Anyone having problems with Grand Palladium Jamaica?

Thanks so much for everyone's encouragement. I keep hearing that things pull together once you meet with the coordinator. I think we're finally making some headway with the plans...only 3 months to go and getting really excited to get out of this snowy cold weather!

Dave and I were engaged at the GP last March...we had such an amazing time at the resort, great food, fun people, beautiful locations and could go on....that we did decide to bring family and friends back to the same spot. So if there's anyone out there that has not yet visited the resort, and maybe a bit nervous, rest assured you have nothing to worry about as it's a fantastic place.

 

wedding:

April 9, 2010

4pm gazebo

Blue Lagoon

It really is a relief to hear that.
You're getting married the day before me!!! We will definitely see each other there!

I'm getting married on May 3, 2010 @ 4pm in the Gazebo.

I'm unsure about the reception. Is the Blue Lagoon the private reception area?

Also, in regards to a florist and photographer I was under the impression that you had to use the ones supplied by the resort Is there options?

 

Thanks,

Melanie

Yes the Blue Lagoon is the private reception area. I don't think we can use an outside florist but I have heard of many people using an outside photographer. The resort doesn't seem to mind as long as the outside photographer is not another local jamaican. Basically, the photographer will just need to be a guest of the hotel.

They charge $100 an hour for the Blue Lagoon with a 3 hour minimum.

I got quotes from a couple of florists. In the end, Tai flora was the cheapest overall. The others were cheaper for the boutonnieres only, in my case. I never asked the resort if I could have used another florist because I wanted Tai Flora. I do think it is important to get your quote directly from the florist. I worked with the florist directly and I made sure they gave me credit for the resort flower package that is included with the wedding at GP. I had to ask for the credit. They did not just offer it up. The reason I did it this way is because I heard that some WC's add a little something extra to the cost for themselves. I am not saying that the WC's at GP resort add anything to the cost of the flowers. I just wanted to make sure they did not.

I know of Brides that have used other local Photographers and just bought them a day pass without any problems. EX: Diana Campbell ([email protected]) is very reasonable and local. I think she quoted me $1200 for all day coverage and a TTD the next day. I hired Nora Bohanon ([email protected]). She is US based and will travel to your destination wedding. The resort will say no outside local photographers. Just do not tell them you are hired them to work. Put them on your guest list and tell the resort that the resort photographer is not needed. You will be fine, no matter what you choose.

Happy Wedding Planning!!!!

tiffandmarv and mswhatever,

Thanks for replying. I haven't received anything from the resort regarding flowers. Did you just choose what you wanted from the Tia Flora website? Did you contact the florist directly, or let the WC know? I'm getting married May 3 and haven't yet really made any major decisions regarding the wedding and now I'm starting to panic a little. I can't believe how organized everyone is!

So far we've got 20 people attending and I'm a little worried that maybe the blue lagoon is too big for a group of that size? I've read some other posts where others had 70 people in the same area for a private reception.

Also, I've been told that I have to have a set menu with the tropical package and I'm having issues deciding what I think 20 people will want to eat. Maybe I'll have to survey my guests....

 

Melanie

In regards to Tai Flora, I contacted them directly. I sent them a pic of a bouquet that I liked and asked them to put together a package around that bouquet. After I received the quote and the package they had put together for me, I began to make changes to better suit me.

I think a private reception is a must. They have 2 choices in this area, the Blue Lagoon (larger) or the Poseidon (smaller). I prefer the Blue Lagoon's view. I would not worry about the size of your party. I would pick the location that speaks to you.

I have not got to the menu choices in my planning yet. I do not think anyone really cares about the food. They are there to share your day. As they say in Jamaica, "no worries man!"

In regards to the menu, I'm thinking of asking them to do a tasting plate of the 2 choices, rather than having to ask my guests what they want in advance. Who is going to want to know what they want to eat in 2.5 months?

Hi ladies, I had emailed Lori about the flowers as well. This is what she had said, and she sent me an attachment of all the flowers. (I hope the attachment posts!)

 

 

"Please see attached floral magazine for your perusal. The bouquets that comes with the wedding packages are as follows: 128, 130, 149-164.

 

Lori Douglas

 

Wedding Coordinator

 

Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort and Spa

Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort and Spa

The Point, Lucea P.O.

Hanover,

Jamaica W.I.

Telephone: 876 619 0000 extn 8251

Fax: 1876-620-0001

Email: [email protected]"

 

 

 

Okay I keep trying to add it as an attachment, but I think it is just too big. I'm not sure what to do, any suggestions are welcome. In till then, Lori has been extremely helpful and patient with me. I'm sure if you e.mail her she will definitely send you the attachment of flower options. I'm sure you can have something else done s far as flowers..these are just the few that come with selective packages.

Mel as far as your photographers I was told that we can bring our own photographers in to the resort. We are not allowed to hire out side Jamaican photographers. We are bringing ours with us instead of using the resorts. I have seen some of their photos. Some are great some are not so great. (We went to GPJ in June) To us, our photos are one of the most important things, because its really the only thing we get to bring back with us that is tangible as far as our wedding day/week. Plus I just really LOVE pictures!

 

Don't feel like your unorganized! I was under the impression that everything would be taken care of when we got to the resort as far as picking out things. Everything will be easy breezy! I do have to say though, that since the WC have changed so much, i find myself doing a lot of "pre picking" and asking a lot of questions to Lori. The wedding packages have changed dramatically since over 6 months ago when I saved our wedding date with a deposit.

 

alright ladies, It's late, I have got to get to bed. I hope some of these posts of mine make since to someone! lol. Happy planning!