mekanabr

We are using a travel agent who works with Apple Vacations. We searched on their website for someone local to us so that it would be easier to meet with her about our guests needs. Instead of only allowing our guests to come for one week, we have given them the option to book as many or as little nights as they would like. Then they book their flights separatly (through our TA if they choose). This way we were able to have more ppl join us for our wedding bc not everyone was able to stay for an entire week. We have guests coming for as little as 3 nts up to a full week. People are flying from all over the east coast, so the flights have ranged from around $400-550 p/p depending on where they are flying from. Here are the most recent room rates: 3 nts: $393p/p, $420p/p sea view 4 nts: $510p/p, $546p/p sea view 5 nts: $625p/p, $670p/p sea view 7 nts: $849p/p, $912p/p sea view Also, all the resort prices above included a $30 p/p Best Price Supplement offered by Apple Vacations that guarantees that everyone receives the lowest price offered by Apple. Our rates so far have dropped around $50 p/p. We added this to everyones package and it has definitely been worth it, esp since we should see more siginificant drops as our date approaches. Also, we are getting credit towards our room for every person booked, so far almost $600! For my fiance and I are flights out of Detroit were around $550p/p, so our total was a little under $1500 for the week (sea view) - not including the room credit. My parents got flights for $415 out of Baltimore and are staying for 5 nts, so only $1085p/p (sea view)...so the prices ranged a little bit but were definitley a good deal. It was also really convenient for our guests to reserve their rooms through our TA bc all they had to do was reserve a room for $50p/p and then they had the option of paying off their trip over several months which a lot of people took advantage of. We paid the deposits in advance to hold the rooms and then the money we put down, once reserved by someone else, we get back. Plus, since we purchased our flights separately, we don't have to deal with fuel surcharges. If anyone is looking for an awesome travel agent, I would definitely recommend Denise McCain with International Tours of Lansing. She is amazing to work with and has been able to accomodate all of our guests (so far around 35!) and we are the only ones that are local to her, everyone else has dealt with her by phone and email but it has worked out perfectly. Her contact info is [email protected] or (517) 349-4664. Let her know Megan Reightler referred you and you re interested in reserving the same resort for your guests and she will hook you up! Hope this info helps someone, I know how tough it was for me to find a travel agent!

Check out the Gran Bahia Thread going on here and it will give you tons of information about the resort and info from brides who have gotten married there. I am getting married there in July and I would highly recommend it, especially if you are getting married in 2012 as they are reducing the wedding package prices to half of what they are currently charging (max price is $850!). It is a fabulous resort with great reviews and the gazebo location is to die for! Good luck!

BusyBee- When is your wedding? I started contacting Jan's Flowers about 8 mos in advance to work out what exactly I wanted. I've been emailing back and forth with them since then to pin point what I wanted and what they can do. It's been kind've nice bc I've been so indecisive about what I wanted. So they have been patient with me and now, finally I am going to send in my deposit to confirm everything this wknd (3.5 mos out). If you are considering the steel drum band or other music you may want to confirm that. Other than that there wasn't much to confirm with the resort, but I was just like you thinking what do I do now?? So here's what I've done leading up to this point: I spent a lot of time working on our wedding website to make sure it had a ton of info for our guests (about the resort, travel arrangements, our TA, and Jamaica in general), found a reliable travel agent to work with that everyone could book through from all around the country, nailed down a photographer, made and designed our passport save the dates, searched for invitations and got them orderd, started planning our OOT bags and began buying stuff for them, designed our monogram, designed luggage tags for everyone that will be sent out a few weeks prior to departure. Currently, I'm trying to nail down the guys outfits (I think that is almost done with...thank goodness) and getting the bridesmaids dresses ordered. And my latest DIY is sewing passport covers for everyone which will be sent out with the luggage tags and pre-trip letter. I need things to keep me busy or I start to worry that I'm forgetting stuff! Oh and for the past year I have spent way to much time and $$ on ideeli buying amazingly cute dresses and shoes etc for Jamaica lol. I am obsessed with that site and keep thinking...well I NEED that dress for Jamaica! Even though I now have a closet full and my fiance is starting to catch on to my addiction haha!! (if you've never been on there here's an invitation link: www.ideeli.com/invite/mekanabr) Did I miss anything major that you other ladies have been doing? I am starting to reach the semi freak out OMG its only a few months away stage...and I'm worried I am forgetting stuff! Eek!

Whoa. I got a response from Chandlyn in one day!! First time EVER! Here are the questions and her replies, hopefully it helps someone We would like to change to the free package. We are going to have a minimum of 40 guests and the free package makes more sense for us as we do not need the extras included in the blissful love package. Do we need to make any sort of deposit for that package since it is free (besides the minsters fees)?No deposit will be required for the Free Package Could you please provide me with a map of the resort lay out so that I can send it to my guests in advance? Please see attached --So she attached a map, but it's only a drawing with numbers, the bottom half with the descriptions of everything wasn't there...so I guess I'll try again! Also, if possible, could you please provide me with a play list of the steel band, or the contact information for the steel band so I can confirm if they are able to play the songs that we would like during our ceremony? I will obtain one and send to you. --This is the 2nd time I've asked for this, so if I actually get it I'll share with you all! For the dinner, if we have guests with dietary restrictions, do you need to know that in advance or just let you know when we meet at the resort?You may inform us when you get here I was wondering if it was possible for the chef to make cupcakes? And if so, what flavors and for what cost? This will need to be outsourced. You may contact Sheila's Homemade at [email protected] for pricing Could you also please send me the 2011 menu selections? I only have the 2010 and I'm not sure if they have been updated or not. They are the same I am waiting for our birth certificates to arrive in the mail, then should I fax them to you or email? What is your preferred method?Email is better We will not be needing the brides bouquet or grooms boutenniere that is included in the package, is it possible instead to get an arrangement for the head table?This can be arranged I am bringing with me decorations for the gazebo for the reception after dinner. Are we responsible for setting up the decorations or will you handle this?We will assist Also, do you have a helium tank to blow up baloons? We do not have a helium tank available. (dangit! I found these really cool balloons to put around the gazebo at night that have lights in them...sounds tacky but they look so neat! oh well. Could you please tell me the colors that are available for chair sashes? We would like hot pink and orange if possible.These are available. Is there transportation available to the gazebo before the ceremony? We transport the bridal party Last question, I am just curious if there are any other weddings on our day? July 23, 2011. We have one more wedding so far.

I was told from Beverly right when I started planning that there is no outside vendor fee, so hopefully that hasn't changed. That was one of the reasons I liked GBP bc they didn't charge outrageous fees like some of the other resorts (Sandals especially!) The fee per person after 16 with the free package is $25. And I have heard that it the gazebo is quite far but you might be able to arrange to have people driven to the site for a small fee (I think it was $10 or something for brides & parents to be driven down if it isn't included in your package). Not sure about the 7 night stay penalty..you'll have to ask Chandlyn about that one. Good luck with planning, your wedding is coming up soon too!

I don't have any info about buying bottles of liquor from the resort but I was thinking the other day about the duty free shops at the Airport. I haven't been to Jamaica before so I don't know how much the alcohol is there, but I would assume you could prob get some good deals there. And since you aren't taking them out of the country, there shouldn't be any kind of limit (like there would be when you return). I am hoping that when we land we can go to the duty free shops and pick up a bunch of champagne so we have enough at the toast and for dinner and to give some bottles to a few of our guests who are using this trip as their honeymoon (I don't want to have to buy it from the resort where it's prob more expensive). Does anyone know about the duty free shops at the airport who has maybe been there before?

I would assume the "tax" is just a resort fee for scheduling the minster and processing the documents or something like that... But Chandlyn told me its only 10% so definitely not worth worrying over

I made one for my guests in Word called Jamaica Facebook. I included their name, relationship to the bride & groom, where they traveled from, space for room #, as well as their picture. I attached a template of what I used, I removed everyone's pictures, names, and places...but you'll get the idea. So far mine is about 3 pages and I am planning on getting them printed out at Kinkos and handing them out in everyone's OOT bags at the resort. Hope this can help someone! facebook_Template BDW.doc

Hey Tris! As far as I know there shouldn't be any outside vendors fees. That was one of my first questions for Beverly and she said no, so if Chandlyn decides there is, I have my emails from Beverly which will be traveling down to Jamaica with me to prove the original info I was told! That is a great quote for your flowers, they sound beautiful!!! I love hydrangeas!

I love all the flowers ladies! So pretty and I LOVE the colors! I never posted my quote from Jan's flowers but I got an awesome price from them (IMO) because I really wanted real orchids. We aren't using any flowers for centerpieces which is saving us a lot of money, although I'm hoping that I can use the included package flowers from the resort as some sort of head table centerpiece or something... Bridal Bouquet - bouquet using a combination of white mini calla with $120.00 white cymbidium, pink dendrobium and orange mokara orchids GROOM - matching boutonniere with white calla lilly & orange orchid $ 15.00 Bridesmaid - 2 bouquets using mainly pink & orange orchids with white 2@$50 $100.00 Boutonniere - 5 boutonniere for groomsmen & fathers using orchids 5@$8 $ 40.00 · Orchids for brides hair @ $15 plus two bridesmaids @ $10ea $ 35.00 · Pink & orange orchids cascading on cake $ 25.00 DELIVERY FEE $ 20.00 FLOWERS / DECORATION COST US$355.00 in case anyone needs it their email is [email protected] and their website is jansflowersjamaica.com

You got the new prices for a 2011 wedding? wtf! Beverly used to give everyone different answers but Chandlyn is getting a bit ridiculous! Congrats Ashley on your wedding!!!!!!!!!!!! The pictures are fantastic and you looked so beautiful!

I just ordered chapsticks with code DR10. I got 14 - 2-pack Chapsticks with SPF 30 plus 2 Burt's Bees Weatherproof Chapsticks (bc it had to be a min $25 purchase for the coupon to work) for $17.43 including shipping- which is only 99 cents! Great deal for chapsticks with SPF! ps- When I started the order I originally was getting the 3-pack chapsticks..but they are way more expensive, go with the 2-pack! ($1.09 vs $0.75 before the discount) Hope this helps someone!

welcome new brides! Congrats JayKay for getting your dress! That is so exciting! I have actually had mine for well over a year now...Oh well, found one I loved and had to get it. I can't wait to wear it.

I was wondering if anyone has unique ideas for guys gifts? I think we are going to get the girls pashminas for the bags but want something that is easy to pack, that I can get for the guys. So far my only idea was possibly a disposable underwater camera (bc we are taking everyone snorkeling). Help?

Welcome Kristy28! You definitely made the right choice, GBP is going to be an amazing place to get married at (esp since you are a 2012 bride who gets the new prices! haha!) Let us know if you have any major questions...everyone is super helpful and this forum is going to be a life saver for you! That is amazing, definitely nothing to worry about with the date...it was meant to be!!

No, I meant the extra people cost, in the package I have right now (Blissful Love) its $40 p/p after 30 I think...and then the charges for the bar at the reception ($15 pp/hr). I just put it in that complaint to emphasize the fact that we are already paying a lot...cut us a break! lol.

Hi girls, Today I visited the Bahia Principe main website and found this contact page: http://www.bahia-principe.com/BP/Corp/Contacto/index.htm# I wrote a comment to the generic contact which I am hoping is to some sort of corporate office. I wrote them a nice complaint, encouraing whoever creates the wedding packages through corporate to offer the reduced package rates to current brides at Runaway Bay. I have no idea if it will do any good but I figured why not try. I said the fact that we are already having to pay for food and drinks at a supposed "all inclusive" resort is upsetting enough, but to know that we can't be offered those prices is really unsettling. I told them that I understood that the wedding coordinator at the resort is not responsible for the rates offered so I hope that someone who is responsible for these package rates will consider reducing them now. I also mentioned the fact that we are prob having about 50 guests stay at their resort for 4 or more nights so this is bringing in a large amount of revenue for them and we aren't receiving any sort of incentive to do this or getting any discounts, so being offered the reduced rates would be greatly appreciated. Anywho- if anyone else is interested in contacting them I figure it can't hurt!

Yep, same here nice thought but when a steel band is $400/hr...not happening! Everytime I think of the prices for the packages I get more annoyed that us 2011 brides don't get these new prices. This is an awful thought, but does anyone think if we all well...bitch enough about the price differences, maybe she'll cave? Sorry I know that is an awful thought but I mean honestly....they are HALF the price that we are paying this year! Has anyone heard a legitimate reason as to why we cannot receive the same prices? Grr...sorry had to vent! All these confusing answers that everyone receives and the new prices...it's all so frustrating! PS- happy st pat's everyone!

Here is my latest response from Chandlyn. She also told me that the new prices are only for 2012...damn. For the gazebo rental, I know we have the choice of with or without the DJ. If we choose to rent the gazebo without the DJ, how is the sound system at the gazebo?Please note that the sound system is only rented with the DJ. What should we expect, can we bring our own ipod and system will be set up for us or do we have to bring our own speakers and set everyone up by ourselves?You may also set up your own speaker Do we need to make reservations at the spa for wedding day services and for other days we would like massages etc in advance? Do you have a price list for the spa and contact information? For information on spa and pricing please email them directly at [email protected] If I choose to get flowers from an outside vendor, do I get a discount on the wedding package or compensation in form of an additional service added to our package since I will not need the flowers provided in the package? The same with a photographer – I will not need to use the resort photographer but I am paying for it in the package. Can I receive something different in the package for example hair styling for bride and bridesmaids or gazebo rental included with package price? Kindly note that should you opt for services outside the package the hotel will not be able to do a substitution or reduction in the package selected We would like to book a snorkeling excursion for our wedding guests the Friday before the wedding instead of doing a traditional rehearsal dinner (July 22). Can you give us any suggestions for tours available from the resort? Since it will be a large group, I assume we will need to book the trip in advance.You may arrange this when you get here with your tour rep I would like to confirm that we have the steel drum band reserved for our ceremony. Can I receive a list of songs that they can play? Or can I make requests to them ahead of time to make sure they can play the songs I would like? I believe you had originally quoted us $400 for one hour, is that still correct? This can be arranged at a cost of US400 Are chair covers included in the wedding package?Chair covers are included How much are sashes for chairs and what colors do you have to choose from? Sashes are US2.50 each If we have to pay for chair covers, does that cost cover both the ceremony and the dinner? They will be at both ceremony and reception If we bring sashes for the ceremony, can they be transferred to the chairs used for the dinner?Yes Is it possible to have chairs or tables down at the gazebo during the dancing after dinner? I am worried about people wanting to sit during the after dinner reception.We offer a few chairs but not tables We have several guests who are coming to GBP for their honeymoon. One couple is taking an early honeymoon and getting married in October, the other was married last July and are having a late honeymoon. Is it possible to get them the honeymoon package for their rooms? If it is not, how much does it cost to send something special to their room during their stay?For information and information please contact our Public Relations at [email protected] How are the seating arrangements during dinner? I am trying to figure out if I should make escort cards or seating place cards for the tables but I wasn’t sure what to expect for seating.We offer a head table and then other tables of 8-10 to accommodate the number of persons We are making out of town bags to hand out to guests upon their arrival. Is it possible to have these bags waiting at the check in counter to be handed out or is it possible to have them delivered to their room? We can have them delivered to the room. If we have them delivered to their room, is there an additional charge for that?There is no additional charge I was told there is a new restaurant and new construction at the resort. I was hoping you could tell me what was added/changed at the resort and if you could tell me about the new restaurant and its location (and if it is available for the wedding dinner?)The new block has a new buffet restaurant I was searching online for a map of the resort layout but I was unable to find anything. Could you possibly send me a map of the resort so that I can send it out to our guests closer to the wedding date? I want to be able to point out rooms, restaurants, etc.I will obtain one and have it sent to you. What happens if it rains on the day of our wedding? Where is the alternative in door location for ceremony and reception if that were to happen?For the ceremony we will relocate to the foyer and for the reception we will move the disco Is there any way to ensure that random resort guests will not show up at our reception down at the gazebo? Is there a certain wristband our guests will need to wear or something to make sure that the bar that we set up is serving the people it is supposed to (ie- we don’t want to pay for people that we don’t know as I’m sure you can understand). This area is usually empty during this time so you will not have other guest passing by your reception. How far in advance do you need our wedding documents for our marriage license? I just realized we are about 6.5 months away and I’m not sure when we are supposed to be sending you our information. We will need the documents at least 3 months prior to arrival at the resort. Can we give a personalized ceremony to whoever is going to officiate our wedding in advance? Or do they have a specific ceremony they follow? We are in the process of putting a ceremony together and we hope that we can use it. You may provide us with your own script Is it possible to get tiki torches set up around the gazebo during the reception after dinner, or luminaries or something like that to decorate it at night? This can be done at an additional cost Ok last question! If we decide that we do not need the package that we have chosen, is it possible to change wedding packages? This is possible

Yep, same here. I asked Chandlyn about it this morning so whenever she actually gets back to me I'll let you know what she says!

Thanks so much for all the info from everyone, you ladies are so awesome!! I don't know what I would do without this forum!! lmarie- any good info from Chandlyn?? I can't wait to hear about these prices...with the original package price we can now get the wedding, steel drum band and the gazebo (minus dj) for the original price! woo! I'm finally addressing our invitations this weekend, I can't wait to send them out! we got ours from www.weddingpaperdivas.com. They were awesome to work with and the invitations are stunning! Totally recommend them!! Oh and WELCOME to the new brides!! We are so happy to have you all here!!!

Thanks for posting the packages! I am definitely curious about the new prices since they are half the price! I guess I'll wait for Chandlyn to reply to my other email (which I sent almost 2 months ago lol) and then ask her about the new prices! They are awesome and would def be nice since we want to get the steel drum band!

Stacey33- thanks for all your info! and Congrats on getting married!!!!! Can't wait to see some pictures once you get them from Brian. I had looked into him originally and you are right- he is super talented! A few questions: Did the rooms have CD players in them? I really want to burn CD's for our guests so they have music in their rooms but I wasn't sure if they had anything to play them in. What restaurant did you choose and how many people did you have? Did you use the minister that the resort provides? If so- How was he for the ceremony? Do you know if there is a town outside of the resort that might have a market? I am trying to figure out if we can get flowers anywhere off-site instead of paying a fortune for flowers for centerpieces. THANKS!! Ames9782- I like the first one! Good job!!

Katelynn- Thanks so much for the info...SUPER helpful!!!!! We were thinking about getting One Love on our rings too! Fiance isn't too thrilled about the idea but I LOVE it so...prob gonna happen hehe

We each get two free bags through Delta so I think we are planning to use two of them for us and two of them for wedding stuff...hopefully we'll have room! lol. I definitely don't want to spend a ton to get everything down there. We are getting stadium cups bc they stack...I have no idea how brides get mugs with handles down there....they would take up so much room! All this talk about birth certificates means I guess I should start figuring out what we need to send in soon. Thanks ladies for reminding me!