Secrets St James/Wild Orchid Weddings 2012/2013

[pzl101]

Originally Posted by LisaJoy 

 

 

Lisa-Marie was a point of contact however Simone and Rocio will also be working with you if you proceed with Secrets.

Yes, there are up to 3 weddings a day. The day we were married, we were the only couple. We went with 4pm, the best time slot in my opinion. Most people are off the beach getting ready for dinner compared to earlier in the day.

We rented the sound system. Brought a CD because I was worried the Iphone may skip, freeze, etc. It went perfectly! I provided them a list of songs and had the songs in proper order. They made sure the correct song played for me walking down the aisle as well as for our first dance.

If you are using the gazebo location, it will be crowded for 24 people plus minister, photographer. Just an FYI. You can go with a beach wedding which is what we original wanted. Lisa advised it was not that private because of people on the beach and in the water. From observing while there 10 days, I think it would have worked out well! Since we only had a total of 8 people, the gazebo ended up being perfect for us. There is the beach casita as well. Not that private since its right off the pathway and near a pool but it works. You can decide once you arrive which area you prefer but I'm sure you'll know prior to arriving what you'd like. If you have the money to rent decor or DIY, the beach wedding would be awesome. Out of all weddings while we were there, everyone was married in the gazebos. There are two options, one on the Wild Orchid side and the other on the St. James side. We choose the WO side since our room was in the Preferred Club and it was more private since that beach is solely for PC members. The St. James beach is where the pool parties are at. It wasn't our thing but if that's what you are looking to do...that is your area.

Gotcha ... I emailed Lisa Marie with additional questions and she was quick to reply back. I'm disappointed about the multiple weddings per day but I guess most resorts do that. I also agree about the 4pm being the time slot. That's great you were the only couple on your day.

 

I def want the ceremony to be on the beach - I'm pretty simple in terms of decor so I may do a mix up paying for certain things or DIY- I don't like the white covers and sash on the chairs but they are just ugly metal folding chairs underneath. If I want plain white folding chairs, they are considered an upgrade.

 

Did you do a run through the day before or just winged it? Was the minister nice and did you customize the ceremony with your own vows or readings?

[LisaJoy]

Did you do a run through the day before or just winged it? Was the minister nice and did you customize the ceremony with your own vows or readings?

 

 

We did not do a run through the day prior. I believe that cost money and didnt feel we needed it.

 

The minister was Bishop Terrence Gordon. Very very nice man and apparently well known in Jamaica. Google.

 

We chose not to say our own vows. It was a traditional non denomination ceremony.

[SWOK]

just emailed them about this and they said no - just need to bring a copy of the marriage cert and that the ceremony will be changed from legal to a renewal of vows. i asked if there was a price difference and they just ignored that part of the question! hahah

[pzl101]

Originally Posted by SWOK 

 

just emailed them about this and they said no - just need to bring a copy of the marriage cert and that the ceremony will be changed from legal to a renewal of vows. i asked if there was a price difference and they just ignored that part of the question! hahah

you emailed them about what? saying your own vows?

[SWOK]

Hey sorry I dont know how to get that quoted stuff in there but I just emailed them about getting married in America and then having the ceremony in Jamaica but whether or not the legal one in response to another persons question

[krisf1986]

If you get.married here first it's $150 for the ceremony. Of you get married there legally it's $300

[alexisinjamaica]

I just posted a review for any Secrets brides out there looking for info! http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/86938/secrets-st-james-wedding-review

[pzl101]

Originally Posted by LisaJoy 

 

 

Secrets requires a $100 deposit to reserve a date. Shortly there after, they email you information (music, decor, locations, cake, flowers, etc. costs.) so you may review your options. You can email and ask all the questions you want during your "waiting time." Two months out, they contact you and get your decisions on decorations, music....everything. Trust me, its weird to not do anything during that time frame except wait. LOL A lot of brides do DIY projects during that time to eliminate costs at the resort. You have to take into consideration transporting your stuff to the resort then back, the costs for additional luggage. You can rent a musician, band or bring an Iphone/CD with a docking station OR rent the sound system for an hour. When you arrive, they have a scheduled meeting for you and the wedding team. At that time, you hand over your outfits to be pressed and any other items relating to the wedding. They take it from there and set it all up.

how long does it take for them to get back to you after you sent them the reservation form and CC info for the deposit? When I was asking preliminary questions, Lisa Marie was getting back to me within the same day. But now ... I sent the res form 2 days ago and I haven't heard back about a confirmation for my date ...they did charge my cc already ... so I guess that means I have my date and time reserved? I wish they would send me the confirmation already!

[LisaJoy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pzl101 

how long does it take for them to get back to you after you sent them the reservation form and CC info for the deposit? When I was asking preliminary questions, Lisa Marie was getting back to me within the same day. But now ... I sent the res form 2 days ago and I haven't heard back about a confirmation for my date ...they did charge my cc already ... so I guess that means I have my date and time reserved? I wish they would send me the confirmation already!

 

 

Isn't it crazy how a company will work so hard to get your business, then the moment they get your money, they back off? Gosh, this world and lack of customer service. They will get back to you. Now that you are their client, it will be on their time. I felt I was pushy at times but hey, you are paying them a lot of money. The turnaround time was not that bad, maybe 3 days, but certainly do not expect a 24 hour turnaround.

[krisf1986]

I emailed questions about ky wedding a month ago and still no response......really annoying. And when I emailed about ky bouquet that also took over a month