CdnBrideJoanne

Short but quick review....

Was due to get married at noon on Dec 10, but when I had my meeting with Vinnette, she told me the Dolce Vita restaurant was double booked as well as the gazebo and because I arrived last, I was not able to argue why I should have the Dolce Vita and gazebo like I had reserved.  I was going to be put in the Garden Grill and then sent out to the end of the beach by the nudist area for the reception party.  For those who know this resort, it is a LONG walk to get to the end of the beach.  Then I would have had to pay for a bartender at $23 per person which I didn't budget for.  Personally, I think because I had the 'free package' someone else came along and offered more money then I was willing to pay to reserve these areas.

So after I shed a few tears Vinnette and Kalfani came up with a resolution that the wedding would be moved from Dec 10 to Dec 11.  Then I could have my 4pm wedding, Dolce Vita and gazebo party.  So then I had to race around the resort to ensure everyone knew it was changed.  Unfortunately, 4 of my guests were staying at a resort in Montego Bay and never got the message about the change so they ended up at our resort on Dec. 10th to be turned away to come back on the 11th.  They were not charged day pass fees due to the mix up.

Dec 11th was one of the only nice days the entire week we were there, so it ended up being a good thing that the date was moved.  Vinnette upgraded my bouquet for free to a gorgeous orchid bouquet full of tangerine, hot pink, turquise and white orchids.  The minister was absolutely adorable.  Steel drum band was really great too.  For the Dolce Vita meal we had caesar salad with chicken, tomato soup, the stuffed chicken and risotto and profiteroles for dessert.  All very yummy.  For the centerpieces I had ordered the $15 centerpiece which is a 10" vase with submersed orchids and a floating candle.  I had asked for white orchids but some had fuschia orchids in them which I didn't like.

When we got to the gazebo, Vinnette had thrown in a bar and bartender which was really great.  The bartender was fantastic, really funny and entertaining.  We had asked for a table with some water and pop on it and didn't expect the bar at all.

There were a few disappointments to the day as well. 

Photos:  I had reserved Chris Lee and ended up getting Emilio for the photos.  Emilio was very nice and his pictures were fine, but there were no 'fun' photos.  My husband and I aren't 'romantic' people and most of the photos have us kissing or gazing at one another. 

Hair:  I had my hair done at the resort and the updo was very nice but then she put on one last layer of hairspray and the weight of it flattened my hair it to my head.

Misc.:  My cousin couldn't come to the wedding and she sent me a gorgeous arrangement of tropical flowers.  Honestly, it must have cost her $200.  So I used them on the signing table, and then they moved them to the Dolce Vita and used them in front of the head table.  And then I never saw them again.  I went to the Dolce Vita the next evening and they didn't have them so they must have thrown them out.  I was really upset.  Also, my sister had left her camera on the table at the Dolce Vita and that was never turned in as well.  When we left the restaurant, the waiters were already cleaning the tables so I figure one of them pocketed it, after we tipped them too.  And I never got back any items that I brought to use on the tables like my David Tutera diamonds.

In the end, Vinnette was extremely helpful and knew what she was doing and the weather the day of the wedding was beautiful so changing the day ended up being a good thing.  Would disappointments happened anywhere else?  Yes.  We had our beautiful Jamaican wedding and I got the sunset photos that I wanted.

Dena,

Congratulations and thanks so much for the review.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmarshall 
 

Thanks!!

 

Vinnette only gave us three menu options for the Dolce Vita and we were able to mix and match those three menus, and mixing was free of charge.  Not sure if 6:30 is an option; she didn't give us a choice... she just said dinner is at 6:00.

 

For the bouquet and boutonniere upgrade it was $85.  Be forewarned... initially they tried to charge me a delivery fee of like $10 because it wasn't the included bouquet and boutonniere... I argued it and they waived it.  So watch for that.

 

Jenna

Thanks Jenna.  I think I'll just do the free bouquet anyway as the wedding is at noon and I don't think the flowers will make it through the heat of the day anyhow.  It's funny how everyone has their hand out whenever weddings are involved.

I'm sending over my stuff to Vinnette tonight with my song choices and ceremony script so I'll get her to confirm the dinner time to me.  I'm sure she told me (or Stephany) that it was at 6:30.  Just want to finish off my schedule of events to include in the OOT bags.

The tips on the buffet are great.  I have been reading tripadvisor and all your comments are pretty much what other guests are saying at the resort too.

Tinkerbell82 - the dress is gorgeous.  You can have it shortened from the waist.

Quote:

Originally Posted by baezsolano 

I have finally read thru all pages of this blog! Learned a lot and I'm convinced, buying my dress on dhgate and already have my eye Oma couple vendors. Thanks to all!!!

But I saw most brides have actually custom ordered their draw whether it was style or size. I'm a pretty everage size and was just thinking of ordering a regular size. I only saw one post that said to order one size bigger so that I can make alterations if necessary.

So my questions:
Has anyone ordered a regular size from their charts?
Should I order a size bigger that what I normally am?
Is it easy to make he alterations once I have the dress here in the US? I would assume as long as I find a good seemstress/tailor I should be ok right?

Thanks again!

You're better off getting the dress custom made to your size.  Alterations can be very expensive.  To just hem my chiffon dress, it was $175...  And then one side is shorter then the other!!  So I took it elsewhere and had it taken in at the sides for $60 but she couldn't fix the bottom.  Made me wish I had actually just ordered my dress from Babyonline instead.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tram13 
 

 

You can totally write your own!  I asked Vinnette about this, as we both didn't really care for the ceremony script. So we wrote our own as well, and Vinnette just asked me to send them to her so that she can forward them onto the Minister for his review.  Hope that helps! :-)

That helps! Thanks!

Jenna -

Thank you so much for writing a review!  Your pics are simply beautiful and your dress was amazing.

Did the resort willingly let you mix and match the menu items at the Dolce Vita?  Or did you have to pay extra to do that?  Also, are the dinners at 6:00 or did you have the option of having it start at 6:30?

And last question.... how much did you have to pay for the bouquet upgrade?

Congratulations!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by tram13 
 

Oh!!  I am sooo happy to hear this!!!  You must feel so relieved!  Fingers crossed that I feel the same way about my dress when I'm reunited with it in Jamaica!

 

I've made lists as I bought things along the way so that I don't forget them.  I still have some things that need to be done, like printing programs, etc.  But, I will make sure to have it all done before we leave on the 3rd.  I would definitely love to spy on your wedding. :-) what time is it at?  My guests are leaving that day, but the FI and I are staying a few days later until the 13th.

 

You can definitely spy on my wedding, too if you like and are there.  My wedding is on Friday, December 06, 2013 at 2:30 pm. :-)

I don't arrive til late in the evening of Dec 7.  I hope that your wedding is everything you want it to be!!  Mine is the 10th at noon.

I still have odds and ends to do as well such as doing a schedule of events but I did finish up our vows this past weekend.  I never even asked if I could write my own so I hope it's ok.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tram13 
 

How'd it turn out?  I've been thinking about you and hoping that everything turned out okay!!!

This is my last weekend not working before heading down to Jamaica.  We leave on December 3rd...so I'm spending it packing.  Gah!  I really hope I don't forget anything!

My dress looks soooooooooo much better!  There is nothing that can be done with the hem so I just have to hope that the dress will always be flowing and moving and nobody will notice.  The new and improved seamstress took 6 inches of material away from the hip area of my dress!!  So now I don't look like I am drowning in my dress anymore.  It still fits loosely but it is much more flattering now.

I pullled out my suitcases and have been putting odds and ends in it like my swimsuits and shorts.  I have bought so much stuff to bring with me I hope I don't forget anything either!

You'll have to spy on my wedding on the 10th lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tram13 
 

I would definitely do the same - and if that seamstress ruined your dress - I would be demanding my $100 back at the very least!  I'm not ready to look at small claims just yet.  I think I am going to wait until after the wedding day and our house possession date before I take that on!

 

The seamstress that I took my dress to in BC has done alterations on two of my good friend's dresses - and she knew what she was talking about.  She picked out imperfections in my dress and said she would fix them.  She is altering the back, hemming (2 layers), taking in the dress, and altering the under layer (as it is "bigger" than the lace overlay)...for about $50-$70.  So, not only I'm I confident that she does good work, it's a steal of a deal!  I'm really hoping that it all works out in the end and that if fits properly.  Because - I'm not shopping for a back up!

 

Fingers crossed that your neighbourhood seamstress does good work and can make your dress fit you properly!  Do you think the hem will be noticeable, or does it stand out to you because you know it's there?

Your seamstress sounds amazing.  Too bad she didn't live closer to you!!

I think that if people even notice that my dress is shorter on one side they wouldn't dare to say anything.  I think that seeing as it is such a light chiffon that the dress will always be in motion and most people won't pick up on it.  I will be very conscious of it though.  I got a call tonight that my dress is ready for my fitting tomorrow so keep your fingers crossed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tram13 
 

Oh no!!!  I am so sorry to hear this!!  My wedding date is just 4 days before you...so we leave pretty quickly here as well...in 13 days!

My dress, I ordered from a boutique that was supposed to be made to fit.  But - when it came in...not only did it come in too big, but it wasn't like the dress I had tried on and ordered in.  The boutique was brutal - I will be filing a better business bureau complaint, and may be looking into a small claims case...
I had to drive my dress to a seamstress that my friends use in BC who does phenomenal work.  I left it there on the remembrance day long weekend - and won't see it until I'm in Jamaica.  I am hoping and praying that she alters everything and makes what was wrong right.  If not - I guess I'll have to make do.  My mom has suggested I get a back up dress...but I don't know if I can be bothered with trying to find something off the rack.

What I would suggest - is get a quote from the seamstress - see if she thinks it's fixable, and what she would charge you.  Thankfully, the seamstress I went to in BC is quite reasonable in prices (better than I could hope to find here in Calgary, I am sure.).  If it's salvageable and you think her skills can do it - if it's the dress you love, hope for the best!  But, if it's not - or your worried that it won't turn out - and have the time, then maybe go and see if you can find something last minute.  I know of some friends who have had to find another dress down to the wire because their original dress was ruined.  And in the end, they found something that they loved more and worked out better in the end.

 

So sorry to hear your story! Hope that everything works out okay!!!

Wow, I can't believe you drove your dress to BC for alterations and then won't even see it til Jamaica!!  THAT is very brave!!  I'm sure it'll fit you perfectly.  I ended up going to a woman in my neighbourhood who does alterations in her home.  I have no idea if she's good or not but she seemed to know what she was talking about.  Unfortunately there is nothing that can be done with the hem, but she is going to take in the sides of the dress for $60.  To me, that is a bargain!  I asked her how much she would have charged me for the hem and she said $20 per layer, so it would have only been $60 vs. the $175 I was quoted by the butcher.  I did pay her $100 but refused to pay her the remaining $75.  I am debating whether I should call her and say that she should refund all my money for screwing up my dress.  I could take her to small claims court for the cost of the dress as well but I really don't need that fight right now.

I am going to call the dress shop that recommended her to me and let them know that they shouldn't be referring any more business her way.  It reflects badly on the shop.

So with only 21 days left to the wedding (and 18 days before I leave) I am having a dress crisis.  The alterations went horribly wrong and I now have to take it to another lady to see if she can fix it tomorrow.  The hem is not even (too short on one side) and now that the train was mostly taken away, there is too much fabric bunching at the sides and front of the dress.  I look preggers in my dress. I wonder how much this will cost me to fix it properly?  I am so upset. If it can't be fixed I may have to go buy something off the rack.

jointurks - the sash is beautiful.  Helps define the waistline.

Quote:

Originally Posted by medwards 

Hey ladies!

Is anyone using Tai Flora for flowers and decorations? I'm just wondering what their prices are like. They directed me to the manager in Ocho Rios but she hasn't gotten back to me yet.. I've tried contacting her a few times. I just want to see if it's worth it to use them or if I should just bring my own decorations!

Thanks:)

Tai Flora is slow to respond.  The bouquet upgrades are expensive (around $100 and up) but from what I've seen posted in this thread, the free bouquet with tropical flowers is pretty nice.  The centerpiece for $15 is a 10inch cylinder with submerged orchids and floating candle…similar to the below.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsViolo 
 

 

 

@ Joanne. This picture is for you! lol

 

This is hilarious!  I think I will bring this pic to the swimwear shop and ask them if they have any suits like this!!  Ha ha.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlLo 

First question!
Does anyone have any feedback for the earlier ceremonies? The date we want has another wedding later in the afternoon so 1pm is the only time available. What would the guests do until dinner at 6:30??
Thanks!
Lauren

Hi Lauren,

I am in the same boat as you, our wedding is at 12 pm.  Originally we were going to do a catamaran cruise with our guests with the Scubaquatic vendor on the resort between the ceremony and dinner but he can only take 35 guests and we have 41.  We're just going to do the ceremony and pictures and then people can do whatever they want and  then meet back at the lobby bar at 5 for cocktails and then dinner at 6:30.  I may even go swimming for the afternoon lol.  I originally joked that I was going to buy a white bathing suit and wear a veil at the pool bar but now I think I may just do it!

Joanne

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsViolo 

Hi there,

Has any previous brides had Out of Town bags are got the resort to put gifts in guests rooms?

We have beach bags and bubbas for everyone that we're hoping someone at the resort can put in everyone's rooms.

Do they do this?

Thanks

I know they will deliver the OOT bags for you but I don't remember what they charge.  Email Alicia, the front desk manager at  [email protected]

Can't wait to see them... almost at the 150 mark!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Demar Metcalfe 

Hi Everyone! I am groom here that has our wedding planned at Grand Bahia for January 10, 2014. My fiance and I are originally from Jamaica and visited the resort during our trip down one year and decided to have our wedding here being that is is a nice place for our family still in Jamaica to visit as well as a nice place for our friends and family here in the states to visit.

I wanted to share with you all some of the activties that we have planned since we wanted to show off Jamaica to our guests and get them off the resort eventhough the Resort is nice it does not show the real Jamaica. If you all will be in JA around this time feel free to join us. The more the merrier!

Saturday Jan 11, 2014
Optional Day trip to Ocho Rios leaving Runaway Bay mid-day. ($15pp RT) While in Ocho Rios you have the option to:
 Tube on White River
 Climb Dunn’s River
 Visit Mystic Mountain

Sunday Jan 12, 2014
Optional Day trip to Negril leaving Runaway Bay in the morning/mid-day. ($20pp RT) While in Negril you will have the option to:
 Visit the Cliffs in Negril
 Visit Negril's 7 mile beach
 Visit Blue Hole Mineral Spring
 View the Sunset from Negril
My fiance's uncle has a rum bar on the water in Hopewell which is on the way back from Negril we plan on stopping there to visit and hang out for a little on the way back. He might sacrifice a goat for us so we can have Curry goat and Mannish Water and enjoy the nice vibes of Jamaica!

Monday Jan 13, 2014 or Tuesday Jan 14, 2014
Optional Day trip to my fiance's and myself’s birthplace (slightly different times ïŠ) and capital Kingston leaving Runaway Bay in the morning/mid-day. ($40 pp RT) The whole island is smaller than South Florida but it takes ~ 3 ½ hours to drive from the North Coast to Kingston because the roads are not straight and you have go up and down a few mountains on the way there. This makes it a good experience because you can see much of the island on the commute. While in Kingston you will have the option to:
 Tour Blue Mountain
 Visit Devon’s House for the world’s famous Ice Cream
 Visit Bob Marley Museum
 View Port Royal

Hey Demar!

Can I ask who you're using for the day trip in Ocho Rios?  The price of $15pp seems very cheap.  We want to organize a few outings when we are there in December for our group as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrsViolo 
 

How does it work at this resort?

 

Do we have to pick one of those options for our guests or do they get to choose from 3 options at the dinner?

 

We're using the Picsis so I think we get to pick from either of those menues

For a private dinner you get to pick anything you like.  Not sure if you can mix and match the two menus or not though, or if you have to just stick to The Grill or Dolce Vita menu.

For semi-private dinner you have to pick from one of the set menus.

Dolce Vita Set Menus:

MENU Nº 1

Cream of Tomato and fresh Basil

Spinach Ravioli with Sauce "Boscaila"

Beef Scalloppini with Fungi Sauce Porcini

Tiramisu

MENU Nº 2

Minestrone Soup

Neapolitan Penne Rigatto

Seafood Choppino

Panna cotta

MENU Nº 3

Caprese Salad

Cream of Roasted Squash and Thyme

Chicken breast with ricotta, walnuts and bacon - basil - risotto crunch

Profiteroles with Cream and Chocolate Coulis

The Grill Set Menus:

MENU Nº 1

Coleslaw Salad

Onion Soup au Gratin with Bread Crouton

Mix Grill

Cheese cake

MENU Nº 2

Caesar salad with chicken

Beef and Vegetable Soup

Snapper with Balsamic Sauce and Tequila Reduction

Lemon pie

MENU Nº 3

Blue Cheese Salad

Mexican Tortilla Soup

Grilled Lamb Chops with Baked Potatoes

Apple crumble

Quote:

Originally Posted by tram13 
 

CdnBrideJoanne - I don't think that you have to pay to close out a restaurant until you reach over 50 guests.  I think that's the lowest figure I've seen!  And, it seems that even at that, to close out some venues, they want you to have at least 45 guests.  At 4 guests, you're still under that!

This is what Vinnette sent me when I had 39 guests...  And now I'm at 41...

Thank you for your correspondence, as per your request  please see the attached set Wedding menus. please advise if we should reserve the Dolce Vita  Restaurant privately or semi privately for you as the maximum that we do accommodate in a semi private setting is 40 persons.
Thank you for not hesitating in contacting us should you require any additional assistance.

Warm regards,
 Vinnette Vincent

Quote:

Originally Posted by HopeToBe 
 

Also....does anyone else think it's highway robbery that they charge you a supplemental fee as part of the package if you have more than 30 ppl, AND THEN want to charge $1700 or $2500 to close out a private venue?  Isn't that double-charging?  What is the point of paying a supplemental fee if we're paying for a private venue?  Don't both supplemental and private venue cost cover the same thing??  It's also crap that if you have more than 30-40 ppl then they basically force you to have a private venue...which means they're basically forcing you to pay $1700 or $2500.  How does that make sense too?  Getting super frustrated with this place.  Not sure if anyone else is having the same headaches?

I agree, it's double charging.  What I can't believe is the Dolce Vita holds 180 people and they want me to shut down the restaurant for my 41 guests??  That's ridiculous.  Set me and my guests up at the buffet then!

Just to update everyone on my Davet Designs labels experience on Etsy...  She is HORRIBLE.

I put in an order and told her what I wanted in the comments section and she got back to me right away.  I said I wanted clear labels instead of white if possible, so she said she would have to cancel that order and give me a new quote for clear.  And then she totally dropped off the face of the earth.  I sent her 2 reminders and she never got back to me.  I would even wait 5 days between the reminders. So now I have to watch my credit card to make sure the charges were credited.

I've outsourced my waterproof labels to a sign shop in Guelph.  At least it is local and I can get them in a week.

I've also found the individual packets crazy expensive.  Dollarama sells medication bags (like ziploc bags but much smaller), so I am making labels for those and just dispensing them once I get to the resort.  You need to travel with the medication in the original packaging...  I'm going to do Tums, Tylenol, Advil and Immodium.