171 replies to this topic

[atalanta]

We have booked for the full 130. I am a little nervous as we want to invite way more than 130 people. Our really conservative guest list (which excludes children not in the wedding party) has 182 people on it. I read somewhere that for destination weddings about 55% of the people invited attend. That would put at as 100 guests with room for some of our guests to bring children if they wanted, too. I've also heard; however, that more people came than some brides thought would so to be safe we are sending out the first 100 invites then sending out the rest as rejections come in.

 

My sister and I are going down a week early (maybe my Mom and Dad, too). We will definitely be staying with family during that period. When my fiance comes, we'll end up staying at a resort.
 

Originally Posted by delgadot 

Hello Ladies!! So exciting to start seeing more brides having their weddings at Hummingbird! This venue looks so beautiful online! Yes I am going to visit Hummingbird Hall this Memorial Day week end I have an appointment scheduled with Alisha! I am very excited and I will definetly make sure to let you girls know how it goes! My fingers are crossed that it all goes well!

 

So how many guests are you ladies expecting to attend your weddings? Are you girls looking at staying at a resort for accomodations or at Hummingbird?

 

[atalanta]

A boat cruise sounds lovely. I think I read on the Iberostar thread that someone did a catamaran cruise for their guests. If I can find it I will post the info. Would you send the HH photography info, please? I just kind of assumed that we would have the photographer for the wedding, golf-car tour, and reception.  We really never asked much about photography. I know it sounds a little crazy, but it wasn't a priority of mine. I figured our guests would take pictures and we would just have them upload them to our computer before they left the reception and make our pictures from that and then I could always choose afterwards whether or not to buy the HH package. My sister keeps telling me that I'm going to regret it, but I think I'll regret being in debt much more.

 

Thanks for the tip about the payment plan through Delta Vacations and for the reminder about the Hilton not truly being an all inclusive. I hate when something is billed as something it isn't. That is a bit annoying. However, our main interest in the Hilton and the Ritz is the bottom-line price. They are about $100-200/day cheaper. Also, the Hilton has that great water park, and I know some of my friends are planning to bring their kids (even though they are not invited to the wedding). My uncle has offered to throw us a welcome barbecue at his house, which might double as our rehearsal dinner. We are also trying to coordinate an outing for our guests, if it ends up not being too expensive. Then there is the wedding. For people who are going down and turning around or for those who may want to venture off to see the rest of Jamaica, it just seems as though they wouldn't get the most of the higher priced all-inclusive. But then again Iberostar is a beautiful resort and some might just prefer staying there. But that's what's nice about an HH wedding. Our guests could choose what would work best for them financially and otherwise.

 

All of my family is Jamaican so much of my family will be staying at home or with relatives.  My fiance has no Jamaican connections (except me) so all of his guests and my friends will be staying at resorts (about half of the guest list).  I am hoping that by encouraging our guests to book at one or two hotels that maybe our group can get a large discount or some other perks. I've been wondering is whether the brides staying at a resort have been able to get any perks for booking large groups at these resorts even though their wedding is off-site. Have either of you heard of this? I haven't, but it seems as though we should get something if we book 50 rooms, right?

 

I haven't been able to talk to anyone at the Hilton. The group reservations woman says that I have to talk to the wedding coordinator and she never calls me back. UgggH! I talked with a travel agent and she said she would look into it once my date got a little closer, but if you have any info that would be great! If you've heard anything that would be great to know.

 

 

 

 

 

Originally Posted by Miss K 

Hi Ladies!

 

I hope your trip goes well at the end of May, I cant wait to hear all about it! Well about the photography I was told recently that they do not have a set photographer anymore since their previous once moved the the states to pursue a career. They sent me the info about him but he didnt seem as experienced and he didnt have a portfolio. His pricing was ok but when comparing to other photographers he didnt include as much time. The photographer they recommended seem newer in his career and I just feel in love with some of the other photographers portfolios. Once of the most popular photographers in Montego Bay, Sun Gold Photography I ABSOLUTELY LOVED but they arent available on my day and their prices are slightly steeper. But they have a sister company under them called Associates Photographers that have about 6 different photographers and they give samples of their work and their prices are reasonable, so I am going with one of their associate photographers. I also looked at Stacey Clarke Photography. I can send anyone the info about the HH photography or anyone else if interested!

 

I loved the Hilton, I was going back and forth between the Hilton and Iberostar Suites but since my guest count dropped and is only about 30 - 40 people as of now - we decided on Iberostar Suites. I am definitely an advocate of all inclusive resorts especially when your guests are thinking of saving money. I gave my closest friends and family the option when deciding - most people wanted to pay more for the trip so that once arriving to the resort they knew at least all their meals and drinks are included unless they wanted to venture off and eat at local restaurants and etc. I was able to find a travel agent that booked our trips through Delta Vacations which allows my guests to pay $150.00 deposit to hold airfare and hotel and pay on their trip over the year. This was the best option for us because my guests can pay on their trips like a monthly bill, especially if you have a year to pay towards it and it doesnt appear so expensive. 

 

My TA also told me that Hilton wasn't a true all inclusive - some items at the al carte restaurants were extra money, like steak or etc. And I knew my guests would prefer to eat and drink all week and not have to pay a penny. The Iberostar resorts are all inclusive totally.

 

I am still trying the figure out the welcome/ rehearsal dinner and maybe doing a group boat cruise but I havent had any luck yet, anyone have any suggestions?

 

[delgadot]

I am not sure how accomodating the resorts will be if you choose to have your wedding off site and not with them...

 

I was wondering this too because I know that the Iberostar resorts will reserve one of their specialty restaraunts for your group the night before the wedding for your rehearsal/welcome dinner and I have heard that they will even upgrade the bride and groom's room to ocean front at no extra charge. So I would still ask the Hilton I dont think it will hurt to see if they are still willing to offer any deals or perks especially if you are booking 50 rooms.

 

@ atalanta- WOW you are booked for 130 people! You are having a large destination wedding! That is awesome! So what are you thinking about doing for souvenirs?

[osharp323]

Hello ladies... I will be using Hummingbird Hall in just 3 short weeks for a vow renewal. I am very excited. We have been workinng with Alisha on fonalizing the decor and flowers... We will have a small group going.. we are all staying at Iberostar Rose Hall Suites. Our renewal is on May 29th, 2011... The only item left for me is Bridal Make-up (and the prices in MBJ) are extreme... I have had makeup done at tons of places and MBJ is double the cost... My make up in St.Thomas at the Ritz Carlton for our Wedding day 5 years ago was a third of the cost... Even in Texas where we live now professional AIrbrush make-up is half the cost.. other than that small detail i am very excited... I will post pictures as soon as we return:) 22 days and counting

[Miss K]

Hey Ladies!!!

 

Happy Mothers Day to all!  

 

Congrats on having 130 booked atalanta! I agree that is going to be super fun. Also I just received my questionnaire from Alisha about wedding songs, traditions and etc and I am freaking out as I havent decided any of this! I would love to see pics osharp323, congrats and I hope you vow renewal and trip is awesome!

 

Is anyone doing like welcome bags or etc? I am super behind on all these things

 

 

[delgadot]

@ Osharp Congrats on your upcoming vowel renewal!

@ Miss K I plan on having welcome bags for my guests. I want to include Jamaican themed items like small bottles of rum, blue mountain coffee possibly some snacks...but I have to see how much these items will cost. I plan on going to the local supermarket when I am there for my site visit to check out the prices. What are you thinking about putting in yours?

[atalanta]

Happy belated Mother's Day all!

 

Welcome to our thread Osharp. Congratulations on your vow renewal! I, too, look forward to reading your review and looking at pictures. I definitely understand what you are saying about the cost of things in Jamaica. Prices are outrageous. When we were kids, things were so much more reasonable there. Lola at Hummingbird Hall told me that Jamaica is pretty popular right now so everything will be at a premium. I would love to hear if you find a reasonable airbrush make-up artist. July, when we plan to have our wedding, is the hottest month so I definitely want a professional job so my make up won't run or rub off on my or other's clothes.

 

Delgadot, I think you're right it doesn't hurt to ask. The Iberostar deal is sweet, when you visit would you mind asking for me whether they have deals/perks at Iberostar if you hold your wedding off-site? If I ever find out anything from the Hilton, I will let you know.

 

I'm not sure about souvenirs or OOT (out-of-town) bags. I think whether we do either or both and what goes in the will depend on our final guest list count. We have over 200 people combined on our primary and secondary guest lists.  HH can only host 130 max, so initially we aren't inviting children and unmarried/uncommitted guests who are not in the wedding. If we receive regrets early enough we will allow some guests to bring partners and/or kids. I'm just a little nervous about exceeding the 130 number. If we do, we would have to hold the wedding off-site at the aqueduct or gazebo, which comes as an additional extra.

 

Your plan of the Jamaican specialty items is great as you won't have to travel with much. I will probably do something similar. My unofficial plan is that my sisters and I will go down a week before to settle on the welcome to JA/rehearsal dinner plans and guests gifts at that time. I know it's a little last minute, but I wouldn't be me if I didn't procrastinate with some aspect of the wedding.

 

Miss K, I know what you mean. Alisha sent us the questionnaire at the beginning of the year right after we booked, and it freaked me out, too. I thought that everything had been planned since the site, reception hall, decorations, and menu had been decided on until I got her questionnaire.

 

The only comfort I can add is that we are here to help. You can always bounce ideas, solicit suggestions, and vent. 

 

 

Have a great rest of the week!

 

 

 

[osharp323]

Hello ladies... I ordered great favors from vista print.. they have great coupons and discounts.. I customized T-SHirts for each guest.. we only have 12 people going so it was very reasonable.. I paid 4.99 per shirt... not a bad price.. I will post lots of pictures.. We were married in St.Thomas 5 years ago and I will tell you Hummingbird Hall is such a small fraction of the cost we paid.. I think i am going to book the makeup today... We are finalizing the details.. like the flowers and cake... I  will keep everyone posted:) praying for good weather and sunshibne.. Congrats to you all planning weddings... that was such an exciting time for me.. but even after 5 years of marriage and two kids later the renewal is just as fun with out all the pressure:)

[atalanta]

Thank you so much. Osharp for your insight. I am having a blast.

[atalanta]

oops, my message got cut off.  the rest follows:

 

and reading that HH is a fraction of what you pays 5 years ago in the caribbean makes my feel better at the amount of money we are spending. Praying for sunshine for you, too.