weddingaway

I have always been very independent. In fact, up until months ago, I had never really wanted to get married. So, logically, I have never wanted to change my name. But then I actually read up on the history of it. WOW! I know that I will sound like a hyper-feminist, but learning the history definitely solidified my stance. A groom paid the father of the bride to marry her, essentially "buying" her, and, yes, she was considered to be property. That's why women had no rights back then, because they were only property. And she took his name so that everyone knew who she "belonged" to. I could describe more but it would only be depressing. I am all for unity and family, but I just don't understand why anyone wants to honor a tradition like that. Maybe you could start a new tradition where he takes your name? Or you both just pick a new name? j/k

Hi, everyone! So we are seriously considering RIU Negril for the wedding (12/2011) and getting the free package with a few upgrades. Part of the free package is a semi-private dinner in one of the restaurants, but everyone seems to be having their semi-private dinner at Shadows which would be fine if I didn't have 2 members of the party that have a VERY hard time using the stairs to access the 1st course buffet and dessert portions of the meal. So can anyone tell me, is it mandatory to have the semi-private dinner in Shadows or do we have a choice within the free package? For that matter, how accessible is the RIU Negril resort? It looks mostly flat but pictures can be deceiving. Thanks so much!

We are definitely having 22 guests with possibly as many as 32. I LOVE having a small wedding like this so I don't have to schmooze with people I am not crazy about. Just the essentials.

I haven't been to Couples Swept Away, but I researched it when I was looking for our annual vacation last year. We ended up going to Couples San Souci in Ocho Rios which was amazing...absolutely the best vacation ever! For any Couples resorts, I always heard that there isn't much of a nightlife which we found to be true but didn't mind. The bars are open late but there just isn't a crowd as the night gets later. But the food is incredible, not just "for an all-inclusive" but for any US restaurant. And they have tons of extras like scuba, snorkeling, catamaran, etc. The entertainment staff is top-notch and I am not a "let's get to know everyone here" type person and they still made an impression on me. For Couples Swept Away, it is their top-tier (and most expensive) resort out of all of Couples. The grounds are immaculate and it is located on the famous 7 mile negril beach so soft, white powder sand and crystal blue water. They also offer beautiful rooms with large porches complete with a couch, cieling fan, rockers and some even have hammocks. It seems like even if you don't get an oceanview that the gardens are so incredible that you still get a great view and scenery. Here's what they don't have: room service, tvs (in some lower category rooms), nightlife, all naturel beach, privacy on beach (vendors can walk around and call out to you although security will take care of them if you don't seen interested). You just have to figure out what works best for you. Good luck and Congrats!

Hi, everyone! I have been adamantly reading this whole forum for awhile, and have noticed that the language can be confusing. But I have picked up on a few things, such as: DW = Destination Wedding TTD = Trash The Dress - day after wedding ritual where the bride wears the dress then does something messy like jump off of a cliff into the water (like at Rick's Cafe in Negril). Normally attended by female guests and lots of pictures taken. OOT = Out Of Town - sort of like welcome bags for your guests upon arriving at the hotel STD = (not what it looks like) Save The Date Please feel free to add to this! Also, what does AHR mean?

Congrats! I am getting married in Jamaica, too, although we have yet to nail down our resort choice. IRHB is in the top 5. Since your screen name is "Jamaica Newbie", let me know if you have any questions about traveling to JA. I have been through the whole thing before. The airport and customs can be intimidating.

Thanks for the review! This totally reassures my own thoughts about cocktail hour, reception and rehearsal dinner. I never understood what the purposes what to have the DW at an AI if they charge you and your guests extra just to have a reception! Thanks for showing such a detailed review of what you get for only paying a little extra.