RIU Questions- Private vs Semi Private & Music

Just in the preliminary stages of planning here, but.........

 

I have been emailing back and forth with the sales coordinator at RIU and he sent me a list of "extras" which included additional charges, $50 per person to be exact for a private reception. If I go semi-private it is included in my package. My question is, has anyone had a semi-private reception on the beach or poolside?? I am worried about "semi-private". Should I be? Please share your experience.

 

Also, I saw that its $500 per hour for the Reggae Band. Has anyone used the Reggae Band? How was it? My fiance says its a must, but it seems extravagant. What do you think? They also have the option of a Mento Band for $200 per hour. Whats a Mento Band? If you used an iPOD and speakers, how did that work out.

 

Any opinions are appreciated. I love this site!!!!!!

I'm not getting married at the same hotel but here's what we're doing: First of all what does "semi-private" mean exactly? That outsiders can walk the beach durring your reception? I can definetely see how $50.00 a person could add up quickly.I would find out exactly what "private" means, and see if it's worth the extra $$$. Our package includes a mariachi band for pre-ceremony and ceremony music. We will be using them before the ceremony, but are playing our own "ceremony music" From what I've read on here, 90% of the brides are going the IPOD route for the reception music. Were you thinking of the band for the entire reception or just durring dinner or something? Depending on the mood, and your guests personalities I would suggest having a variety of music durring the reception (whether it be a hired DJ, or IPOD songs) I think people will really appreciate the mix of songs, especially after having a few cocktails.

Thanks Andrea. That was my question- What does semi-private mean? Can't see private being worth $2000 extra. Hopefully some other Jamaica brides can shed some light on that.

 

I was thinking a buffet style dinner on the beach or by the pool, music for the entire reception. You are right about variety of music, so maybe an iPOD would be best. Guess I will need to find out about that set up.

 

Thanks again.

Semi-private means that the restaurant that you have your reception in, is open to the general public, during your reception. The difference is that you & your guests will be seated in a private section of the restaurant, which is kinda away from the other guests. I had my reception at Mammee Bay & I felt like it was totally private. My group didn't even pay attention to the other people eating there while we were there. You have assigned wait staff so you definitely get attention.

In terms of a reception on the beach, I think that goes for about $50 per person, depending on your menu. Chandlyn can probably give you the pricing for that if you ask. The set-up for that is beautiful & there are BDW brides have also gone with that option. Look at some ROR wedding reviews & you will see their pictures & thoughts.

For music you can definitely use your Ipod setup during the reception & probably on the beach as well.

We also did Free..semi private at Mammee Bay and honestly it seemed like it was private. There were two other wedding parties in the restaruant but they did a good job of keeping us each to our own part of the place. I didn't even notice anyone else!! And did I mention it was nothing extra. I spent extra on the private beach reception after the semi private dinner. It was well worth it.

The mento band is good, they played outside of one of the restaurants one night. Kinda hard to explain, they have little drums and other wooden instruments and they sing a lot of Bob Marley. You might want to check Youtube, i'm sure you can find a video of them.

 

As for the receptions, the beach and pool receptions are private. The only place you can have the free semi-private is at Mammee Bay. And i think occasionally at the Plantation if there are too many receptions to fit at Mammee Bay.

We are having our dinner at Mammee and then a poolside reception after that....I dont really know how busy the pool area will be around 8-10pm because they dont have tables set up for any other ppl, only your reception...

This is my understanding...

 

I think there is always confusion regarding the word "reception". Does it mean dinner? The party after dinner or both? ROR uses the word reception pretty interchangably....

 

The $50 ($55 next year) is the private reception (dinner, drinks, dancing) on the beach. I've seen pictures and it's BEAUTIFUL but the cost deters alot of people ($55 per person). I think there can be some substitutions on the menu, but from what I remember it's not a great menu. The cost does include the food, the service, the tables, chairs, linens and drinks. It's not horrible considering the setup and everything is included, but it's still expensive.

 

You can have a private reception at the Plantation, where it's $500 for 2 hours and $1000 for 4. I haven't looked much into this option but everything is included again and you are all alone. I think if you want the DJ and do your partying there you can, but of course you can pay extra.

 

The other option includes having your dinner as "semi-private" for free and then private drinking/dinner reception at the Seagrape, Pool or Disco. Where you pay $10pp for open bar and then $5pp for tables and chairs, and then you can play your music however (DJ, your Ipod etc).

 

Semi-private only refers to the meal. Your post meal options are always private.

Does anyone know if they have the IPOD setup there? Can I just show up with my IPOD and plug it in? Or do I need to bring the whole set up?

You would need to bring your ipod speakers.