pamelas21

Sneak peek from Merrick Cousley!! <3

Hello brides to be!!

I'm beyond sorry I haven't had a chance to get on here to tell you all about our dream day!!

For those of you I haven't talked to - I got married at the Royalton on November 18th!

I'm writing a full review and will post it (with pictures) soon!

Couple notes for all of you based on conversation above:

You have to use their DJ (he was awesome!) or pay the $450 vendor fee.

You can't ship stuff to the hotel - they don't allow it.

We did our private reception poolside - it was amazing!

Will post soon!!

Happy planning to all of you!!

Love, the NEW Mrs. Gedney <3

Hi ladies,

 

I stumbled on this forum last night when looking for information about a wedding vow renewal at the Royalton.

My hubby and i were actually married at this site in 2007 when it was the Starfish Trelawny and decided then that we would go back to renew our vows on our 5th anniversary. Having our first daughter put paid to that idea, we then changed it to our 7th but the second daughter popping along changed our plans again lol. We have now decided that WE ARE doing it for our 10th anniversary in 2017.

After reading all of your posts regarding the prices i have to say i am gobsmacked at them, when we were married we took the flowers with us as they were silk, and just went with the wedding package that was included in the price we paid.

We did book a table at the a la carte restaurant that was there at the time which was nice as the total amount of people that were there including the two of us was a whopping 13 lol, we had the hotel photographer and as we decided not to go with the holiday operator prices that were being charged for them we made a deal with the photographer that if we were asked by the operator if we purchased the wedding pics and said no he would supply them at half the price but only on disc that we could print at home, he was an absolute star. Granted the 10 hour flight home was nerve wracking wondering if i had been had but am happy to say that every picture that was taken at our wedding was on the disc and printed at every size needed.

For our renewal there will only be myself, the hubby and both of our daughters there no family this time (way too much stress last time lol plus my mam has sinced passed)

Im now wondering if they actually do a renewal option that is basically just the use of the little gazebo near the beach where we were married in 07 and the photographer, we dont need a wedding package and are not bothered about a reception afterwards as we did all that the first time.

Please could the lovely lady that started this thread please email me if possible the info in her very first post? My email address is [email protected] thank you and i hope that all of you are not fretting to much about your big days and that they are everything yhat you have dreamt about xxx

Hey linzip,

Just emailed you everything - best wishes <3

Pam

@pamelas21 , Yes I was at the Riu Tropical Bay Palace. I switched beacuse they were seriously being  unreasonable, with the private beach reception prices. Also, many of my guest have a 5 hour flight already, and the resort is an hour and a half away from the airport. And after I saw how beautiful the Royalton was I was hooked !

 

Also, Yes, I am having a private reception, I want it on the beach however. I know the setup is $300, not bad at all. Yet,  I will admit I am a little concerned about how much that will tally up to be. After the per person charge for all the extras.

 

Thank you for your encouragement, I really need it. I am so excited , I can't wait to be in paradise for a week.

Hey! No problem at all.....in the near future after all this is done we'll look back and wonder why we stressed so much! lol

 

Hi Pam and ladies, 

I am so indecisive and wanted to see what your thoughts are!

 

Don't you think Pam should get into wedding planners business? haha

 

@atennile- your wedding is in May 2015- how did you choose this date?

 

I was looking at a February date but it was spring break. My sister is still in university so I'm torn between a January 2015 wedding or May 2015 wedding.

 

Jan 2015 

2pm wedding so it would be a busier beach and not as ideal sunlight for photos and people in the background? (4pm not available)

nice weather and almost no chance of rain

a great time to escape cold Calgary weather

a longer gap between ceremony 2pm and 7pm reception

 

May 2015

4pm wedding so smaller gap to 7pm reception

May is 40-60% chance of rain, and may occur later in afternoon, could affect ceremony

Hotter and more humid

more time to buy wedding dress 

 

THANK YOU!

 

Hey Theresa! You're so sweet! Thank you!

Picking your date is a tough one!

You've looked up May weather and it actually says 40-60% chance of rain? In the afternoon? for the whole month?

I didn't know it rained that much in May!

I looked up November for myself when we were first picking a month and I found out November gets 7 days of rain total....fingers crossed it doesn't rain on my day!

I honestly don't know!

What do YOU really want?

Honestly whatever any one of us chooses we always run the risk because we're all having outside weddings.....

Let us know what you decide!

Pam

I can't thank you all enough for your insight! <3

I want to send them out so I'm going to!

I think we've decided to send them BUT it won't be a formal invite...it'll most likely include the date the deposit is due and the wedding week itinerary.

Thank you so much ladies!

Happy planning! <3

Pam

@@pamelas21....how many pics are you getting in your photo package? Does it also include videographer?

No video is not included - I booked Elite Media Concepts for my video....

I think Merrick's contract said minimum 400 images.....

I struggled with this decision because I could've gotten two photographers for the same price as one Merrick BUT I loved Merrick's work better.....

Margaritaville sounds like a fun idea! Although I think quite a few of my guests would be a little mad at me if I suggested an activity off the resort that makes them pay for food and drinks when they get those free at the resort

 

Btw, I saw on another forum that to insert a pic into a post, you use the Image link (under the smile face) instead of attaching the file. You have to have the picture uploaded into your gallery, but then you can use the Image Link of the picture (available on the picture's page under Options).

 

So here we go...here is a snapshot of the save the dates that I made for our wedding. Let's see if it works.

@@CherJK

OMG they’re beautiful! <3 Love it!

Thanks for the tips on posting photos too!

Can’t help you with the groomsmen attire – my fiancé decided on full suit…..

I will say though that originally we were thinking of vests but just like you the best man is a little heavier and I didn’t want him to be uncomfortable! Vests don’t work on heavier set guys I think.

I would ask his opinion! You don’t have to go with what he says but at least you would know what he would prefer…..

Wow, thanks ladies for your post. I am deep in the ocean now, and have made a final decision on Royalton. However, after reading all these post, this wedding is going to go WAYY over my budget. I didn't know about the rose petals, which I have already ordered and now can’t use . I also did not know about the set menu. I thought that you could just pay the extra, and do the buffet style. Lastly, the decor, from what I have read it will be a lot of $$$$$$ to have the decor, the way I would like for it to be setup. I am trying not to get discouraged, but goodness, this is getting ridiculous, on these prices.

@@atennille

Hey! Congrats on choosing the Royalton! Where were you before? The Riu? Why did you switch over?

Are you doing your reception at the alacarte? Don’t freak out! A deep breath! Lol I know this sounds silly coming from me because I’m always freaking out haha

Anyways, where are you hosting your reception? That makes a huge difference in cost.

The set menu I was talking about is for the Italian alacarte for our rehearsal dinner…..

If you’re doing a private reception there’s several dinner options for you to choose from.

Don’t get discouraged! Everything will work out!

It’s paradise after all and what more could you want than the beautiful Caribbean ocean as your backdrop for your wedding! <3

If you have any more questions just ask! I’m happy to give you everything I have!

Pam

Pamelas21 not too sure what I'm going to do with the paper lanterns. I'm not even sure where they would hang them but I'm hoping they can be used. I plan on buying some batteries powered led lights for them.

The wedding coordinators told me setting up my decorations wouldn't cost. I'm not going to bank on that one lol!

Did Merrick honour the original pricing he quoted you? The prices he sent me were away more than the ones you posted I love his work and Dean Clarke. Of course the 2 most expensive photographers and they don't cover the resort fee

Hey Bridetobe771,

Yeah Laura told me that décor we bring from home would not be extra BUT if there is a cost it wouldn’t be more than $250….so at least you know what to expect!

Yes, Merrick honored the price he quoted me….I’m paying $2,600 for 9 hours…he’ll arrive at 2pm and stay until 11pm. I’m also paying the vendor fee of $450.

How much did he go up by?

I loved Dean Clarke too! I never got his pricing though because he was already booked on my day….

Are there any other photographers you’re looking at?

@@pamelas21....that is great to know about the shuttle.   That will work out perfectly!

@@FutureMrsGlover

YAY!

Happy to hear about the shuttle to Mo Bay.  Thanks for sharing.

@@Brinley

No problem!

@@pamelas21 , I had to switch hotels, I am now getting married at the Royalton, how has your experience been thus far ?

@@atennille

Congrats! I didn’t do a site visit but a couple ladies on this forum have and they’ve shared photos and it looks like an amazing place! Can’t wait to have my feet in the sand <3

My experience has been noted on this forum! I got all your likes so I assume you read through it which is great!

There have been bumps but there always is! It’s not specific to this resort! I’m sure there would be bumps if I’d picked a resort in Mexico too! It’s hard planning a wedding from so far away too….

So far my biggest complaint is that we have to use their provider for floral and décor and I’ve already voiced this! I figure that’s enough! Don’t want to put a damper on anyone else’s day! <3

Hi everyone!

I need some help!

Due to a crazy busy schedule I did not send out printed STD's - I did however send an email with our wedding website.

The website included EVERYTHING guests needed to know in order to book through Sunwing! This was 5 months ago.

51 guests put their $150 deposits down - and they all know that their remaining balance is due September 27th, 2014.

We're getting married November 18th, 2014.

I'm just wondering if there are any ladies out there that still sent out invitations EVEN THOUGH you already knew who was coming based on their deposit??

I mean I already know all 51 guests are coming! There might be drop offs of course and just yesterday I had an addition (cousins new girlfriend) BUT does it make sense to send formal invitations to these people?

I don't want to miss out on sending formal invitations only because it's a once in a lifetime thing!

But I also think people will think it's silly to receive a formal invite when they know I know they've already booked!

Any thoughts out there?

I would really appreciate your insight!

Hope this makes sense!

Thank you ladies!

<3

Hey FutureMrsGlover,

I can't use Jan's - confirmed with wedding planner - you have to use Tai Flora.....

Hey actually quick note I read on Tripadvisor the other day that the resort offers a courtesy shuttle to Margaritaville in Montego Bay Thursdays to Saturdays - you choose between 5pm-9pm or 10pm-2am.....sounds like a fun idea!

@@FutureMrsGlover – lol this resort is all about highway robbery lol

I’m bringing an aisle runner too – haven’t checked out oriental trading yet – will do…..

Looking forward to seeing your invites! <3

-------------------------------------

@@CherJK – I saw that post a little while ago and I’ve been meaning to reach out to them! I just asked the wedding planner just to find out how much it would be in comparison….

Thanks for the examples! You ladies rock with suggestions and feedback! <3

I was planning a rehearsal dinner….I have the Free Package so that includes 10 people at an ala carte for dinner 6 pm seating non-negotiable – after that it’s $20 per adult and $13 per child so that equals $799 for me.

Problem is – my Fi thinks that’s ridiculous! Especially since you HAVE to have a set menu. I think he would feel differently if we had all 51 guests go to the Italian (it’s the only ala carte that can fit or group size) and they can order whatever they want BUT they can’t. For $20 a person we choose what they eat which he feels really sucks.

And I agree – we’re already choosing their meal for the wedding you know?

So I told the wedding planner we wanted to skip the $799 and guess what she comes back with LOL sorry made me laugh cause they take money out of you no matter what!

She says ok you can take this out BUT your wedding cake is $5 per person and champagne toast is $5 per person.

Basically that $20 above gives me a set menu ala carte dining for my entire group, wedding cake, and champagne toast.

But if I don’t want to pay $20 per head and I still want cake I have to pay $5 per head and if I want champagne that’s another $5 per head….

It’s a tough choice honestly. Go in a group to Italian and have a 6pm set menu OR everyone goes on their own when they want and eat whatever they want.

If we could get our whole group in the Italian and they could order what they want we would feel differently.

The brunch with your bridesmaids and groomsmen sounds so nice! I think that’s a great idea!

Most of our group is staying 7 nights but 20 of us are staying for 10 nights so I was thinking of having a farewell breakfast the day before we leave….I’m going to be so sad to leave Jamaica LOL

-------------------------------------

@@Bridetobe771

Omg I love your mason jars! They’re so cute! <3

And free! That’s awesome of your family friend to do that

I struggled and struggled with a photographer but I finally decided on Merrick Cousely.

I’ve gotta say I struggled mainly because of cost – I mean if I was a Kardashian it would’ve been easy LOL ahahahaha

I finally said that’s it! Chose him and sent the 50% deposit! So it’s done and I feel relieved! His work is great, the reviews rock and I know he’ll do a great job J

I was also looking at Marcia Roberts…her work is really nice and her cost is unbelievable! Did you look into her?

-------------------------------------

@@acw271011 Thanks for the reassurance! Jan’s Flowers actually sent me a catalog with pricing…..Tai Flora’s did not have pricing but when I asked what certain things cost there was a significant difference.

I voiced it to the wedding planner but nothing – I think pricing depends on resort honestly……

Happy to know you were happy though!

-------------------------------------

I’m 132 days away ladies! <3

All I have to say is HOW RUDE of that sales clerk!

If you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all!

Especially since you told her it was for your wedding!

I've been to grand sunset and it was fabulous! Best time ever!

Don't regret it!

Best wishes!

Pam

Ohhh Bridetobe771 I love the mason jar idea! Did you personalize them yourself? Are you putting them in a bag? I would love to know!

I was thinking about tumblers....I might do personalized towels...haven't fully decided yet!

I'm doing custom shot glasses as our favor <3 Who doesn't love a shot glass LOL

I was wondering how the paper lanterns work? Did you ask the wedding planner about this? Are they charging you anything?

She's quoted me $530 for lighting.....so I would love to know how you're going about this!

Thanks so much for sharing! <3

-----------------------------------

Hey ladies!

Just wanted to add!

We're flying with Sunwing and for every 10 people we get an additional 20Kg luggage!

This is great news for me because in total my Fi and I get 6-20Kg luggage!

You should check what your travel provider offers for piece of mind when thinking about what you're going to take!

This is a huge weight off my shoulders since we too are bringing alot of our decor!

I am bringing ALL linens too! The cost of a pin tuck napkin with Tai Flora is $3.50 each.

I can BUY them here in Canada for $0.80 each! Total for 60 napkins is $48!

Or rent them and pay $178.

Cost of a tablecloth is $35 - or I can buy it here for $15.

Tai Flora quoted me $35 for hurricane shades with pillar candles - I mean does anyone else think this is insane!?

I'm sorry I'm the first to get married in my family and friends so I guess I didn't realize how they exploit you when you say "wedding".

NOTE here ladies - they don't allow silk rose petals on the sand for your ceremony! I asked because she quoted me $300 for light rose petal coverage and $600 for medium rose petal coverage.

Also, I got a quote on a 200ml bottle of appleton rum for the welcome bags! For anyone that wants to know - she quoted me $11 USD - I can get them here for $8 LOL

See what I mean?

I have so much more pricing! Starting to feel like I should post everything I have!

Oh my goodness I LOVE them!

They're beautiful Bridetobe771! <3

@@atennille.....go to the gallery and you can view the pictures I have there for Royalton White Sands.  

 

 

@@pamelas21....I am so happy to have my confirmation from the resort!  It was a big load off.  Now I have been working on these boarding pass invites.  Man, they really are a labor of love!!!!   I think my FI thinks I am crazy and have lost it with our dining room table completely covered in paper and cutting tools!

Hey FutureMrsGlover!

LOL I know EXACTLY what you mean! I've been doing alot of DIY too - my fiance keeps saying to me "are you sure you can do all this yourself?" LOL

Of course I can! <3

I still have so much to do and I'm 133 days away!

This summer is going to be crazy busy!

There's alot but I'm so happy!

We're going shopping soon for our bands, I'm going to start ordering the welcome bag stuff and the favors, etc....

It's alot of work! Need a vacation after this hahaha

Good luck with your boarding pass invites! SHARE when they're complete!

@@pamelas21 thank you so much for your post, so the hotel does not allow outside wedding decorators ? Please say this is not so, I wnat to use Tropical weddings Jamaica.

Hey atennille!

Ok so as of right now the wedding policies and procedures document states NO outside vendors other than photographers and videographers.

I have confirmed this with the wedding planner.

I am personally heartbroken at this and will be completely honest - I might of NOT chosen this resort if I'd known this to be the case.

You HAVE to use Tai Flora for floral and decor. This is a HUGE deal to me.

First, because reviews for Tai Flora on this forum are SCARY.

Second, because Jan's Flowers in Jamaica prices are WAY lower!

I'm on a tight budget (fiance likes to save, I like to spend LOL) so I'm truly heartbroken that if I want something I have to pay $10 with Tai Flora when I can pay $7 with Jan's Flowers.

I know $3 doesn't seem like a big deal BUT it's for everything! And I have 51 people!

Everything is more with Tai Flora.

Chuppah/canopy with Tai Flora - $466

Chuppah/canopy with Jan's Flowers - $250

Chiavari chairs with Tai Flora - $10

Chiavari chairs with Jan's Flowers - $7

It's either Tai Flora's prices are high OR the hotel is making a big cut - whichever it is, it sucks to pay more when you know you can get it cheaper somewhere else!

The above being said, I'm happy and excited for the wedding!

Please don't get me wrong!

I just don't like the inflated prices. And I'm definitely going to voice it on this forum so all brides can know....

Because the resort just opened I DIDN'T know.....and I was already too deep in to back out!

If you choose this resort, and you want extras like me like floral, chiavari chairs, different color linens, chargers - things like that - then you WILL pay alot more.

Again, sorry if this is a rant! I can't stress enough how upset I was when I learned I was FORCED to use Tai Flora.

Hope this helps!

Pam

I am getting married at the RIU, but everyone is talking about the Royalton White Sands, would you please email me the attachments I am unable to see them, thanks. [email protected]

I am still trying to find prices, could someone email me with prices. I have looked everwhere. My email is [email protected]

Hey! Just sent you everything I have!

Pam

Hi ladies....after all of my indecision and worried about room availability, we are now booked at the Royalton for October 10, 2015 @ 5 pm.  That is such a big relief!!!!   Now I can work on getting these invitations printed and out to everyone this month.  475 days to go!!!!

YAY! Congrats! <3

Hi Pam,

 

Could you please email me the info as well? [email protected]

 

Thank you!

Hey Ashley - just sent you everything! Sorry for the delay! I haven't been on - crazy busy lately! <3

Hello Girls..

 

Pam: I agree with all the other girls... rant away we are here to listen.

 

So this is what I did so far after reading all the threads

 

Originally I signed on for the Dream package but realizing it is not what we wanted and thanx to this thread.

We were able to switch to the free package and Jamaica Experience. (super excited)

So if you have 50 guest?

10ppl free then $20 x 40 = 800

Jamaica includes 20ppl then $50 x 30 = 1500 + 2800(for the package price)

 

So this is what we are going with....

 

But never realized we have to PAY for our bridal bouquet.... I though in the package it is included? I never inquired about the decor yet.

 

We chose the beach gazebo.

I was told in the email that it comes with this white linen and small table and flower centre piece so I don't think we will add much to it... keeping it simple.... (but we haven't looked into it yet =) )

 

The dinner portion as someone already mentioned

We can have it on the beach (at no extra cost...for this location fee of 300dollars or something like that)

 

Have you guys thought about bringing your centre pieces?

So I was told by Laura: each table includes white linen and napkin and "a few tea lights"

I was thinking we have max 5 tables or so? Have your family bring the vase you are going to use and add your personal touch (sand is everywhere) and some silk flowers if you like flowers??

 

Hope this helps?

 

Polly

YAY Polly I'm so happy you were able to switch your package and that it's all coming together for you!

Hello Toronto/Markham people.

 

Just wondering did you go through a travel agent or sunwing directly??

 

Sharon

Hey Sharon!

I went through Sunwing directly - we booked 53 people 10 months before departure...I got an amazing deal $1,478 per person TOTAL for 7 days <3

Two people dropped due to baby news <3 so I'm now at 51 people!

Hey everyone...i am getting married at the Royalton on july 3, 2014...Pamela has been great with tips...im super excited...its only going to be the two of us though

Hi saj8380! OMG like in 15 days?!?!?!?!

Congrats! <3

Happy this forum is helping everyone!

Hello Pam

 

I am also hoping to book Royalton White Sands for my wedding- hoping to get a date February 2015.  

 

Can you send me the pdf to happywedding2015@@gmail.com please?

 

Thanks for all the useful information. I am so happy I found this post!

 

Theresa

Hi Theresa!

Just sent you everything!

Pam

Hi Ladies.....I made it back from my mini vacation to Jamaica.  I had the chance to stay at the Royalton and met with Chandlyn (wedding manager).  Chandlyn is really nice and very helpful with all of my endless questions.  During my visit I also went to Secrets and Iberostar.  I have to say that Royalton is a much better choice....only downside is the regular rooms are a bit small, which I will let my guests know in advance.  The presidential suite and honeymoon suites are very nice!!  (We stayed in Presidential).  

 

We have booked our stay for the wedding with my travel agent and we were able to get 8 nights in the Presidential Suite for $2800. (Very nice deal!) 

 

I am now working with Ellie to get the wedding booked.  We are doing October 10, 2015 at 5 pm. 

 

I have posted pics in the photo gallery - Royalton White Sands.  I have a lot of pics in there but I tried to put a little of everything in there. 

 

There is also a rooftop location that you can use for the ceremony or cocktail hour, the only draw back is it steps (no elevator) and it is very steep to get up there.   That is very beautiful!!! 

 

I hope this helps......happy planning!

@@pamelas21.....I have posted the photos in the gallery.  It is titled Royalton White Sands.   I included pictures of the conference room so I hope this helps. 

 

The conference room is really big.  Chandlyn stated they are in the process of getting the room dividers but it was very nice!

 

Hope this helps. 

 

Tish

Hi Tish! Omg thank you so much!

This is so great of you to do! So happy you loved it! <3 And I'm sure all of us will too!

We're booked in for the presidential suite too! It's actually a surprise for my fiance - haven't told him - he's going to love arriving to that room in November! hehe

I'm officially now less than 5 months away! AHHHH LOL

Hi everyone

 

I have just booked my wedding at Royalton White Sands for April 2015! Where are you having you ceremony and reception etc, what package have you chosen! Very exciting x

YAY! Congrats! paulah1984! I'm getting married this November 18th, 2014! It's so close!

We're having the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception on the beach! <3

How about you?

I found my dress!!  I tried on a bunch before I finally picked it 

So happy for you! <3

How's planning going?

Lol that actually happened to me this morning!

A co worker said "aww you're having a nice stress free wedding"

Yeah right! Lol

Hey Mysticjade!

I know! No one tells you how hard planning a wedding is! Plus you only get to do it once so you definitely want it to be perfect! <3

Happy planning hun!

That's good to know! Because that's what I would be most worried about!

What about packing them? Will they be in a box in your luggage?

I think that's why I'm frustrated! $200 for a bride bouquet I'm only going to have in my hand for probably max 4 hours is crazy! :S

My mom and I we're just talking about that yesterday!

I am considering it!

I’m dealing with Laura from Toronto…is Ellie in Montego Bay or Toronto? If you really want it, I would email her and ask her about the day pass….

Thanks ladies! <3

The contract says: Unfortunately, we do not allow any other wedding provider companies or vendors aside from photographers or videographers at this time.

Laura told me I can bring in my own hair and make up as long as they do it in my room for $70 each. It's called the day pass....

This better be correct because I already put down deposits for Loni Jones and Hair by Chellz!

Who told you $450? Laura?