Mother of Bride

I don't quite understand why you would go all the way to Jamaica & then get married in a garden ? Wouldn't the beach be the focus of why you chose Jamaica in the first place? The backdrop of the sand, water, & beach is what makes the photos so awesome in any of the pictures I've seen. I do think the far beach location is by far the best choice of venues....the gazebos are not very private due to their location. The plaza gazebo is close to the Exodus bar & near the pool so you end up with lots of "gawkers" & the beach gazebo is like right in the middle of a very popular portion of the beach & you have people sitting on lounge chairs just 20 feet from your wedding guests. At least at the far beach location, you would be away from any crowds & you can can great photos near the rocks at the end of the property. You have lots of time to keep watching this thread to make your final decision.

Geralyn--it was so neat to SEE your photos & since my daughter got married at the same location just several weeks earlier, I could re-live some great memories. Your outdoor beach reception looked like great fun ! Congratulations. Sure is a bummer getting back to the reality of jobs and responsibilities....Jamaica & the destination wedding was such an amazing experience. Have a good summer.....Mother of Bride....KAY

I wasn't going to post a Review because I was not the bride, but after thinking about the help I got from all posts on this site I decided to share a few details. Sorry for the unorganized random thoughts, but here goes.... My daughter got married the week of June 21st at RMB. We had some WC issues prior to the wedding (due to the change of personnel ) but once we got there, Sherika took care of the details & escorted the FOB & bride to the beach & Roxiana was at the wedding site to help with the music. (the bride & grooms choice of music on RMB sound system) Marie got married on the far end of the beach (had champagne right after the ceremony) & we liked that location due to its privacy (compared to the gazebos which had some "gawkers") They qualified for the "free package" (we had 25 people--13 rooms) and just added a few extra bouquets for the wedding party. The cost of the minister was $350 & the extra flowers only cost $100. She just had the palm leaf archway (w/ fresh flowers attached) and that was just fine & looked really nice on the photos. Her wedding was at 2pm & then we hung out at the Exodus Bar until the dinner at Mahoe Bay at 6:30. (some guests went swimming or back to room to rest) We were fortunate enough to have the upstairs of the restaurant all to ourselves (there were no other weddings that day) so we used an Ipod dock for mood music & had the family & wedding party toasts prior to the meal & they had a "first dance" afterwards. The two waiters were very attentive & the meal was very good...we had choice of several meats: chicken, ribs, steak, fish, etc. with potatoes, vegetables & the salad bar (which is downstairs) Wine was also served. The cake was what we ordered, (chocolate w/ yummy strawberry filling ) w/white frosting & decorated w/ silk flowers we had brought along. We also had some chiffon material & colored stones on cake table & we brought simple table favors for each place setting & were satified with the plates, glasses, and table linens they provided. We were especially happy that Mahoe Bay Steakhouse has the open-air concept & we got to see a beautiful sunset just prior to our meal. Marie did not want to stress out with all sorts of complicated details so we kept things very simple & really the only thing that went wrong was that instead of the "free" yellow & white daisy bouquet she ordered, she got pink carnations. We never really got an explanation or apology, but there was nothing that could be done, (flowers were delivered to room, 5 minutes prior to wedding) so she just moved ahead & didn't "freak out" The funny part is now that we look at the pictures, the pink flowers really "popped" in the photos & definitely lasted longer than the daisies would have. We just laugh out loud about it now....all in all everything went very well.....I would recommend the RMB to anyone & we had a WONDERFUL family vacation in addition to a beautiful wedding day for our daughter. My comment to most brides would be just to chill out, get the basic things figured out before-hand, but really, most things can be finalized once you get there. And DON'T sweat the small stuff !! Just keep remembering you are marrying the love of your life & you need to enjoy the experience and not fret about the few things that could go wrong. A VERY happy Mother of the Bride....KAY

My daughter got married the week of June 21st at RMB. We had some WC issues prior to the wedding (due to the change of personnel ) but once we got there, Sherika took care of the details & escorted the FOB & bride to the beach & Roxiana was at the wedding site to help with the music. (the bride & grooms choice of music on RMB sound system) Marie got married on the far end of the beach (had champagne right after the ceremony) & we liked that location due to its privacy (compared to the gazebos which had some "gawkers") They qualified for the "free package" (we had 25 people--13 rooms) and just added a few extra bouquets for the wedding party. The cost of the minister was $350 & the extra flowers only cost $100 She just had the palm leaf archway (w/ fresh flowers attached) and that was just fine & looked really nice on the photos. Her wedding was at 2pm & then we hung out at the Exodus Bar until the dinner at Mahoe Bay. (some guests went swimming or back to room to rest) We were fortunate enough to have the upstairs all to ourselves (there were no other weddings that day) so we used an Ipod dock for mood music & had the family & wedding party toasts prior to the meal & they had a "first dance" afterwards. The two waiters were very attentive & the meal was very good...we had choice of several meats: chicken, ribs, steak, fish, etc. with potatoes, vegetables & the salad bar (which is downstairs) The cake was what we ordered, w/white frosting & decorated w/ silk flowers we had brought along. We also had some chiffon & colored stones on cake table & we brought simple table favors for each place setting & were satified with the plates, glasses, and table linens they provided. We were especially happy that Mahoe Bay Steakhouse has the open-air concept & we got to see a beautiful sunset just prior to our meal. Marie did not want to stress out with all sorts of complicated details so we kept things very simple & really the only thing that went wrong was that instead of the "free" yellow & white daisy bouquet she ordered, she got pink carnations. We never really got an explanation or apology, but there was nothing that could be done, (flowers were delivered to room, 5 minutes prior to wedding) so she just moved ahead & didn't "freak out" The funny part is now that we look at the pictures, the pink flowers really "popped" in the photos & definitely lasted longer than the daisies would have. We just laugh out loud about it now....all in all everything went very well.....I would recommend the RMB to anyone & we had a WONDERFUL family vacation in addition to a beautiful wedding day for our daughter. My comment to most brides would be just to chill out, get the basic things figured out before-hand, but really, most things can be finalized once you get there. And DON'T sweat the small stuff !! Just keep remembering you are marrying the love of your life & you need to enjoy the experience and not fret about the few things that could go wrong. A VERY happy Mother of the Bride....KAY

Geralyn--As you know my daughter got married at RMB just two weeks ago. I'm sure you will have an amazing time ! Just don't "freak out" if some of the details don't work out as you planned. Marie ordered yellow & white daisies & got pink carnations instead, but you know what, it didn't matter in the scheme of things. Sherika & Roxiana are pretty organized, but you need to tell them specifics...just don't get worried if at 11:30 they start setting up for your noon wedding....things may seem chaotic, but they really DO have an organized plan when it comes to cleaning up the wedding site & decorating the arch or gazebo. Please promise me you will enjoy your time in Jamaica. Our friends & family had a wonderful bonding time prior to the wedding date & had a fun & relaxed time afterwards...I am so thankful Marie had the destination wedding, it was a beautiful back-drop to some amazing photos. Make sure you have plenty of flip-flops along...the pool deck is HOT !! In Marie's case, she got married on the far beach location & wore her sandals from the room to the site & then at the last minute kicked them off just before walking down the "aisle" One of the things she insisted on was getting married on the beach & barefoot & that worked out just great. Thanks for sharing your planning thread & I can't wait to hear all about your trip....Congratulations & I will be thinking about you on Saturday when you have your big day !! Take care, Mother of Bride.......KAY

How's this for an idea....my hubby suggested we take an old suitcase from the attic ( gosh only knows why we never threw it away before ? ) and fill it with the wedding paraphanalia we are taking for my daughter ( insulated mugs, table favors, silk flowers, sand ceremony vases, colored sand, etc) and pay the extra $25 to get it down to Jamaica ( we are flying AA ) & then just leave the old suitcase at the resort & have them give it away or dispose of it...then we don't have to pay for the return cost. I also found out its cheaper for us to take a total of 3 large suitcases than to pay the extra price if the weight goes over 50 pounds on 2 suitcases (which is $50) Guess we are lucky that we aren't taking as much along as some of you are talking about...we are trying to make things a little more simple & less stressful. Good Luck to all of you brides packing soon & Best Wishes & Safe Travels to all !! Mother of Bride.....KAY.......we will be IN JAMAICA in a week--can't wait !

Love is not about finding the right person, but creating a right relationship. It's not about how much love you have in the beginning but how much love you build till the end. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THAT QUOTE AT THE END OF YOUR POST !!

Just wanted to share what I found out yesterday....Chantelle is no longer the WC at RIU-Montego Bay. My daughter had been having trouble getting information thru e-mails from Chantelle, in fact had not heard from her in more than a month after she was trying to get details on the mailing of her legal documents. I finally CALLED the RIU wedding Dept which happens to be in Mexico & asked them to intercede so we could get the lines of communication started again. After speaking with a Nora Martinez, I was told that Nekeisha White is replacing Chantelle & she would be the one to deal with for the upcoming wedding (which is in THREE weeks ) Nora was very apologetic & also said she would forward the information to Nekeisha & she promised to contact my daughter very soon. Its with GREAT joy that I can say that she followed thru & within an hour my daughter had an apology e-mail from Nora & within several hours another e-mail from Nekeisha confirming the legal documents had arrived & everything was in order. Now things are back on track....so RIU Montego Bay Brides....Nekeisha is now the WC....not sure if thats just temporary or what happened with Chantelle ? A HAPPY Mother of the Bride again !

So Ladies--HELP ! My daughter is getting married at the RMB in just 4 weeks & she has been having a major problem with getting confirmation e-mails from Chantelle. I understand that as the WC she is very busy & I have heard she is a staff of one with not many office resources, BUT how long does it take to respond with YES to an e-mail. My daughter is NOT a bridezilla by any means, she is very patient & has not been a pain about asking a million questions...she is willing to make most of the decisions about the wedding when we get down to Jamaica....BUT what she wants to know is did Chantelle receive the legal documents and is everything in order ? She sent the papers by registered FED-EX & according to the Fed-EX tracing info, they are there, but does Chantelle have them IN HER OFFICE or where are they ? All she wants is the re-assurance they have been received & the marriage application has been applied for !! Is a simple e-mail from Chantelle so difficult ?? I have read many horror stories about the legal documents not being received & then having to fax or scan them just prior to the wedding or some legal papers NEVER being received at all. Have other RMB brides had this same experience in the past or going thru this right now yourselves ?? I DO know she is sending them to the correct e-mail [email protected] & DOES include her wedding date & time in the subject line as she was told. We are starting to regret our decision to have the wedding at the RIU-Montego Bay...the lack of communication is absolutely RIDICULOUS !! NOT a very happy, MOTHER OF BRIDE---KAY

Hi to all --We're looking for a good meeting place the first night we arrive to have a meet & greet time with those guests we haven't met (the grooms family is coming from Nova Scotia ) The Riu.com website says two of the bars are called "The Coconut Bar" and the "Sports Bar" Where are they located & what do you think ? Wish someone had a detailed map of the resort...the website sure doesn't !! Any other suggestions? Maybe just the lobby to start with & move on to a restaurant from there ? SIX weeks to go til my daughters weddding....can't wait ! From Mother of Bride

Hi there--I am also a Mother of the Bride & have been searching on this BDW website since February. My daughter is getting married at the RIU- Montego Bay in June & I have found all sorts of good information. The wedding reviews have been very helpful & the Planning threads are amazing ! I have "met" some helpful brides that have been a wonderful resource in the planning process. This forum becomes "addicting" after a short time & I find myself wanting to check it out on a daily basis. Good Luck with doing your research. Mother of Bride--KAY

Gisele--I absolutely LOVE your photos....especially the sunset one !! You look absolutely beautiful & that smile of your tells it all....you can tell you are a lady in love. CONGRATULATIONS to the new Mr & Mrs. Thanks for the "Review" I will have to share with Marie, a few things have me concerned but seems like it didn't ruin your day.....so with the flow & don't sweat the small stuff as they say & it sounds like you had a very fun & relaxing time with your family & friends & that is what's MOST important !! Take care & "talk" to you soon........Mother of Bride---KAY EIGHT weeks & we'll be in Jamaica.....I get so excited just thinking about it.

Love your bouquet....you look just radiant.... definitely a very happy & beautiful bride ! Can't wait to see more of your photos.

When I heard the news I thought the same thing, hope no one from the BDW forum was involved. I knew a few of the RIU Montego Bay brides had been there last week, but was hopeful that everyone was safely at home when this happened. Talk about being in a dramatic situation--YIKES ! So glad that everyone is safe !

So glad to see your review & YES I will have lots of questions. The best thing is that you had an amazing day & I'm glad to know that you didn't let the "small stuff" get you down. Just goes to show us all that all the planning in the world doesn't make a perfect wedding...the important thing is that you married the man of your dreams & you got to spend quality time with the family & friends that traveled with you. Will be looking forward to hearing lots more & also wanting to hear how montegobay09 is doing. So neat that you got to meet in Jamaica. Take care, Mother of Bride--KAY