EmTy23

Thanks so much for your review, love your dress 

Originally Posted by dutchess 

 

I was also going to get my cousin who is a professional photographer to shoot my wedding. He is coming either way. He is a paying guest there for the week. The hotel said it doesn't matter! It's 800!! Wow. I said he isn't charging me and he's a family member and a guest! They said nope no exeptions! Wow wow wow

I know that is horrible. the photographer for the resort just got back to me. my friend is not a professional photographer but does own professional equipment (he does it as a hobby) thats what they are looking for, the equipment. however we have to provide employement documentation proving that he does not do this professionally, from his employer so we dont have to pay them. however, i think the photographer is going to use up too much of our time and i just may pay him to go away.

Maybe you can write an email to the head of bahia resorts, as he is a family member and a guest

lodge a complaint. this rule they have causes too much stress on brides

Originally Posted by FutureKeese22 

 

I scanned everything yesterday and emailed it to Chandlyn so that is done finally! Just waiting on her to email me back with some general questions I have. If we already have the gazebo booked for after dinner, no other bride can have the gazebo that same night, correct? There are two other weddings on the same day I am getting married.

the gazebo is only rented to one bride per day. 

Originally Posted by FutureKeese22 

 

Do any of you have an email to get in touch with the wedding coordinators? For some reason mine isn't working and all my emails are getting sent back to me. Does anyone know why the fax number listed on the bottom of Chandlyn's email doesn't work? I want to fax our notarized copies of our birth certificates and passports and I tried to Friday but the fax number didn't work...or do you know the full address to the resort? We are 8 weeks from the wedding tomorrow and she wants those documents at least 8 weeks prior. Has anyone used the coral chair sashes that the resort has? Are they a pretty coral?

Thank you!

the email thing also happens to me once in a while. I rewrite the email not just click the contact and send it. that seems to work. brides have said that they have sent their information by scanning email?  sorry not much help

Originally Posted by Jamaica2014 

 

 

I don't think he has the right to be at your wedding....or take pictures if you don't want him to. There' something extremely backwards about this situation...Almost an invasion of privacy! Have you voiced this to the wedding coordinators. The photogapher sounds like an ass, and I personally don't want him anywhere near my wedding.

yes i confronted chandlyn with this.  this is what i was told. the photographers has exclusive right to the resort  if you request that they not be part of your wedding at all then you need to pay the photographer $800 before the wedding is performed....  you can request him not be in your room. chandlyn has forward my email i sent her to the photographer.  i will let u know what the response is. LOL!! 

Originally Posted by soontobeawalsh 

 

I have talked (emailed) Stephany about this and she said that the resort photographers cannot go in your room if you don't want them to.  They just want to sell you the biggest package they offer which includes the pre-ceremony photos in your room. If you say you do not want them they will be at the ceremony only. 

Hopefully this helps!!

Thats so much for that information, makes me feel better. i got this very stern email from the photographer at the resort which basically told me I had no choice in the matter. Saying that he has full rights to attend my meeting........ If i dont want you there who gives you the right...

Originally Posted by FutureKeese22 

 

I don't feel comfortable with the resort photographer being in my room. They can be at the ceremony if they want, but I don't want them in the way of my friend who will be taking my pictures. My photographer said she has never paid for a vendors fee at any destination wedding she has done. She said we shouldn't have to pay since she is a paying guest and is staying for 3 nights plus! She said if it comes down to it she will pay the $800, but I still think it is BS. We have to pay for many other things...I just don't understand. But, I will be putting a stop to the resort photographer being in my room...that is my privacy and I heard the resort photographer is not good at all. Sorry to sound rude, but this is one of the most important days of my life and I don't need any extra stress that day. :-)

I completely agree with you, the invasion of privacy..... I personally dont want some random dude in my room. i emailed chandlyn to correct that issue

Originally Posted by soontobeawalsh 

 

For anyone who has already purchased the sky lanterns.  How big are they?  and how are you planning on bringing them to Jamaica with you?  Will they fit in a suitcase with clothing and other stuff in it??

Thanks

Hi

I ordered the wireless ones from justartifacts.com. The package size are approx. 15 inches by 15 inches and about 3mm thick.

They are super compact.

Hope that helps

Originally Posted by charmed517 

 

I had my wedding booked for the Riu but its now looking like I might have to change to the bahia because there are no direct flights from st. john's to jamaica before march 16th other then air canada and the riu doesn't deal with air canada! All the information i've been reading here makes me a bit nervous though- sounds like people have been having a lot of problems- we have a friend coming with us who's a photographer and is going to take our pictures- do we have to pay an extra 800$ vendor fee for someone we're already paying to have there???

Hi There,

I am in the same boat as you. I am booked at GBPJ but we are bringing our friend along who has a full time job and does photography as a hobby however, he does have professional equipment. I was talking to a previous bride who did the same and the photographer made a big stink and alittle scene at her wedding and insisted that she pay the $800.

I called the resort and asked Chandlyn and she told me that the photographer does have to right to ask for the vendors fee if he FEELS that you have a professional guy/girl !!! That is why every package at this resort  (even the free one) includes some type of photography, and they are allowed to be at your meeting with the wedding planner. There are many mixed reviews on this site about this issue. Some say it was okay, some say no! I have no idea, just don't want to give people the wrong answer and you end there minus $800 dollars.

The GBPJ photographer wants to be in your room, at the ceremony, and to do couple pictures...... that is alot of time So when would your photographer be able to take control of the shoot?

If you get married there after me I can tell you how it went LOL

Originally Posted by Ashley11 

 

Hi Ladies,

 

I am also getting married at the GBPB resort April 10, 2014.  I am so excited to have things booked.  Just trying to figure out what I want to do for my private reception.  I am not paying for an open bar to expensive seeing how its an all inclusive resort!  Cant wait to hear how everyones plans are going.

Hi and welcome to the site!

Piscis, Dolce Vita, Beach,Disco and the Gazebo are good spots for private receptions.

Originally Posted by Candice37 

 

Hi ladies! quick question and I know it has been asked on here before but I cannot find it. We are using the free package which only includes 5 pictures but 3 of my family members, including myself have SLR cameras, professional digital cameras. Family isnt considered a vendor right like there not going to charge me the ridiculous fee for using our cameras when its my family right?. I think I read someone on here had there uncle take pictures for them and the resort was going to charge them the vendor fee....Thanks!

Hi there,

To my understanding your family and friends are allowed to take pictures. However I got an email from the photographer for the resort which states that even if I dont hire him (because we are going with the unforgettable package and have free photos) that the photographer will still be taking 200-500 picture of you. I think they do this to assess if you do have a professional photographer with you or if it is just a friend taking pictures plus they want you to buy more picture @ $10 a picture!!!.

The next day you are to go to the photo lab and they make you watch this slide show of ALL their pictures. So I think if they get the vibe that you had a photographer then they want you to pay the fee.

Originally Posted by CdnBrideJoanne 

 

 

I'm booking the steel drums for the ceremony and then hoping we can get a spot reserved for us at the buffet for lunch.  We want to take everyone on a snorkelling tour for the afternoon, then dinner at 6:30.  I did book the gazebo afterwards but now am thinking that we can all just head to the lobby bar or whatever.  I'll decide when I'm there and if they'll supply us with rum punch or booze to bring to the gazebo as paying $20pp/hr for the bartender is ridiculously expensive.  I'm not hiring a photographer so we will save money that way.  This is a 2nd marriage for both of us so we want to keep it fairly simple but still appreciate everyone has spent a lot of money to come to Jamaica with us so we want everyone to have a great day.

Awesome, I heard the steel drum band really put on a great show. You have the whole day planned. ( I am so not there yet) your guests will really have alot of things to do at your wedding with a little bit for everyong. The nice thing is that you will get more time to spend with everyone. I too think it is criminal to charge $20 per person for booze at an all inclusive resort. GRRR! and they put the rental places like Piscis and Dolce and the gazebo so far from a bar that it would be hard having your guests run back and forth.

Originally Posted by CdnBrideJoanne 

 

 

Ya, I'm getting married at a dreaded 12pm wedding on the 10th.  What time is your wedding?

Noon isn't bad, atleast it's not 10am. What you going to do in between cereemony and reception?

Just an Idea....... ceremony will be 12:00-12:30 but by the time pics are done and everyone has congraulated you it's more like 1pm or 1:30.... let your guests relax and change and have a cocktail party by the pool or on the beach at like 4:30 or 5pm- it's for an hour- then make way to dinner?

Some have done wicked excursions, or booking lunches, some have even liked this for a second dress?

Sometimes it is nice to have a break. Plus your pics are going to be amazing in noon sun!

Ours is at 4pm, Chandlyn told me that each bride has the wedding gazebo for 1.5hrs for the ceremony. (if they need that time)

Originally Posted by CdnBrideJoanne 

 

I spoke with the Entertainment Manager and the GBPJ doesn't do the Tuesday night beach parties anymore.  Said they stopped it about 2 years ago.  I told him he should start it back up!

That would have been awesome to have that for your guests.

I just noticed we are getting married the same week!!

Originally Posted by CdnBrideJoanne 

 

 

I am interested as well, so please post what you find out and I'll do the same should I dig up anything.

I called my carrier today (westjet) they told that sparklers ar okay as long as you tell them and they are in checked baggage. They can refuse them if you don't tell them.

Also Westjet allows Sky Lanterns as long as the fuel cell is wax and does not have a restricted fuel in it?

Originally Posted by CdnBrideJoanne 

 

 

I am interested as well, so please post what you find out and I'll do the same should I dig up anything.

ok so it turns out that you are not allowed to bring any type of fireworks which includes sparklers  this is according to canadian air transit athority and my carrier westjet  i am still looking into the lanterns

Originally Posted by HopeToBe 

 

 

I have the same question about the sky lanterns. Did you find out at all?

Hi

I have looked this up as well, even though Canadian/US customs says it ok, cause a wireless sky lanterns fuel cell is wax, therefore just like a candle. I can't seem to get information from Jamaician customs.

I have seen them in videos used at wedding at GBPJ but not sure how they got them there?

Maybe call your carrier that is taking you to Jamaica?

Originally Posted by leannesmith 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by dutchess 

 

Does anyone have the florist prices?[/quotes

 

I used Jan Flowers instead of Tai Flora

Is Jan Flowers cheaper than Tai Flora?

Originally Posted by belledame 

 

H

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmTy23 

 

I have thought of that as well...

I was looking into that as I think that there would be alot of things to consider.

Are you thining to bring the alcohol from Canada or buy in Jamaica?

If bringing from Canada

1. Would the air line you have chosen allow such a weight and volume of Alcohol?

2. I know fed-ex will not secure or guarantee any shipping of glass

3. The cost to ship would be astronomical

4. Not sure about Jamaician customs?

 

If you are buying in Jamaica

1. The price states that there is corkrage fee of $15 per bottle which carries a 17.5% tax on top of that

2. If they are doing a fee for that, does that cover the service or are they just opening them and leaving them for a free for all. ( I have heard of some resorts doing that, Opening 30 bottles at once and just walking away.

3. What about mixers and ice? Glasses,

4. Who clearing the glasses, and are new ones available?

5. If you are required to hire service then there is also  17.5% tax on that.

 

Sorry if you feel I am being negative I am just trying to think of everything, It would be bad if you did all this planning and there were hik-ups when you got there.

 

Now I have heard of a bride at GBPJ who asked for a cooler and ice, but they were all on their own for service.

I am sure there is a great solution!  With 60+ guests I think the biggest problem will be the clearing of glasses and the new glasses available to you ( if there is no service)

Average person drinks 3 drinks an hour 60 x 3 = 180  times by 2 hours = 360

 

I know it's frustrating...........

[/quote

 

Hi,

we are buying the liquor in Jamaica (which is relatively cheaper than buying liquor in Canada). I factored in the $15 US + 17.5% tax; beer is excluded from the corkage fee. Buying our own liquor will still be a lot cheaper compared to paying $20 x 2 hours x 60 = $2400. We received a price list of liquor cost in JA, and made our budget. We will be paying under $800 CDN for everything we need.

 

We requested ice, cups and a cooler. I don't require service; my guests are pretty laid back, they don't mind serving themselves. If there are not enough glasses, we'll bring fancy plastic cups as backup. I'm not worried about who will be clearing the glasses, we will be focused on enjoying the big day.

Thanks Great! Do you know where the closest Liquor place is? Are you just going to rent a car or taxi?

hi all

does evryone know if you book piscis restaurant you can only order from the italian menu??

has anyone else been told this? i was told that the italian restaurant is next door so thats the only one i can use unless you have 90-100 guests you can get a different menu

Any thoughts?

Originally Posted by MrsViolo 

 

Does anyone have pictures of their reception at the Pisces they can share?

 

I'm still trying to figure out if I should bring down my own decorations or go with what they provide?

 

Thanks in advance!

hi there,

If you rent Piscis there is not decorations included, they provude white table clothes and white napkins. Everything else you must either pay for or bring your own. I don't have any pics as I haven't married yet but if you google GBPJ piscis wedding reception u can see some pics  

Originally Posted by belledame 

 

 

All right, thank you! Another option that we decided to do is buy our own liquor and bring it onto the resort. She said a corkage fee of $15 US per bottle will apply. I don't mind doing this, as it is way cheaper than spending almost $20US pp/per hour for a total of 4 hours. I'm expecting 60+ guests, so the price will add up.

I have thought of that as well...

I was looking into that as I think that there would be alot of things to consider.

Are you thining to bring the alcohol from Canada or buy in Jamaica?

If bringing from Canada

1. Would the air line you have chosen allow such a weight and volume of Alcohol?

2. I know fed-ex will not secure or guarantee any shipping of glass

3. The cost to ship would be astronomical

4. Not sure about Jamaician customs?

If you are buying in Jamaica

1. The price states that there is corkrage fee of $15 per bottle which carries a 17.5% tax on top of that

2. If they are doing a fee for that, does that cover the service or are they just opening them and leaving them for a free for all. ( I have heard of some resorts doing that, Opening 30 bottles at once and just walking away.

3. What about mixers and ice? Glasses,

4. Who clearing the glasses, and are new ones available?

5. If you are required to hire service then there is also  17.5% tax on that.

Sorry if you feel I am being negative I am just trying to think of everything, It would be bad if you did all this planning and there were hik-ups when you got there.

Now I have heard of a bride at GBPJ who asked for a cooler and ice, but they were all on their own for service.

I am sure there is a great solution!  With 60+ guests I think the biggest problem will be the clearing of glasses and the new glasses available to you ( if there is no service)

Average person drinks 3 drinks an hour 60 x 3 = 180  times by 2 hours = 360

I know it's frustrating...........

Originally Posted by belledame 

 

Sorry, I didn't get to finish my message.

I wanted to know if guests can go an grab drinks nearby, instead of contracting a bar.

Hi Belledame,

I still have alot of conflicting information. I am planning on calling her again on Tues after the long weekend.

But it is an all inclusive resort. I don't think there is any problem with this, however the question is how far do the guests have to go.

I will try to get some concrete info

Originally Posted by tram13 

 

EmTy23 - would you be able to share the number with me?  Please PM it to me if that's okay.  I am wanting to get things 100% confirmed...and right now with e-mail and my TA, it doesn't seem to be happening...Thanks!

Hey No Worries,

That why we have sites like this.

The number is not toll free, they do not have one!

1-876-973-7000

Reception will ask - tell them the wedding department.

Hope that helps relieve your stress!

Originally Posted by HopeToBe 

 

 

Yes. Two different pieces of information, actually. One, I was told that the DJ is NOT included in the rental cost and that I'd have to pay above and beyond. And two, Chandlyn quoted us $16/pp for the bar service, not $20?!? I'm personally starting to get a little frustrated at the different pieces of info they keep telling us. Maybe we should all get on one big conference call so that we all receive the same pieces of info (and use each other as leverage to negotiate! LOL)...

No worries.... Just yet.

I called again to recomfirm everything LOL

So I got the following document stating that the $1700.00 does include the DJ for 4 hours

Private Dinner:

For private receptions guests are accommodated at the outdoor location of the Piscis restaurant at a cost of USD1700.00. The indoor location is offered at a cost of USD2500.00. Both locations are for 4 hours only and include DJ for dinner and dancing music.

The earliest time for dinner reception is 6:30pm.

Couples who wish to provide their personal silverware, place cards or other items to be placed on the table, must advise the wedding co-ordinator during the wedding interview.

The attachment that they sent to me. It talks about everything on page 2. The font is crazy big?

She did say $20 per person per hour for bar? And actually that is what is listed in the Gran Principe Additional Services page in the GBPJ Package information.

$16 per person for cocktails

Now maybe she gave you the price without the taxes?

$20.00 per person

or

$16.00 per person X 17.5% tax..... still only comes to $18.80 per person?  LOL

Okay I will bank on the $20.00 per hour per person X 17.5% tax which will be $23.50 per person per hour

When I talk to her I have to say she is great! She is on the ball and she even doubled checked things for me in another room, even though I was on hold....... long distance LOL 

GRAN BAHIA Wedding Information.doc