is anyone NOT getting married at a resort??

[FutureMrsRobinson]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bashigyal Wow...I this is EXACTLY like me!! I am Jamaican but living in the states, same for my fiance. Our families and most friends are already there and only 15 people or so will be flying in. In trying to control the guest list, we are also having 100 guests! FutureMrsRobinson, what places have you checked out? I am leaning towards The Ruins myself, although I started out wanting either an outdoor Great House venue, or at least a nice garden setting in the mountains. I've considered Bellefield Great House (currently closed for refurbishment) in MoBay, Good Hope Great House in Falmouth (expensive and roads to the plantation are terrible!), Firefly in Oracabessa (beautiful view but setting is too casual and grounds aren't that great), Cranbrook Flower Forest (pretty nice and cheapest option so far, just not as crazy about their ceremony gazebo), and now there's the Ruins. Have you heard of Laughing Waters. Mi dear, supposed to be very exclusive...where PJ Patterson and his cronies use; I think his daughter was married there too. But you need a referral from someone to even see the place!! Also thinking of checking out Coyaba Gardens. Any other ideas for an outdoor venue?

bashigyal hi!!! Another Jamaican!!! I'm so excited!!!

You are way ahead of me!!! We have only really thought about the Ruins or Evita's for the reception. My FI and are hoping to go to JA for Christmas but with gas prices, I don't think we will be able to go. (Gotta start saving $ for the wedding) Thanks for all the ideas in your post. I have to look into all of them!!!! I definitely want my ceremony to be outside but not on the beach. So that's starting to be a lot more difficult than I thought.

I've heard of Laughing Waters but everything I've been able to find says that it's now owned by the government and you can't get access,which sucks!! I really want an outdoor venue for the ceremony so I gotta come up with something. Please keep in touch so if you come up with a great place don't mind sharing I'd really appreciate it.

[bashigyal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by FutureMrsRobinson bashigyal hi!!! Another Jamaican!!! I'm so excited!!! You are way ahead of me!!! We have only really thought about the Ruins or Evita's for the reception. My FI and are hoping to go to JA for Christmas but with gas prices, I don't think we will be able to go. (Gotta start saving $ for the wedding) Thanks for all the ideas in your post. I have to look into all of them!!!! I definitely want my ceremony to be outside but not on the beach. So that's starting to be a lot more difficult than I thought. I've heard of Laughing Waters but everything I've been able to find says that it's now owned by the government and you can't get access,which sucks!! I really want an outdoor venue for the ceremony so I gotta come up with something. Please keep in touch so if you come up with a great place don't mind sharing I'd really appreciate it.

Ok dahlin', we haffi chat!! I got engaged just 1 month ago, and my wedding date is 18 Jan '08. Figured I'd take advantage of the long MLK wkend. I feel like I've done NOTHING in the past month, and de clock a tick loud loud, seen? LOL My criteria was also an outdoor ceremony & reception, NOT the beach and NOT an AI. Really wanted the beautiful old Jamaican architecutre of a Great House, or a garden spot with a mountain view. Have checked out the following places so far:

Firefly (Oracabessa)
Good Hope Great House (Falmouth)
Bellefield Great House (MoBay)
Greenwood Great House (MoBay)
Cranbrook Flower Forrest (Falmouth)
The Ruins (Ochi)

Where have you looked into? I can give you all the details and prices of the above, if any interest you. Link me at scg869@yahoo.com

Bless!

[amee]

Have you looked into the Rose Hall great house in MoBay? I'm getting married next April at the new Solis, Palmyra resort in MoBay (which by the way is not AI) and I know one of their options is the Rose Hall great house - which is supposed to have this very haunted tale attached to it...I don't think the hotel owns it though, probably open for anyone to have their wedding there..just a thought.

[bashigyal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by amee Have you looked into the Rose Hall great house in MoBay?...I don't think the hotel owns it though, probably open for anyone to have their wedding there..just a thought.

But of course, Rose Hall is the most famous great house....with the most famous prices to match! $8,000US for the vendor fee alone! Yeah....ummm....that's ok. I'm not going broke on my wedding and certainly not starting my marriage in debt, thanks! I am getting quotes for ceremony and reception including catering for 100 guests at under $6,000. Rose Hall can keep their Great House! LOL

[NotYourAverageDW]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bashigyal But of course, Rose Hall is the most famous great house....with the most famous prices to match! $8,000US for the vendor fee alone! Yeah....ummm....that's ok. I'm not going broke on my wedding and certainly not starting my marriage in debt, thanks! I am getting quotes for ceremony and reception including catering for 100 guests at under $6,000. Rose Hall can keep their Great House! LOL

LOL! So with food, decor etc you're looking at atleast $16,000-$20,000. I tell you...these places are catering to very high society clientelle and I'm afriad the average bride isn't what they are looking for!

[amee]

bashigyal and others...didn't realize great house in rose hall was so expensive, i guess one of the advantages of the "resort" type wedding, is that a lot of these venues are included..but, yes, I agree they are charging us plenty...a separate question that maybe you can help me with, since you're from Jamaica..I've been trying to find some local musicians or DJs (who play reggae, soca and/or calypso) to hire for various events in April..we're really looking for people who play a variety of music, including Indian or chutney (I am Indian marrying a Trinadadian). If you have any leads they would be much appreciated...

 

amee

[bashigyal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PoeticJustice We are getting married at the Ruins October 11 and it is a very popular venue locally in Jamaica. The staff is very friendly and works with your budget. There are 3 or 4 different banquet rooms to choose from and they have an array of choices for your Reception dinner. In addition they check in with me on a regular via email and they are eaisly accesible by phone.

PoeticJustice, I am dying to hear how your wedding went at The Ruins this week! Btw, CONGRATS!! I am now booked at The Ruins for Jan '09 and the coordinator Nickesha has been wonderful so far. Can't wait to hear how your day went and feedback on the vendors you used ...Who did you get to do your cake? And did you have a day-of coordinator? I'm looking for one big time!! Thanks for any feedback you can give me! :-)

[jhakimi1]

On average how much does it cost to have your ceremony and reception at the Ruins - and what was included?

[bashigyal]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PoeticJustice We are getting married at the Ruins October 11 and it is a very popular venue locally in Jamaica. The staff is very friendly and works with your budget. There are 3 or 4 different banquet rooms to choose from and they have an array of choices for your Reception dinner. In addition they check in with me on a regular via email and they are eaisly accesible by phone:

How did your wedding go? Mine will be at The Ruins in 1 week (yikes!) and I'm dying to hear how yours went there in October. Any pointers? Any mishaps to warn me about? Things you chose or didn't choose that you would've done differently? Which room did you choose? We're having ours in the larger Pavilion upstairs. Would REALLY appreciate your feedback!

Thanks in advance!

[jhakimi1]

I would also like to know if you can use an outside cater? If not, was the food good? Does the price list include decorations?