JenniferSS

all I can say is Wow- that is awful

The room keys are actually the credit card looking things without a hole- it'll also be the card that you use to purchase any items in the gift shops!

Sorry for the delay- the forum has been acting strange for me since we did an update! July is hurricane season but typically it is not at all bad- more into the fall is when there are typically more storms! Plus even in the Pacific there are storms! The resort is not at all cheesy- there are designed restaurants but nothing over the top. The grounds are very well manicured and have a park like setting and the pools are large and clean! The beach is fantastic and goes on for a good couple of miles. I can not see Hitian refugees going to the Whitehouse area of Jamaica-it is secluded and the village there is a small fishing village- it can only support the people who live there. To get to Whitehouse you go through the mountains-again not an area where you would relocate a large group of people.

Sandals Emerald Bay is just stunning! I saw a couple of pics -sorry I am not allowed to share just yet but the water & beach there takes your breathe away it is soooo beautiful! Yes, you can bring your own photographer- but they have to be a guest of the resort for 3 days.

if they have scheduled an event -definately! But if nothing is scheduled they will take a well deserved day off! Quote: Originally Posted by becks1581 What about symbolic ceremonies/weddings that take place on Sunday? That's when ours is scheduled...would you expect the full-time wedding coordinator to still be there??

if they have scheduled an event -definately! But if nothing is scheduled they will take a well deserved day off! Quote: Originally Posted by becks1581 What about symbolic ceremonies/weddings that take place on Sunday? That's when ours is scheduled...would you expect the full-time wedding coordinator to still be there??

You'd have better luck getting them to do your Moms makeup then getting flowers! With destination weddings becoming so popular they are less willing to negotiate com[ponents within a package also the less expensive the rooms are the less they are willing to negotiate!

Welcome to teh forum! That's pretty standard for the TA to use a supplier and it isn't what is holding up the WC- the WC will either contact your TA or you -usually within 48 business hrs but it depends on which Sandals you booked-some are busier than others. The purple flowers will be available! I am not sure if the costs are the same with teh candian brides as they are with the US brides but generally to extend the basic 30 minute reception it is 15.00 per person without extra tables or decorations. You can get married anywhere on their beach- if you are looking for a chuppa that will be at an additional cost. They also have a small gazebo overlooking the beach but the area to watch the wedding is small but it is very private and intimate! Quote: Originally Posted by DWbridetobe Jennifer, we've booked our Sandals trip for the wedding, but since we booked through a TA, who booked through AirCanada vacations (so many middlemen), I haven't heard from a WC yet. I was under the impression that one would contact me once the trip was booked? As such, I have a few questions. FI and I are doing this wedding on a budget since we're both finishing up school and are going to have some major debt there. We'd like to do the basic, free MS package. We've already ordered invitations matching the purple flowers, so I hope that will still be available! Anyways, we noticed on the site that the reception is only for 2 people, plus the bride and groom. A CSR that I talked to through their site mentioned that we can expand that to fit more guests. Is that true? If so, what is the cost involved? Also, do you know what 'scenery' is available at the Sandals regency St. Lucia for the wedding ceremony? We were hoping for an actual beach setting. ANY information you can provide me will be appreciated. Thanks!

I guess I haven't rambled quite enough just yet ! The reception you can schedule for whenever you would like- if you prefer to do it an hr or even two hrs after the reception Sandals will be fine with that!

Welcome to the forum DiamondDani! It'll be harder to be able to accommodate 15 at one of the restaurants- they are really designed for couples or groups of 4-6 at most. There are a couple of ways that it might work but keep in mind that the meals will likely not all come out at the same time , and depending on the layout of the restaurant you may not all be sitting at the same tables. Also the bar service may be slow as it depends on the restaurant but many do not have an in restaurant bar- the waitstaff go to a central bar- when a group comes in like that they will not have it properly staffed ( as they weren't expecting you). the next statement usually is -but they already paid for the AI so the staffing should be there! keep in mind that at a restaurant they will seat one couple at a time- this allows for the waitstaff to assist each table in turn. For groups of 15 they would have normally scheduled at least 2 waiters so that the orders can all be taking in a timely manner, dinners and drinks brought out together ect. However if you have a butler they may be able to arrange something . If not the best bet is to get to the restaurant when it first opens and you may be able to seat 15. Be patient though as the service may not be what you expected. The buffet wou;ld be the easiest place to arrange a group meal and have everyone be able to eat at teh same time! There are a few reasons for the extra cost for a private reception. The first having the staff set up the private area for your party. The second is the kitchen staff that is dedicated to having your meals all come out together. And then there are the the staff & bartender ( plus bar set up) that is dedicated to serving you & your guests and of course the clean up crew! They do not pull this staff from the other restaurants as that would mean a drop in service but rather they bring them in just for your event. At any rate I've babbled enough!

TA Jennifer here! I do not think that the quality will be affected at all - the Gm of the property -Mr Grant has always done an amazing job at the resort and with his employees and I cannot see that he would let the last few months be anything diferent. My clients have always had the best service-above & beyond what was expected, and a wonderful time at Sandals Dunns River Villagio, I have actually never had a complaint and it is all due to Mr. Grant being at the helm!

Unfortunately most of the resorts do not have their wedding departments open on a sunday. Makes it a pain when I go down for site visits so it's usually the day that I will change resorts! Quote: Originally Posted by EmenGeeRoxx I am pretty disappointed in Zulma. She never emailed or returned my calls regarding my deposit. She said I could use my deposit for a massage. We actually went down to the Royal last Sunday but the Wedding Center was closed. It is actually a huge designated office so not sure how they can be so overwhelmed. The place where I got married has weddings almost daily and the coordinator there was on point and so responsive.

Just wanted to note that Playacar Palace is a beachfront resort- however it has very little beach due to erosion. Also the issue has not been the resort -it is the WC's in Michigan. They are completely overwhelmed and are looking to hire two new coordinators to assist. Quote: Originally Posted by RaychelRae I've been stalking this thread for awhile now, and I have to say, between the outrageous and unstable fluctuations in prices (ie: outside vendor fee going WAY up) and the inconsistent communication between you ladies and the resort, I think I'm going to book my rooms elsewhere. It sounds like it's been a great place for the ladies that have made it work, but also sounds like you kinda have to go through planning hell to reach the end product. I have recently spoke with my WC (not from the Royal or Gran Porto) and she gave me a couple other places to look at, after expressing my concern regarding the Royal. At this point in time I'm thinking I'm going to go with Playacar Palace. It's not right on the beach, however it is right off of 5th ave and I think I'm going to get a great deal. If we book 25 rooms we get unlimited private functions (welcome dinner, rehearsal dinner, reception, cocktail, etc.) AND 7 nights free for the bride and groom. That in itself is enough to hook me! A reception alone at the Gran was looking to be about $1,500 for us, even if all our guests are staying there!

Welcome to the forum! It all depends on what you are looking for, what your budget is and how many guests that you plan on having! Sandals can be quite reasonably priced! The free package includes all the basics- location, official, bouquet, boutinierre, cake and champagne. If you have 10 rooms booked then you receive a free 30 minute reception with champagne, appetizer and cake. If you want to upgrade and add additional flowers, music ect then there will be additional costs-but that is the same with any resort!

hello ! The Martha Stewartt packages can not be modified- however they are coming out with a floral and accessories catalogue ( hopefully we'll get it within the next couple of weeks! ) where I am told that you can personalize pacakges and also chose your own colors! Quote: Originally Posted by Niedertobe Thanks for all of the information Jennifer. Are packages only offered with the colors show then? Or can we pick and choose a little?

Very normal- some suppliers send out a month before-ohers a few weeks after final payment. Even with our suppliers that send out earlier I do not send the travel documents to clients until approximately two weeks prior to travel- I've found that any sooner and many people end up losing them and then it's a last minute scramble trying to get replacment docs- and no one wants to pay for overnight shipping! Don't get stressed out though as the docs are really just so you have something in hand- everything is done electronically now and very, very few places ask for travel vouchers!

I have a bride who just returned from Sandals whitehouse that loved it! She's alreday booked to go back for her anniversay next January! Of course it really depends on what YOU are looking for!

Definately try Aruba- contact TA Maureen- she's an Aruba specialist and will be able to help you out!

Quote: Originally Posted by collyj From Lancaster UK or Penn? Personally, i think that's bananas. either leave from NYC or Philly or venture to another agent. If you're leaving from Penn, then a package to sandals should be no more than 3K for both of you....... we're paying 1300 and we're leaving from Canada.... shop around! what are your dates? colly j- you are getting married at an iberostar- although both are Ai there are significant differences between Iberostar and Sandals. Do not take this as a bashing of Iberostar- it is a great resort- I sell and recommend them quite often but it all depends on what is important to my client . Some differences- Iberostar -you are limited in how many a la carte (sit down being served) vists you can have during your stay-based on number of nights Sandals -unlimited a la carte dinners during stay Iberostar- only premium brands are available in the lobby bar-limited selection Sandals- premium brands available at all bars-very wide range of selection including Beringer wines and champagne Iberostar- wristbands Sandals-no wristbands Iberostar- must make reservations for the limited a la cartes Sandals Negril - only the japanese show cooking reetaurant require reservations due to the nature of the restaurant all others are open to guests unlimted times. Iberostar - towel cards Sandals -no towel cards Iberostar- offers limited watersports as part of all inclusive Sandals -offers a greater variety of watersports plus waterskiing and wake boarding plus daily snorkel trips and diving if you are certified. The beaches are quite different and as Maureen pointed out the person in question also upgraded to a concirge level suite. This thread is almost bordering on bashing this person for wanting an overall different experience- please be careful how the posts are being worded. Just because those things may not mean much to you doesn't mean that they are not important to someone else. I have had clients spend over $17,000 for a honeymoon and I have had clients who have spent $1800 for a honeymoon- each of their desires and needs were completely differnt and each had a wonderful time because they did exactly what THEY wanted. The pricing thatthis bride ( the original OP) is in line with an upper room category at Sandals Negril.

The policy at all resorts that if they sell out the guests who have booked elsewhere will still need a day pass- the Royal has been incredibly popular this year-probably the hottest resort in Riviera Maya for weddings! They allow children at the weddings & reception plus the prices are amazingly low, still about 30-45% lower than what we saw at the beginning of last year! That also explains why the wedding department is overwhelmed! I can not stress enough to have your guests book ASAP and that if the resort sells out-which is highly likely- that they are responsible to pay the day pass! That should get them to hurry up! Quote: Originally Posted by jesmcan You know I wonder what the policy is if rooms sell out at the Royal if we will still have to pay the non-resort guest price? I mean if the resort does not have enough rooms for our guests is that really our fault? uggggghhhh this is starting to get so aggravating.

Bump for the newbies!

Check out this article - http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...ts-know-14194/ All inclusives vary greatly in included amenities, quality of food & beverage, elbow room at the resort, staff training and so on- that is why you will find a difference between teh prices. Just as a side note- when other all inclusives are hiring staff in Jamaica there are two lines- one for all others where they go through an interview process and seperate line for people who worked at Sandals! The ppl who worked for Sandals are generally hired right on the spot.

My mother owns a catering business (in teh states though) but sometimes there are other factors even with a villa! Depending on location it can cost extra to get there, if the villa is on a hillside and they will need to "hike" the supplies up stairs they'll need to add additional labor for them to be able to set up in time. Sometimes the villa may have too small kitchen facilities for what you need and they may need to bring in a portable kitchen, again an additional fee. And then the villa itself may charge an outside vendor fee to the catering company if you are not using their preferred vendors. So it is important for them to have all the details to able to provide the most accurate quote. It'd be a catastrophe if they quoted and then had to tack the fee's on afterwards when they get the actually villa!

Each situation is unique so each couple should be counselled to pursue the avenue that is best for them! There are few things that we look at: -Does the resort typically sell out that time of year? -How many guests do you expect that will really come and can place a deposit of at least 150 per person now? ( if it is under 15 rooms we don't recommend doing a group contract- too many brides have a lot of enthusiastic "Yes" until it comes to actually placing a deposit then they may find less than half will actually come!) -What are the particulars for groups at that particular resort- at that particular time of year. Are they strict or lenient? What contrition rate (% that they will allow to come off the contract) without penalty? -What specials are being run when you are asking for info? Many times Karisma ( El Dorado & Azul) will have one special or another going for weddings- but they may have different features and benefits and also penalties. -If you have booked under one special will they allow you to change it if a better one comes out - many resorts will not -is it more important to lock in a set rate for all the guests or have the ability to do price drops if they come along- will the resort allow price drops on their group contracts- again many will not as the contract is holding rooms out of inventory for specific dates. -How flexible do you need the dates to be- some resorts will offer a set amount of dates and allow pre & post stays- others you are locked in to those set dates without any flexibility! -How soon do they require deposits & for how much- can the bride & groomn work within those constraints? -If the block goes under the 10 rooms are the bride & groom prepared to pay out of pocket the difference? That's just really the tip of the iceburg but gives you guys an idea of what we look at when making recommendatiosn on whether to go with a group contract or have the guests book individually! The current promotion that I posted is a wonderful opportunity for brides & grooms, as many of the "negatives' that are present in typical group contracts are not in this promotion- it really is a win-win! Quote: Originally Posted by taylorwd Hm, that's interesting. We went with the group contract and a block of rooms and it's been a lifesaver! In fact, our TA pushed for us to go this route. It meant our rates were locked in as well as our families, right from the start. No having to worry about getting people to book close to the wedding date--the planning is stressful enough without wondering when/if your guests are going to book! It's interesting to hear what other people are being told by their TA's.

This may be a different promotion than what they had when you originally booked- this one just came out when I postedthe info! Quote: Originally Posted by kathrat Would I be eligible for this promotion if my wedding is June 11, 2010? My TA told me this was ONLY for 2011/2012 weddings.