Coyaba Resort -Mobay Brides post here!

Hey, ladies... no worries, I wish someone could have answered my questions so I'm glad to help...

The dance floor comes with the tent (its included in the price)... and its actually nice to have a place to dance because you're on the grass... I can't remember the total cost of the tent... I do remember though, that if you have over 60 ppl the price really starts to rack up because we had 61 people and I begged them to not charge me for table/chair rental...

It really is special though, walking down the lantern lit pathway away from the hotel... its like you're on your own private island.

Flowers were REALLY expensive... and trust me I investigated all my options... For my bouquet, I really like the cybidium (I can't spelll sorry!) orchids and so I got them and them only (no roses) and it was HUGE, but 300 bucks... i.e. NOT cheap. They were amazing and look fantastic in my professional photos. I thankfully only had 1 maid of honor and 1 junior bridesmaid, so I worked with her on a regular bouquet for the MOH and a smaller (cheaper) for the JB... also I made up for the cost by not having flowers at my tables... instead I used vases filled with candy... but someone had the pineapple idea and that's super cute...

I was told that the flowers are so expensive because most are imported... I also heard of someone going to a flower wholesaler in Montego bay (on this board I think) and got red roses and made her own bouquet... but I cannot remember the name of the place...

I also saved on cost by bringing down my own petals (freeze dried and silk) for the isle and the petal toss... HUGE savings.

I can post more pics if you'd like... Apparently sungold won't be posting my photos online as I didn't have their full package.

Thanks Angie for your reply. Don't feel too bad about your bouquet mine is costing $400. I'm doing green cybidium orchids with white cala lillies. And we have a 10 person bridal party. I'm definetly going to bring down my own petals for the aisle and petal toss. This wedding is starting to really add up. I just filled out the function report for JoAnne and I'm praying more people don't decide to come. We have 45 and I'll die if we get 60 or over. I can't afford table and chair rentals too.

Oh yet another question for you how were the regular meals like breakfast and lunch served? Did everyone get to order off a menu or was it buffet style? I just know people are going to eat in waves.

Another important question. When u went to the court there did they give you any type of copy of your license? We're having a church ceremony in my town the week after we get back and the priest needs a copy of whatever the jamaican court provides.

Thanks for replying.

Dana

Its definitely order off the menu. And its order as much as you want off the menu. I had some guests who were so in love with the rum french toast that they would order 2-3 orders at once... and sides of whatever... basically its a free for all. My favorite b-fast was the pancake sandwich... and you can order room service as well (no charge/extra charge if your on the all inclusive)...

This is the best kind of AI because its not buffet, its al a carte. Just a reminder though, that it is Jamaica so things happen a lot slower... so don't wait until your starving to eat, or you'll be sorry! (same goes for lunch!)

And you can come and go as you please. We were kind of a hassle for them because there were so many of us all going to dinner at once that we took up the entire place and obviously 60 people ordering at once Really slows down the kitchen!

And also beyond lunch... I had some friends who are basically human incinerators and they would sit at the bar and eat snacks until the pool bar closed. Again, its all part of the AI. So, while I felt bad about requiring my guests to do the AI, in the end, they definitely got their money's worth!

On the freeze dried petals, I just want to warn you that it might not be technically legal to bring them in... so hide them well in your bag(s). I separated my 60 cups into large ziploc bags, wrapped them in clothes and spread them out to 3 bags. I was also prepared to plead ignorance and claim that they were fake. I wasn't hassled at customs (breezed right through, actually) and so I don't know how they would feel about them. Just want to give you the heads up!

Also, one more tip... if you are flying Air Jamaica, I highly recommend you to upgrade to first class... its only 200 more per ticket (if you upgrade at the counter day-of), but you won't regret it. I got special handling of my dress (no jamming it into a bin), first on the plane so room for my carry on, cocktails and good breakfast, but the best part was getting off. We were the first off the plane and so NO waiting/lines at immigration, and our bags were first off the plane (they mark them with special first class tags so they are first off) so we didn't get stuck in a line at customs either. We were out of the airport within 20 minutes of the plane landing. (and the hotel is about a 7 minute ride from the airport so its also a huge plus!) SO nice!

Forgot to answer your question about the court... we didn't go to the court, Coyaba took care of all the paperwork effort... We did get a document from the minister that he signed that day but the official LEGAL document didn't arrive until about 2 weeks ago (its Jamaica, 'mon where everything is slower)... and the document that he gives you doesn't look very legal (its Jamaica, 'mon!), but when the official one comes in it looks a lot better.

thankfully we got ours in time for tax season... woohoo!

The best/worst part of the document, the bride is listed as 'spinster"... while the groom is a bachelor.

Hahaha so funny about the document. Hey well I guess as long as we get some kind of document I guess it'll work. Thanks again for all of your help in answering all my questions. You've been a HUGE help. I'm sure I'll have some more for you in the future. Enjoy married life!!!

Dana

Thanks to all for the Coyaba info! A question that I have is whether Coyaba also performs wedding ceremonies on the beach? Their website seems to indicate that it is possible, but I haven't seen any photos of beach weddings. Does anyone know about this? Thanks!

Hello I am also considering getting married at the Coyaba in April 2010. I was so happy to see this thread!!!! What did you guys have to put down to save the date?

All the reviews on trip adviser are really good.

Congrats to all brides getting married in Jamaica. Coyaba is one of the littlest resort in Montego Bay but it is very private and romantic it is one of the best place to get married. I have been there before. NICE!