recently created these using a plain template from Staples.  I found the floral print online and managed tie it in with the place card template.  My mother has beautiful handwriting, so closer to the date she'll write the individual names in with gold pen.  I didn't want to have to be printing things off too close to the wedding date... and ya never know who will change their mind from now until then.
 

Alright, so this is it for now.  I have a ton more to share, but will need to be continued.  Didn't realize how time consuming this would be. Bahahaha

What are your thoughts on that... giving the favors at dinner... or should we arrange to have them in everyone's room upon their arrival?
 

Another question re dinner at Aunt Ruby's... we have individual favors and I initially hoped to leave the favors on everyone's dinner plate for when it is time to be seated.  But, are there actually plates set at the tables, in advance?
 

Originally Posted by sfox4214 

 

 

I just did my dinner at aunt ruby's in May, I was told no on a U-shaped because of the random pillars that are laid out all over the restaurant. We ended up doing 2 long tables and a half moon sweetheart table. I don't know of anyone doing a u-shaped table at Aunt Ruby's, it's usually the same set up I had, or just long tables. You really don't have much room, we had 24 people total, and it fit, any more guests and I don't think It would fit without blocking people out with pillars.

Thanks.  We have 32 (including us two).  Were people seated on either side of the two long tables that you used?

Originally Posted by sfox4214 

 

 

Heather pretty much nailed it ... if anything make sure you have your vendors on the same page !! You want to make sure your florist has your vision, I would not recommend Tai Flora either, they are TERRIBLE with communication. I would recommend Floral Fantasies though I would highly recommend DJ Kevan for your reception. He is fantastic and took charge of the whole reception ... while the WC's were no where to be found the whole night. He even helped us get our wish lanterns off when the time came !!

 

I would go by the 2013 pricing for anything, and if you get 2012 it will be a nice surprise

Okay, well then, you ladies are my official sounding board!  lol  I better start asking questions... does anyone know if we can do the U shape table formation at Aunt Ruby's?  I see tons of pics... but they're always of the round tables.

Thanks for this. Yes, I noticed that the 2012 final details quotes the old packages too. Fingers crossed that the wc will contact me sooner than 2 months out...but I won't hold my breath.

Originally Posted by ChelseaCat802 

 

 

I think they said it out 3 months in advance. But they are really slow sometimes. I actually have it if you signed your contract in 2012. What is your email address?

Yes!! We signed back in Aug. 2012.  Thanks so much - [email protected]

Hi All, I have been patiently awaiting…our wedding date is October 28th... when can I expect to get the final details info from Nicole/Tiffany?  Or, should I be asking them to send it to me at 3 months prior?  I've already created a word doc for them that details our 'wedding vision'.  Is this something I should send to them in advance? 

Originally Posted by katiemck22 

 

@jamielt. I believe it was $500. That included the dj. We also did the semi private dinner,which was just fine for us. The private reception was by far the best money that we spent. It allowed us to do our first dance and our parent dances too. The dj was good, he played the type if music we told Nicole that we liked. If he didn't have a song that we wanted to hear he just hooked up one of our iPods and played it for us.

This sounds great - definitely the way we've decided to go!!

Hi Ladies, can I get your input on place cards... we are hoping to have a semi private reception at Aunty Ruby's or Calabash (2nd choice).  We have approx. 32 people (incl. bride & groom),and although I'm not sure yet if this is even possible (I guess it'll depend on the restaurant)... we are hoping to have long, rectangular table set up. 

Do you think there is any point to having place cards/arranged seating?  What are you doing, or what did you do? 

Thanks!

Originally Posted by katiemck22 

 

After the dinner we had a private reception in the blue moon bar. By far the best decision we made. It ended at 1030 and the disco opens at 11. So it worked perfect.

Do you recall the approx. cost of your private reception at the blue moon bar?  We have about the same no. of people... and although I don't mind a semi private dinner... it would be nice to have the private space afterwards.  Thanks!

Another question with regards to the IRHS - is each suite outfitted with iron/board, as well as hair dryer?  I am bringing my own styling tools... but some of my guests have been asking?
 

Originally Posted by staroxx 

 

That's such a great question. I seen all these bride having welcome dinners and rehersal dinners and i too was wondering if there was an additional cost to those? Since you are flying out of Ottawa as well i love to hear your feedback when you have your special day

Yes, for sure!  We are booked with ACV via T.O.  We are a confirmed group of 32 - bigger than what we had initially anticipated, lol

Given that we're about 4 months out, I'm pretty sure that I'll be asking alot of questions in the coming months. This forum has been my go to...so helpful to date!!

Originally Posted by heather1214 

 

For the group dinner, it depends on your headcount.  Anything larger than 25 they say would have to be a set menu and below that you are able to order from the menu, but either way they are not private and do not cost anything extra.  (if you want a private event, there would be an extra charge I'm sure).  We did one group dinner at the steakhouse for 28 (it was the night before the rest of our 25 guests came) but we sat at 2 large tables so I didn't have to get the food choices. 

 

My husband is a avid golfer (he golfs 3-4 times a week) so he and 10 guys went to play the morning of our wedding.  They played at the Hilton, it was called Cinnamon Hill.  It was around $200 a guy to play but included the round, clubs, shoes, and a caddy.  He said it was 100% worth it!  It's just down the road from Iberostar and the shuttle for the hotel took them there.  There were all levels of golfers with him and they all enjoyed it! 

Thanks!  This is great news!  We have a much smaller party on arrival night... so hopefully it won't be a problem for them to accommodate.  Is this still something that is taken care of once you arrive... or can the WC reserve the space for us?

Two Questions;

1. Welcome Dinner - Does this cost additional?  Or, is this simply a group dinner reservation that you set up through the resort upon your arrival? Our family members only arrive 1 day prior to everyone else and I thought it'd be a nice idea to have dinner together that same night.  That being said, I'm not sure if a group dinner costs $$ to arrange?

2. Golf - Does anyone have an idea of the going rates and or nearby courses?  Eventually, my fiancée will be looking to set up a golf game... but the rates that we've found to date are higher than we had anticipated.