Secrets St James/Wild Orchid Weddings 2012/2013

[muneera0302]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jennkn87 
 

Have you been there previously, or just read the reviews and done your research? I won't have time, and don't want to spend the extra money, to do a site visit first. I have been researching the Iberostar chain. Did you look into them at all? You are DEF saving TONS of money! That is GREAT! Your prices are very good for your guests too! How many people do you have booked to go down for the wedding?

i went to all 3 iberostar locations and secrets this year (on my hunt for a wedding location). iberostar grand was beautiful, adults only! they have a gorgeous entry and staircase. iberostar suites is nice as well, and beach was the one i liked the least in decor and overall look compared to the other two (iberostar beach the cheapest also). they are all located next to eachother in that order. im pretty sure i still have pricing for both iberostar and secrets if you need it.

 

secrets is beautiful and much smaller than iberostar, it's secluded on its own peninsula. i'm going again this weekend to finalize some stuff. there are a few girls who created planning threads that show pictures of secrets.

[krisf1986]

I have not been there but have done EXTENSIVE research the last year and a half and honestly I wouldnt choose anything different. I was very picky about budget and my choice of hotel and overall secrets was a Little more pricey than I wanted but was worth it and still not way too much. Also I researched iberostar resorts and also liked them however their wedding packages are much worse than secrets. And more expensive. They did not include alot and I also really wanted my reception to be private and on the beach which is not an option at iberostar unless you pay like $5000 to rent their restaurant. Also iberostar just seems too big with too many people. So far I have about 35 guests! Most of my closest friends and family are coming and its true that some people will not come however I have found that its not necessarily the total cost that determines that. People will or wont come and I wouldnt worry too much cause a couple hundred wont be the deciding factor. Another thing I did was gave my guests the option to stay 3, 4, or 5 nights depending on their budget which also helps. But yes work with a travel agent as my guests are paying less than half of what the pricing on tgeir website is. And it helps cause my guests only paid $100 deposit ti reserve tgeir room and the rest isnt due til February!

[cora4600]

Can I ask what travel agent you used? Or who you would recommend working with?

[muneera0302]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cora4600 

Can I ask what travel agent you used? Or who you would recommend working with?

 

i used Wright Travel Agency, http://www.wrighttravelagency.com/ and i worked with Barbara "babs", she is awesome and helped out so much! Def took alot of worries and stress off my shoulders! they are also the preferred travel agency for this site.

[muneera0302]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krisf1986 

I have not been there but have done EXTENSIVE research the last year and a half and honestly I wouldnt choose anything different. I was very picky about budget and my choice of hotel and overall secrets was a Little more pricey than I wanted but was worth it and still not way too much. Also I researched iberostar resorts and also liked them however their wedding packages are much worse than secrets. And more expensive. They did not include alot and I also really wanted my reception to be private and on the beach which is not an option at iberostar unless you pay like $5000 to rent their restaurant. Also iberostar just seems too big with too many people.

So far I have about 35 guests! Most of my closest friends and family are coming and its true that some people will not come however I have found that its not necessarily the total cost that determines that. People will or wont come and I wouldnt worry too much cause a couple hundred wont be the deciding factor. Another thing I did was gave my guests the option to stay 3, 4, or 5 nights depending on their budget which also helps. But yes work with a travel agent as my guests are paying less than half of what the pricing on tgeir website is. And it helps cause my guests only paid $100 deposit ti reserve tgeir room and the rest isnt due til February!

 

yes i agree with you!!! we did great by picking secrets! :-)

[Jennkn87]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krisf1986 

I have not been there but have done EXTENSIVE research the last year and a half and honestly I wouldnt choose anything different. I was very picky about budget and my choice of hotel and overall secrets was a Little more pricey than I wanted but was worth it and still not way too much. Also I researched iberostar resorts and also liked them however their wedding packages are much worse than secrets. And more expensive. They did not include alot and I also really wanted my reception to be private and on the beach which is not an option at iberostar unless you pay like $5000 to rent their restaurant. Also iberostar just seems too big with too many people.

So far I have about 35 guests! Most of my closest friends and family are coming and its true that some people will not come however I have found that its not necessarily the total cost that determines that. People will or wont come and I wouldnt worry too much cause a couple hundred wont be the deciding factor. Another thing I did was gave my guests the option to stay 3, 4, or 5 nights depending on their budget which also helps. But yes work with a travel agent as my guests are paying less than half of what the pricing on tgeir website is. And it helps cause my guests only paid $100 deposit ti reserve tgeir room and the rest isnt due til February!

When I went through the package details that secrets provided me last night again..... it seemed that their prices were more expensive and they didn't include a reception at all...among other things. I did however like how they included some photography (however I want to do a TTD session)....among some other extras. What other differences did you notice? Maybe I missed some things!

[LisaJoy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cora4600 

Can I ask what travel agent you used? Or who you would recommend working with?

 

Cindy Watty http://alfrescotravel.com/About_Us.html Cindy was SO informative. Repeatedly checked in with us. Weeks up to our depature, provided travel tips, tips on Jamaica, etc. A very detailed and honest travel agent. She booked the hotel/airfare and got the best rate out there! The hotel knows Cindy well and often works with her. While we were checking into the hotel, I saw some suitcases with the luggage name tag "Travel Impressions" then you fill in your own info. Cindy sends a travel care package to everyone prior to their trip including luggage tags. I smiled when I saw her luggage tags on someone else's luggage. She is a fantastic travel agent!!

[futuremrsbono]

Does anyone know if you are allowed to throw petals or confetti if your location is the beach casita? I'd really like some kind of glittery confetti at the end instead of rice, the pictures I've seen where people do that look amazing.

[krisf1986]

Thats weird. Yes the reception is included in the packages. It should say...but ya my package includes reception with buffet, champagne toast, and cake on the beach or the gazebos or the ballroom for up to 20 people then there is a charge for extra guests. My travel agents name is ketti menne. She works for all about honeymoons and destination weddings and she is AMAZING!!! She got us a great deal and always helps me and gets back to me within a couple hours! I highly recommend her. She also doesnt cost money as resorts and vendors pay her to recommend clients:) let me know if you have any other questions!

[krisf1986]

Oh and I am also doing a ttd session but I have a photographer in the family so that saves me money...