Any Gran Bahia Principe Runaway Bay Brides out there?

[lsmith211]

I wrote to Chandlyn asking about the new rates, and if we can get lower minister fees and $20 per person since they lowered the prices - her reply:

Thanks for your email. Kindly note that the new packages are for weddings 2012

Regards
 

Chandlyn Edwards

Groups Events & Wedding Planner

 

That sucks.......  I don't understand how they can drop the prices for next year and not honor them for this year....  Or at least give us some kind of discount!  Hopefully I'll be able to negotiate something in person

[FleetMac bride]

Thanks for the info on the food. Do you know how much an extra layer costs? I'm not a huge cake eater LOL. I set my time for 4:00 thinking that Chandyln said the sunsets in November at 5:30 to 5:45 and then my dinner reservaton is for 6:00. Also my friend is a phtographer and he is coming to take my pics but thanks for the recommendation I appreciate it. I wanted the 4:00 because i want sun beach photo's and sunset photo's. I hope two hours in between is enough time Chandlyn said the ceremony is 15 minutes.
 

Originally Posted by stacey33 

FLeetmac,

we had a choice of 3 desserts 3 main courses 3 soups and 3 salad choices. we picked the caesar salad.and the stuffed chicken,
along with the tomato soup. all the food was excellent.

the service was very slow but well worth it.

I recommend buying an extra layer of your wedding cake, having 3 layers was much more pretty.


what time are you getting married at?

we got married ep 330 but the wedding before us ran late, so we didn't start till almost 4. we were very rushed to get pictures of the sunset.
I would suggest a wedding time no later than 3 pm. it is just my suggestion.


do you have a photographer yet? if not may I suggest brain nejedly?


anything else you need to know feel free to ask. best wishes to you

 

[Dutchie600]

Im getting Married March 2012. I went through Geo Travel whom I met at the Calgary Wedding Show. She has Quoted me 1650/per person for a week all inclusive.

 

[ames9782]

Hey there, just thought i'd let everyone in on what i've got back from chandlyn lately (some stuff we already know)

-we can use wallet size BC but everything does have to be notorized

-you have to be getting married in 2012 for sure to get those new prices for the packages

-she did tell me that the minister fees are only $200 now, so im not sure if she's just confused or they have actually dropped

And i too would like to so say how greatful i am to this forum! i would truley be lost without it!!!!

Some of you ladies are getting so close! you must be so excited and we sure can't wait to hear all about it!

[mekanabr]

Here is my latest response from Chandlyn.  She also told me that the new prices are only for 2012...damn.

 

 

 

For the gazebo rental, I know we have the choice of with or without the DJ.  If we choose to rent the gazebo without the DJ, how is the sound system at the gazebo?Please note that the sound system is only rented with the DJ.  What should we expect, can we bring our own ipod and system will be set up for us or do we have to bring our own speakers and set everyone up by ourselves?You may also set up your own speaker
 
Do we need to make reservations at the spa for wedding day services and for other days we would like massages etc in advance?  Do you have a price list for the spa and contact information? For information on spa and pricing please email them directly at spabpjam@bahia-princpe.com

 If I choose to get flowers from an outside vendor, do I get a discount on the wedding package or compensation in form of an additional service added to our package since I will not need the flowers provided in the package?  The same with a photographer – I will not need to use the resort photographer but I am paying for it in the package.  Can I receive something different in the package for example hair styling for bride and bridesmaids or gazebo rental included with package price?   Kindly note that should you opt for services outside the package the hotel will not be able to do a substitution or reduction in the package selected   
 
We would like to book a snorkeling excursion for our wedding guests the Friday before the wedding instead of doing a traditional rehearsal dinner (July 22).  Can you give us any suggestions for tours available from the resort?   Since it will be a large group, I assume we will need to book the trip in advance.You may arrange this when you get here with your tour rep
 
I would like to confirm that we have the steel drum band reserved for our ceremony.  Can I receive a list of songs that they can play?  Or can I make requests to them ahead of time to make sure they can play the songs I would like?  I believe you had originally quoted us $400 for one hour, is that still correct? This can be arranged at a cost of US400
 

 Are chair covers included in the wedding package?Chair covers are included  How much are sashes for chairs and what colors do you have to choose from? Sashes are US2.50 each If we have to pay for chair covers, does that cost cover both the ceremony and the dinner? They will be at both ceremony and reception If we bring sashes for the ceremony, can they be transferred to the chairs used for the dinner?Yes
 
Is it possible to have chairs or tables down at the gazebo during the dancing after dinner?  I am worried about people wanting to sit during the after dinner reception.We offer a few chairs but not tables
 
We have several guests who are coming to GBP for their honeymoon.  One couple is taking an early honeymoon and getting married in October, the other was married last July and are having a late honeymoon.  Is it possible to get them the honeymoon package for their rooms?  If it is not, how much does it cost to send something special to their room during their stay?For information  and information please contact our Public Relations at prexecutivebpjam@bahia-principe.com
 

 How are the seating arrangements during dinner?  I am trying to figure out if I should make escort cards or seating place cards for the tables but I wasn’t sure what to expect for seating.We offer a head table and then other tables of 8-10 to accommodate the number of persons
 
We are making out of town bags to hand out to guests upon their arrival.  Is it possible to have these bags waiting at the check in counter to be handed out or is it possible to have them delivered to their room? We can have them delivered to the room.  If we have them delivered to their room, is there an additional charge for that?There is no additional charge

 
I was told there is a new restaurant and new construction at the resort.  I was hoping you could tell me what was added/changed at the resort and if you could tell me about the new restaurant and its location (and if it is available for the wedding dinner?)The new block has a new buffet restaurant
 
I was searching online for a map of the resort layout but I was unable to find anything.  Could you possibly send me a map of the resort so that I can send it out to our guests closer to the wedding date?  I want to be able to point out rooms, restaurants, etc.I will obtain one and have it sent to you.
 
  What happens if it rains on the day of our wedding?  Where is the alternative in door location for ceremony and reception if that were to happen?For the ceremony we will relocate to the foyer and for the reception we will move the disco

Is there any way to ensure that random resort guests will not show up at our reception down at the gazebo?  Is there a certain wristband our guests will need to wear or something to make sure that the bar that we set up is serving the people it is supposed to (ie- we don’t want to pay for people that we don’t know as I’m sure you can understand).  This area is usually empty during this time so you will not have other guest passing by your reception.
 

 How far in advance do you need our wedding documents for our marriage license?  I just realized we are about 6.5 months away and I’m not sure when we are supposed to be sending you our information. We will need the documents at least 3 months prior to arrival at the resort.
 

Can we give a personalized ceremony to whoever is going to officiate our wedding in advance?  Or do they have a specific ceremony they follow?  We are in the process of putting a ceremony together and we hope that we can use it.  You may provide us with your own script
 
Is it possible to get tiki torches set up around the gazebo during the reception after dinner, or luminaries or something like that to decorate it at night? This can be done at an additional cost
 
Ok last question!  If we decide that we do not need the package that we have chosen, is it possible to change wedding packages?  This is possible

[Cassierose]

I was just going back thru the emails i have from Chandlyn from the past few months because i was under the impression that if we brought our ipod they would set up a sound system for us in the gazebo so we don't have to pay for a dj. Here is the email i sent, and her replies. I'm kind of concerned now, cuz i don't wanna get down there with only my ipod and find out i have to pay for a dj, on top of having to pay DOUBLE what brides will be paying next year for the EXACT SAME SERVICES! The more i read this thread, and the more i think about this the madder i get. I haven't heard back from Chandlyn yet about the price of the package, but there really should be something they can do for us regarding this.

 

Hello Chandlyn,

I had just a couple more questions regarding the reception. If we don't want to use the DJ and just play our own music from an ipod, will we have to bring our own stereo equipment other than the ipod or cd's?We would set up the system with speaker and microphone and Ipod connection.
Also, are we free to buy our own alcohol and mix and serve ourselves, so long as we clean up after ourselves? We would really like the opportunity to have our own bar, but feel that the price is too much.You may bring your own alcohol and we will provide a table for you.
Lastly, we will be having some guests come for the wedding from outside of the resort. I understand they have to pay a fee to stay for the day. My question is, as we will have more guests than our package includes, will we have to pay AGAIN for those guests not staying in the resort to eat, or does that 'outsider's fee' include them for the wedding dinner? There are two options for your outside guests. With the supplement fee we offer a special wrist band which permits them to come to the wedding ceremony and reception. They will however not have access to the amenities of the hotel as this band limits them. The other option is to purchase a pass at a cost of US75 per person.

Thank you for your time,

Cassie

 

So, someone pls correct me if i'm wrong- but does that not lead you to believe that they will provide the system with an ipod connection? Cuz damned if i'm bringing a whole stereo system with me all the way across the country!
 

Originally Posted by mekanabr 

Here is my latest response from Chandlyn.  She also told me that the new prices are only for 2012...damn.

 

 

 

For the gazebo rental, I know we have the choice of with or without the DJ.  If we choose to rent the gazebo without the DJ, how is the sound system at the gazebo?Please note that the sound system is only rented with the DJ.  What should we expect, can we bring our own ipod and system will be set up for us or do we have to bring our own speakers and set everyone up by ourselves?You may also set up your own speaker
 
Do we need to make reservations at the spa for wedding day services and for other days we would like massages etc in advance?  Do you have a price list for the spa and contact information? For information on spa and pricing please email them directly at spabpjam@bahia-princpe.com

 If I choose to get flowers from an outside vendor, do I get a discount on the wedding package or compensation in form of an additional service added to our package since I will not need the flowers provided in the package?  The same with a photographer – I will not need to use the resort photographer but I am paying for it in the package.  Can I receive something different in the package for example hair styling for bride and bridesmaids or gazebo rental included with package price?   Kindly note that should you opt for services outside the package the hotel will not be able to do a substitution or reduction in the package selected   
 
We would like to book a snorkeling excursion for our wedding guests the Friday before the wedding instead of doing a traditional rehearsal dinner (July 22).  Can you give us any suggestions for tours available from the resort?   Since it will be a large group, I assume we will need to book the trip in advance.You may arrange this when you get here with your tour rep
 
I would like to confirm that we have the steel drum band reserved for our ceremony.  Can I receive a list of songs that they can play?  Or can I make requests to them ahead of time to make sure they can play the songs I would like?  I believe you had originally quoted us $400 for one hour, is that still correct? This can be arranged at a cost of US400
 

 Are chair covers included in the wedding package?Chair covers are included  How much are sashes for chairs and what colors do you have to choose from? Sashes are US2.50 each If we have to pay for chair covers, does that cost cover both the ceremony and the dinner? They will be at both ceremony and reception If we bring sashes for the ceremony, can they be transferred to the chairs used for the dinner?Yes
 
Is it possible to have chairs or tables down at the gazebo during the dancing after dinner?  I am worried about people wanting to sit during the after dinner reception.We offer a few chairs but not tables
 
We have several guests who are coming to GBP for their honeymoon.  One couple is taking an early honeymoon and getting married in October, the other was married last July and are having a late honeymoon.  Is it possible to get them the honeymoon package for their rooms?  If it is not, how much does it cost to send something special to their room during their stay?For information  and information please contact our Public Relations at prexecutivebpjam@bahia-principe.com
 

 How are the seating arrangements during dinner?  I am trying to figure out if I should make escort cards or seating place cards for the tables but I wasn’t sure what to expect for seating.We offer a head table and then other tables of 8-10 to accommodate the number of persons
 
We are making out of town bags to hand out to guests upon their arrival.  Is it possible to have these bags waiting at the check in counter to be handed out or is it possible to have them delivered to their room? We can have them delivered to the room.  If we have them delivered to their room, is there an additional charge for that?There is no additional charge

 
I was told there is a new restaurant and new construction at the resort.  I was hoping you could tell me what was added/changed at the resort and if you could tell me about the new restaurant and its location (and if it is available for the wedding dinner?)The new block has a new buffet restaurant
 
I was searching online for a map of the resort layout but I was unable to find anything.  Could you possibly send me a map of the resort so that I can send it out to our guests closer to the wedding date?  I want to be able to point out rooms, restaurants, etc.I will obtain one and have it sent to you.
 
  What happens if it rains on the day of our wedding?  Where is the alternative in door location for ceremony and reception if that were to happen?For the ceremony we will relocate to the foyer and for the reception we will move the disco

Is there any way to ensure that random resort guests will not show up at our reception down at the gazebo?  Is there a certain wristband our guests will need to wear or something to make sure that the bar that we set up is serving the people it is supposed to (ie- we don’t want to pay for people that we don’t know as I’m sure you can understand).  This area is usually empty during this time so you will not have other guest passing by your reception.
 

 How far in advance do you need our wedding documents for our marriage license?  I just realized we are about 6.5 months away and I’m not sure when we are supposed to be sending you our information. We will need the documents at least 3 months prior to arrival at the resort.
 

Can we give a personalized ceremony to whoever is going to officiate our wedding in advance?  Or do they have a specific ceremony they follow?  We are in the process of putting a ceremony together and we hope that we can use it.  You may provide us with your own script
 
Is it possible to get tiki torches set up around the gazebo during the reception after dinner, or luminaries or something like that to decorate it at night? This can be done at an additional cost
 
Ok last question!  If we decide that we do not need the package that we have chosen, is it possible to change wedding packages?  This is possible

 

[JayKay]

 

 

Mekanabr-thanks so much for all the questions and answers. I'm just curious if anyone knows if the chair covers are included in all the packages?

[missy&eric2011]

I had asked Bev about the chair covers awhile back...the number of people allotted in your packages is the number of chair covers you get at no additional cost....if you have more people than the allotted amount in the package, that's when you have to start paying for each additional chair cover. 

[missy&eric2011]

 Just another FYI...I received this from our TA today:

 

"The restaurants at night will want men to wear long pants and collared shirts and closed toe shoes. Women can wear pants, sundress or skirt and can wear sandals. No flip flops. No sport coats are required."

Feel bad for the guys...really, they can't wear a nice pair of sandals?!

[tris]

Every AI resort I've been to required long pants & shoes for men. When I joined this forum I noticed sooo many of the grooms & GM wore sandals and I never understood how they got away with it. That's why from the beginning I planned on white dress shoes for the boys.

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by missy&eric2011 

 Just another FYI...I received this from our TA today:

 

"The restaurants at night will want men to wear long pants and collared shirts and closed toe shoes. Women can wear pants, sundress or skirt and can wear sandals. No flip flops. No sport coats are required."

Feel bad for the guys...really, they can't wear a nice pair of sandals?!