Most of my guest are from Jamaica what should I do?

Okay so I’ve been researching resort but I’m running into a bit of a problem my FH is originally for Jamaica so some resort are requiring a certain percentage(i.e riu’s 80/20 rule) of pple to stay at the resort (most of my guest will be from Jamaica and are not planning on staying at the resort, My fam and friends from the states will) and some are requiring that all guest stay at the resort…. I do understand that some places offer day passes…Is there anyways to get around the whole percentage thing I’m just wondering if any past brides had this issue and what resort did they pick or how did they handle the situation?

You'll probably want to have the wedding off-resort to avoid having to pay for day-passes.

Here's a thread that should help give you some ideas: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t28399

Heartbeat,

I feel your pain, I ran into the same problem! My family is from Jamaica and most of the larger resorts do have an 80% or 50% rule. It was extremely frustrating! What part of Jamaica are you trying to have the wedding in? There are actually many hotels that do not have a % rule or a day pass fee, although they are not all-inclusives.

I contacted practically every resort from Ochi to Negril to Port Antonio. If you tell me your preferred area, I can give you a list of possible hotels. I actually ran into 2 problems when planning my wedding, the 80% rule and the fact that I am have a New Years Eve wedding. Many could not accommodate both, so I ended up booking at a hotel owned by a relative.

Here are just a few...

Negril

Cliffs: Catcha Falling Star, Blue Cave Castle, Xtabi, Negril Escape, Home Sweet Home Resort, Blue Fields Bay Villas

Beach: Kuyoba, Idle Awhile, Sea Wind Resort, Sunset on the Beach, Crystal Water Villas, Coco LaPalm, Charela Inn, Rondell Village

Montego Bay

Round Hill Hotel & Villas

Coyoba Beach Resort

I called or emailed many more, and I visited several this May when I was in Jamaica. Let me know if you have questions about these or other venues.

Hope this helps as a starting point.

FYI: The nicest beaches are in Negril.

KarlaS- Thank you SO MUCH for the list…I’m going to start researching them as soon as I get off (since I’m being and addict and checking the site while I’m at work)… if I have any question I will be sure to ask… Just a heads up I like to ask questions...lol

KarlaS-Are these the only two in Montego Bay? Also, are there any at all in Ocho Rios?

Montego Bay:

I didn't find any others that seemed decent, that were not all-inclusives. I didn't really want to do MoBay, so I didn't really focus a search there. You may be able to find others.

Ocho Rios:

Jamaica Inn

Goldeneye Resort

The Blue House (B&B, not on beach)

Falmouth:

Starfish Trelawny - this is an all-inclusive, but we have been there and the food is amazing, and the entertainment is great. There is no 50% rule. Weedings are $350. Day passes are only $50 per adult, and $30 per child. Private receptions run $35-85 per person.

Runaway Bay:

Breezes Runaway Bay - All inclusive, no 50% rule. $65 day pass

The majority of the rest are all inclusives w/high day pass fees.

Heartbeat,

I know what you mean, most of my family is originally from JA but now lives in the states, and I wasn't sure if they would be interested in staying at an expensive all-inclusive resort. Most likely I'll still end up at one of them anyway, but one option I was considering for a while was a large villa rental. These links have a few nice ones:

*Luxury Villas by Linda Smith - Villas we recommend for weddings

Luxury Private Villa Rentals in Jamaica, Vacation villas in Jamaica, Luxury Jamaica Villas, holiday resorts Jamaica

Generally you pay for one week's rental of the property and there is a wedding coordinator that's associated with the property who helps you with the set-up and venor coordination.

It's true that Negril has the nicest beaches, and they also have a lot of venues that don't require you to stay there. I found this great map that has all the hotels in the area:

http://www.jamaicans.com/bm~doc/comp...a_map_2008.pdf

Good luck!