577 replies to this topic

[kendra6303]

I sent a picture of a medium/ tall hurricane with a submerged flower/ plant and a floating candle. Maybe is was the size, I don't know, I just decided to move forward in another direction.

[lala7513]

Hi all! I'm getting married early July at the Grand and just have to note that the wedding coordinators there have been amazing. They are so quick to reply with any answer, makes me feel so comfortable and at ease with the process. And love the sample invoices of pricing so im not dependent on my math. Here are my details below now that they are locked in. Looking like 60-70 people. I'm doing Misha Earle photography, I had reached out to Saab and they are all booked and then found Misha from this forum and loved her work. She's been really nice. Pricing is $1500-$3000 depending on package. We're doing a bonfire the night before for 2 hours, with a fire breather and wish lanterns. What music do you think would be best? I'd loooove the band but just so pricey. Thinking might have to be a DJ. For the wedding doing 5:30-6 ceremony with steel drums, 6-7 cocktail hr with apps, wine and cheese and steel drums, and reception 7-11 at the Port Maria with DJ. (Added the extra hour). Waiting to hear back from taiflora about chairs, flowers, etc, they are definitely super slow, but I don't mind as long as they are quick to reply closer to the date. I'd like the gold chiavari chairs, white orchids and white flowers, hanging white lanterns, and burlap runners on tables. Welcome bags, for ladies I got floppy hats and beach bags from forever21. Not sure about guys yet, thinking fun sunglasses. Thanks so much for all your help! Let me know if anyone has any questions. Can't wait!!!!

[sarahandjake13]

Originally Posted by ktdawson 

Sarah if you don't mind me asking what are your rates running. I just want an estimate even though I know it won't be the same in 2014. I just want to know what ball figure my guests may be looking around. My paperwork says premium bar is included with the private reception and when i asked Janielle she said both included the alcohol. It is so weird because at all of the Iberostar Jamaica resorts there are mixed issues when it comes to the WC. I noticed that when I get a response it is very short maybe like two words are so but it covers what I need it to cover and if not I re email her the question again and reiterate what I asked her.

Hi kt,  I'm so sorry for the late response!!  I haven't been on the forum for a bit because I was in crazy planing mode..lol

We ended up booking the Iberostar Grand for our stay in October, but decided to have an off-resort wedding ceremony.  The costs were quite comparable as we are only having about 20 guests.  We are still thinking about having a cocktail party or private reception back at the resort after the ceremony.  I ended up speaking with Janielle again and confirmed more details on costs.  The rental fee of $3000 for the Port Maria included open bar.  The one thing I'm unsure of, is if we still have an option of having the private reception in the Port Maria with only 20 people, but still pay the $3000.  I've been so busy organizing photography and ceremony details I haven't actually focused on the reception. 

[lala7513]

hi kfarkas! did you ever hear back from taiflora, i have my quote from them if you want me to share anything with you. i also reached out to floral fantasies for a quote, which was definitely less, has anyone used them?

[daniellecooper]

Do you need to pay a vendor fee for Floral Fantasies?

[kfarkas26]

Originally Posted by lala7513 

hi kfarkas! did you ever hear back from taiflora, i have my quote from them if you want me to share anything with you. i also reached out to floral fantasies for a quote, which was definitely less, has anyone used them?

NO QUOTE YET!!! i would love to see what they quoted you & how we are supposed to pay!! grand brides CAN NOT use floral fantasies which is lame! thanks for all your help!!! 

[lala7513]

That's good to know about Floral Fantasies, very unfortunate since Tai Flora is clearly so busy they can't write back in a timely manner. And really, I have no idea what things cost, so it's difficult to budget.

 

Here's what I received.  My bouquets and centerpieces were based pics I sent, so were definitely more expensive than i thought. i wrote back after receiving the quote asking for options much cheaper:

 

Bridal Bouquet: (from picture i sent) hydrangeas, roses, and orchids - $185

Bridesmaid Bouquet: smaller version of above - $125/bouquet

Wrist Corsage white orchid: $35 each

White orchid boutenniere: $18 each

Bag of white rose petals for flower girls: $30 each

Chivari Chairs: $8 each

Burlap Table Runners: $20 each

Centerpieces: tall square vase with hydrangeas, roses and orchids $160 each

String chinese lanterns for portmaria: $550

2post Bamboo arch with fabric draping: $250

 

Then there was a $289 setup/deliver charge, (i imagine because of the chairs) and 16.5% tax.

 

So, it's much more than I'd like to spend. I'm getting rid of the chairs, and lights, and getting cheaper bouquets and centerpieces. Hoping Tai Flora can offer good alternatives. I have heard that brides are always happy with the results, which is a good thing!

 

It also says you can pay by cashiers check or by credit card (4%fee for credit card)

Hope that helps! 

[sarahandjake13]

Originally Posted by lala7513 

That's good to know about Floral Fantasies, very unfortunate since Tai Flora is clearly so busy they can't write back in a timely manner. And really, I have no idea what things cost, so it's difficult to budget.

 

Here's what I received.  My bouquets and centerpieces were based pics I sent, so were definitely more expensive than i thought. i wrote back after receiving the quote asking for options much cheaper:

 

Bridal Bouquet: (from picture i sent) hydrangeas, roses, and orchids - $185

Bridesmaid Bouquet: smaller version of above - $125/bouquet

Wrist Corsage white orchid: $35 each

White orchid boutenniere: $18 each

Bag of white rose petals for flower girls: $30 each

Chivari Chairs: $8 each

Burlap Table Runners: $20 each

Centerpieces: tall square vase with hydrangeas, roses and orchids $160 each

String chinese lanterns for portmaria: $550

2post Bamboo arch with fabric draping: $250

 

Then there was a $289 setup/deliver charge, (i imagine because of the chairs) and 16.5% tax.

 

So, it's much more than I'd like to spend. I'm getting rid of the chairs, and lights, and getting cheaper bouquets and centerpieces. Hoping Tai Flora can offer good alternatives. I have heard that brides are always happy with the results, which is a good thing!

 

It also says you can pay by cashiers check or by credit card (4%fee for credit card)

Hope that helps! 

WOW!!!  I really can't believe those prices.  They are unreal.  They must be rolling in $$... those costs are comparable to the best florists around my hometown.  They know that they can charge it because it's the bride and grooms only option if staying at the Grand.  Horrible..

[lala7513]

Originally Posted by sarahandjake13 

WOW!!!  I really can't believe those prices.  They are unreal.  They must be rolling in $$... those costs are comparable to the best florists around my hometown.  They know that they can charge it because it's the bride and grooms only option if staying at the Grand.  Horrible..

For Floral Fantasies we have to pay a $250 Vendor fee...which actually might be worth it after checking it out quotes from both! 

[kfarkas26]

Originally Posted by lala7513 

For Floral Fantasies we have to pay a $250 Vendor fee...which actually might be worth it after checking it out quotes from both! 

really?! they told me that under no circumstances could another flower vendor enter the Grand that they work exclusively with Tia Flora. I did not even think about getting quotes from floral fantasies because I thought it was pointless.. hmmm maybe I should tho.