Any Gran Bahia Principe Runaway Bay Brides out there?

[SarahInNS]

We just got back last week from a vacation at the GBP, and loved it there! Super excited for Nov now!!!! Food was great everywhere, and the weddings looked beautiful from what I saw. Question: does anyone know if its possible to do an informal welcome dinner for all of the guests at one of the a la carte restaurants? I guess worst case scenario everyone can meet at the buffet (which had delish food also btw!)

[leannesmith]

Just got back from my wedding there last week! Everything was perfect! Everyone there is amazing. Already planning on goin back for our one year! We had the ceremony at the gazebo then reception be rented out the snack bar area in the private deck it was decorated beautifully and right on the water and set off wish lanterns at the end and was a huge hit! We chose this area cause not only is it gorgeous but it's private so you're not having your wedding reception with other people in the same restaurant on the resort. It was 1700 extra but if you have a big group (we had 40) totally worth it! Felt more like a real wedding reception lol. And outside keeps with the tropical theme. The whole reason we wanted to have it there We took our own music for the ceremony and for our special dances then had the unforgettable package so had the DJ for the rest of the music for the dance/ reception. I must at had the steel drum band for the first part of dinner which was a great add. Used them there instead of at the gazebo since we wanted our own music for the ceremony. Also had sparklers for everyone for our first dance. The whole day was just magical. Highly recommend this resort for your special day. If anyone has questions feel free to ask! Also I recommend if you want photos that you'd love, since they last a lifetime...Don't use the one on the resort. We still got 15 free one with our package and they look just like the one from my mothers cellphone. We used dean Clark and he was AMAZING!!! Had an assistant too so captured everything!!! For the full day!! Every shot I had in mind from Pinterest etc he was already on it! And they look amazing!!!!

Congrats! I have booked the exact same for my wedding in September. Did you have to pay the vendor fee for bring dean Clark on the resort? Would you mind if I ask what photo package and cost for his service? I am still on the fence because of the dumb vendor fee I don't want to pay....lol. Do you have pics of the Piscus all decorated? Any information would be great. Thanks

[MrsViolo]

Congrats! What travel agent are you going through? I am getting quotes from Marlin and Flight Centre. What wedding package are you doing? I am flying from Toronto as well. I am still in the beginning stages of planning. Have you got things all figured out? Thanks  

We also booked through Marlin Travel. For every 12th adult booked we get one free trip so we're hoping to get 4 free trips! I don't remember the name of the package right now... It was the one that covered 24 people I think. It ended up being cheaper that way. We're expecting a pretty big number. We'll be having are reception at the Pisces restaurant since that's also cheaper and includes a DJ. Plus it looks absolutely beautiful! I'm pretty sure I have everything figured out. I have Rashel Edwards for hair and make-up and I'm getting a local photographer to do a trash the dress shoot the day after the wedding off the resort. I just need to book a photographer and decide if I need to bring decorations down.

[Jenn83]

Originally Posted by LinzWarr 

 

HI my wedding is Feb 1st 2014 and have already booked and guests need to put deposits down by the end of March.  

Our Price out of Toronto is 1200 something plus tax.. end price 1614.00.. I was looking at the same date as you but decided on this week instead and I know that your week was 1558 per person when I got the quote.  Good luck and Congrats

 

 

 

Congrats! We just got a good quote from Marlin and will be going with them. Now we can get going with everything else. Thanks and good luck!

[Jenn83]

Originally Posted by JayKay 

 

Jenn83-

 

I kept checking the prices and noticed that they had gone down.  I mentioned it to my TA and she was able to contact Transat and they lowered our price.

 

We just used the free package.  We had a smaller group (18 in total) so it made sense for us to use that package verse paying for one.  We didn't add any extras at all.  We used everything provided from the resort (minus chair ties, which I brought myself) but were pleasently suprised with everything.

 

Sounds great! Thanks

[Jenn83]

Originally Posted by STemple 

 

Jenn83:

I've reserved a 4pm ceremony time at the gazebo, I figure it won't be as hot for everyone that time. I havent decided on a wedding package yet since Chandlyn doesn't have the 2014 prices out yet. For our reception we are doing it outdoors at the piscis. I've just booked rashel edwards for hair/make up.She's been excellent to communicate with, responds right away.

That's about all I've solidly decided on so far, what are your plans??

 

Also I am a travel agent and generally when it comes to lower price adjustments, it is up to the client to keep an eye on the price. I highly recommend finding a package with the price drop guarantee, that way you can give your guests piece if mind when booking that they are getting the best price. Shop around with different companies (air transat, sunquest, air Canada, etc...) each one has different perks to benefit the bride and groom.

 

Happy planning!

 

Thanks. Do you use the wedding coordinators to plan the details or the travel agents? Who helps with what? We now have a quote we are happy with and aren't sure what our next steps are. It sounds like you and many other brides on here have it all figured out and I am just lost! Haha. But it's helpful to read these posts and talk to you ladies Good luck!

[Jenn83]

Originally Posted by King2013 

 

Just got back from my wedding there last week! Everything was perfect! Everyone there is amazing. Already planning on goin back for our one year! We had the ceremony at the gazebo then reception be rented out the snack bar area in the private deck it was decorated beautifully and right on the water and set off wish lanterns at the end and was a huge hit! We chose this area cause not only is it gorgeous but it's private so you're not having your wedding reception with other people in the same restaurant on the resort. It was 1700 extra but if you have a big group (we had 40) totally worth it! Felt more like a real wedding reception lol. And outside keeps with the tropical theme. The whole reason we wanted to have it there We took our own music for the ceremony and for our special dances then had the unforgettable package so had the DJ for the rest of the music for the dance/ reception. I must at had the steel drum band for the first part of dinner which was a great add. Used them there instead of at the gazebo since we wanted our own music for the ceremony. Also had sparklers for everyone for our first dance. The whole day was just magical. Highly recommend this resort for your special day. If anyone has questions feel free to ask! Also I recommend if you want photos that you'd love, since they last a lifetime...Don't use the one on the resort. We still got 15 free one with our package and they look just like the one from my mothers cellphone. We used dean Clark and he was AMAZING!!! Had an assistant too so captured everything!!! For the full day!! Every shot I had in mind from Pinterest etc he was already on it! And they look amazing!!!!

 

That sounds really nice! That's too bad about the 15 free photos though. Oh well. Dean sounds fantastic! Was he expensive? How can I contact or find out more about him? Congrats!

[Jenn83]

Originally Posted by MrsViolo 

 

 

We also booked through Marlin Travel. For every 12th adult booked we get one free trip so we're hoping to get 4 free trips!

 

I don't remember the name of the package right now... It was the one that covered 24 people I think. It ended up being cheaper that way. We're expecting a pretty big number. We'll be having are reception at the Pisces restaurant since that's also cheaper and includes a DJ. Plus it looks absolutely beautiful!

 

I'm pretty sure I have everything figured out.

 

I have Rashel Edwards for hair and make-up and I'm getting a local photographer to do a trash the dress shoot the day after the wedding off the resort.

 

I just need to book a photographer and decide if I need to bring decorations down.

 

Sounds lovely! So do you find that their packages include most of what you need or a lot is missing and it ends up costing quite a bit extra?

[dutchess]

Hi ladies. I plan on going with free wedding April 20, 2014. From what I read its cheaper to go with that one and pay for any extras I want. I think I'm going with dolce for diner as it is most private without having to pay the private fee as there is only about 20 ppl. I am undecided as to what to do after diner tho. Maybe rent gazebo with dj. Or maybe poolside party as suggested. Not sure how first dances and bouquet and garder toss would go tho if I do that! I have no idea what to do about photography yet, but prob. Use the resort as I don't think paying vendors fee is reasonable. Anyone getting married this week or around then?. Curious as to what guest are getting quoted for flights out of Toronto.

[STemple]

Thanks. Do you use the wedding coordinators to plan the details or the travel agents? Who helps with what? We now have a quote we are happy with and aren't sure what our next steps are. It sounds like you and many other brides on here have it all figured out and I am just lost! Haha. But it's helpful to read these posts and talk to you ladies Good luck!

What I tell my clients is I'm responsible for the travel aspect of the wedding and handling any question your friends and family might have aswell as coordinating any special needs/ requests with the hotel or airline. When it comes to the wedding planning at the resort, that is best handled directly with the resort wedding coordinator. If you have a quote that your are happy with I'd say lock it in Hope I've helped!