ashley490

Thanks for the awesome info!! I'll definitely be ordering from that site so that I won't have any hassle with the airline. Do you know if the wax film works just as well as the fuel cell?

I am getting married at the Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica in January. I've checked with my WC to see if the resort allows the release of sky lanterns, and she has informed me that it is permitted I also sent an email to my travel agent to find out if the airline will allow these in checked baggage but she said if the fuel cell is flammable they won't allow it. I'm thinking about contacting the airline directly to confirm as I'm not 100% convinced that my travel agent even knows what a sky lantern is. Has anyone else had issues with airlines allowing sky lanterns in checked baggage?

Hi Gals! I'm hoping to get some of your feedback on song selection. I've decided to go with the steel drum band for my wedding ceremony. The part where I'm getting hung up is what song I should walk down the aisle to. I'm looking for something contemporary, not the traditional stuff, but I'm struggling to pick a song because I can't seem to wrap my mind around what the song will sound like on the steel drums. I've searched all over youtube and itunes for songs on the steel drums but can't find what I'm looking for. Any suggestions would be a huge help. Thanks!!

I can only answer a couple of your questions but hopefully it helps! I thought about doing a welcome dinner and had talked with Chandlyn about it. She basically told me that we could be accommodated in the buffet area which I thought was sort of dumb since there are only 18 of us. I didn't end up pursuing it any further because I decided if people want to get together for dinner we'll just make arrangements when we arrive. I didn't like any of the free bouquets either so I made arrangements directly through Tai Flora. I sent them an email with pictures of what I was looking for and asked for a quote. My flowers for everyone ended up being around $400 which I thought was reasonable for what I ordered. They still give you the groom's bout for free and give a small discount on your bridal bouquet for not using the free one that comes with the package (I think it was only $25 off but better than nothing). I did a price comparison with Jan's, but Tai Flora ended up being cheaper for me so that's who I went with. They do require you to send a small deposit to secure your order but they are able to send you all of the deposit options so that you can choose which method works best for you. After I had everything arranged with Tai Flora I just sent Chandlyn an email letting her know that I've made alternate arrangements with Tai Flora for the flowers and that she won't have to worry about that part. I think having your guests sit closer to you is a lovely idea. It will really give your ceremony an intimate feel. I've also contemplated doing that since our group is only 18 people and with 6 being in the wedding party it only leaves 12 in the chairs. I'm still undecided about this and probably won't make up my mind until we get to the resort lol!

I've already gone ahead and arranged a rehearsal time in advance with Chandlyn, however, our initial meeting is not scheduled yet. Maybe just send her an email stating you would like to book the rehearsal and perhaps the initial meeting and see what she says (fingers crossed Chandlyn replies and not Donnalee!). I was also struggling with the credit card authorization form as we are also going with the free package. Here are the questions I had emailed Chandlyn as well as the response I received from her today. Given that we are going with the Free Package I am unclear on the need for the credit card authorization form to be completed and sent in. Could you please clarify why the credit card authorization form must be completed? Could you also please clarify what charges we are authorizing to be placed on our credit card? Should you have the Free package please note that you are not required to complete the authorization form

Your photos are stunning! I really love the umbrellas you used. I've been thinking about getting some for months now but my FI keeps reminding me about weight restrictions with the airline lol! Where did you get your umbrellas from? I'm using the same color of blue that you had, I think it looks super beachy Also, did you like the steel drum band? Would you recommend them?

Daphodil - Thanks for your support and advice! Like you said I'm sure it'll all work out. I just have to take a chill pill lol! CdnBeatPrincess - I have been saving every single email I've sent them as well as the responses I've received. I have a file with all the mails that has actually gotten pretty thick over the past several months (haha!), but at least I'll be armed with my documentation in case anything doesn't go as discussed. Jaykay - I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one who has received this type of an email. I sent another email back to Chandlyn stating that I would like to re-confirm that my file has been created with all of the details we've discussed, so hopefully I'll get a positive response next time. And I agree with you that it could just be the way they formulate their sentences that creates the confusion. Monarch - I find their response to emails to be very inconsistent. What I normally do is send an email and if I don't hear back from them within 5 days I resend the email with a note stating that I had already sent this email however, it was not responded to. My travel agent has advised me that if I don't receive a response after the second email to call her and she will contact the resort directly on my behalf. So I'd say if you don't hear back from them by tomorrow to resend the email. Thanks for all the support and advice, and for letting me vent! You ladies are the best!!

BEWARE ladies! I sent an email to Chandlyn only (not Donnalee) on Sunday and I received an email response back today from Chandlyn's email, however it was signed at the end as Donnalee White for Chandlyn Edwards. It appears that even if you want to deal only with Chandlyn now, you can't. Donnalee appears to have found a way to cut us off at the knees The other part that worries me is that she made a statement (see below) that makes it sound like they don't have a file for me even though I've emailed Chandlyn about a million times! You are required to fill out the personal information sheet at the end of the wedding attachment and email it back to us, so we can create a file for you. Two months prior to the wedding, you are required to email me copies of your birth certificates, the credit card payment form and copies of your IDs(whether drivers licence or passport) and the IDs must be signed by a Notary Public or a Lawyer. My wedding is still about 4 months away and now I'm worrying that all the arrangements I've previously negotiated with Chandlyn have not been documented. Like seriously, what the heck does Donnalee mean she needs the personal information sheet so that they can create a file for me?! I've already sent that in for one, and for two I've sent emails about every single detail for my wedding that Chandlyn said she would put a note in my file about. Why does everything have to be so complicated with these darn wedding planners?

Tekeya: Did you have to pay the $75 day pass fee for Rashel to come onto the GBP property? How did you find the makeup? Did it stay on all night despite the heat? Would you recommend other brides use Rashel's services? Thanks in advance for all of you help

Hi Tekeya, Do you happen to still have the contact information for Rashel? Do you know if she has a portfolio she shares with potential clients? I'm hesitant to get my makeup done at the resort Spa as I haven't seen any work that they've done and they don't have any sample photos to share. I'm thinking a private makeup artist may be a better option. Thanks!

Hi Monarch, I've seen several other brides on here have booked Merrick Cousley (I think that's his name) for their photographer. I don't have any information about him as I've booked Paula from Sungold, but perhaps one of the other brides can give you more information on him.

I can't wait to read your review! I'm particularly interested to know if the spa does good makeup or not. I'm not sure if you'll be getting your makeup done there but if you do please let us know your thoughts. Congrats on your upcoming nuptials!

Hi Ladies! Just thought I'd share my recent experience purchasing wedding attire for my fiance, his groomsmen, and our ring bearers online. We ended up ordering through islandimporter.com I've heard some really great things about the quality of the clothing from there from previous brides. The transaction went through very smoothly. I had emailed them prior to placing my order to see if there was a current promotional code I could use, but instead they said since my order was so much they would give me free shipping whoohoo! (especially since it's international for me) Anyway, I'll have to keep you all posted once my order arrives but so far I'd highly recommend ordering through them. What is everyone else doing for groom/groomsmen attire?

We've selected the Grill for supper. For me it was more important to have good food than a private dinner because we'll be able to have the privacy at our dance in the gazebo later that night. Not to mention I'm more of a picky eater so I didn't care for most of the menu's at Dolce Vita. I think in the end it's about what you prefer and what's important for you. If you prefer having a more private dinner, then go with the Italian restaurant, but if you don't care about having lots of privacy then go with the Grill. I've heard great things about both places in terms of quality of food. Even though the Grill isn't as private as the Italian restaurant I've heard that it doesn't really matter too much because the Grill is so big that you don't even notice other people in the restaurant as they sit further away.

I'm using Paula and Damian from Sungold Photography. I love their work! They have a website if you want to look at their portfolio. They are a little more pricey but they also have associates who do amazing work that don't cost as much.

Mine are around the $400 mark. It includes my bridal bouquet, groom's bout, 2 bridesmaid bouquets, 2 groomsmen bouts, and 2 ringbearer bouts. I thought $400 was kind of expensive too but when I broke it down (divided total cost by number of people in wedding party) it only ends up being $50 per person which made me feel better. I originally wanted other flowers for decoration, but then when I really thought about it I decided against it because it's not something that's going to make or break my day. Plus, I'd rather spend that extra money on the entertainment for my guests. I didn't really know much about flowers when I was shopping around either but one lady I work with seems to have a good idea of what flowers cost and she said that $400 for what I was getting was reasonable. What's all included in your order?

Hi Ladies! I've been doing some checking around regarding pricing for flowers and thought I'd share my experience. I've received price quotes from Tai Flora (the florist the resort uses) and Jan's Flowers (another florist in Jamaica that other brides have used). I had sent in photos of the bridal bouquet and the bridesmaid bouquets I want and asked if they'd be able to replicate them. As a couple flowers I had chosen are not available in Jamaica each florist substituted what they thought would work well. I liked the substitutions that Tai Flora had used better as it was more visually appealing to me. As far as money goes, each florist had it's up's and down's. In comparison, Tai Flora had a cheaper bridal bouquet (as they give a credit for not using the one that comes in the wedding package), a cheaper groom's bout (it's free because it's included in the wedding package), and cheaper bridesmaid bouquets while Jan's had cheaper groomsmen bout's and cheaper ring bearer bouts. I didn't see taxes included in the quote I received from Jan's but there was taxes included in the quote from Tai Flora. Despite the missing taxes from Jan's, Tai Flora ended up being cheaper for what I wanted although it really wasn't by much. I'm all for saving every little bit I can so I'm going with Tai Flora for the small savings. It's well worth checking with both florists though to get the most bang for your buck!

The other options I know about are either to rent out the restaurant for $2500 or rent the disco for $700. I haven't heard of any other options.

Mekanabr: Congratulations on becoming a Mrs!! Your photos are beautiful, I can only imagine how gorgeous the professional ones are going to be. Your hair is similar to the way I want mine done. Given that it's somewhat down, did you find the wind messed it up at all, or did the super hairspray glue it in place? Did you have your makeup done at the spa as well? Did you arrange the excursion ahead of time or once you got to the resort? I'm so glad everything turned out so great for you! I can't wait to hear a little more and see a few more pics. Congrats again!

I agree, it's always best to look at the review numbers. I also think that people who give bad reviews sometimes let small things really impact their trip (i.e. not enough chairs on the beach) and then end up reviewing the whole resort as a bad experience. It's important to really look at what each review is saying and really figure out if it's something that would make or break your trip. I think if you keep a positive attitude everything works out

I've heard a few people who have booked Stacey Clarke and are happy with her work. We've booked Paula and Damian from Sungold Photography. I was really impressed with their portfolio and the range of equipment they bring with them, so even though they are more expensive I'm sure it'll be worth it.

Congrats sbelland on confirming your date! Who did you end up booking for your photographer? It's my understanding that the minister fees are included in all package prices with the exception of the free package, in which case it's $200. Hope that helps

Welcome to the site! It's so awesome to have another January bride What date is your ceremony? Mine's the 18th at 4pm. I was going nuts too about not knowing the details in advance! All I did though was send in my preferences (i.e. restaurant, menu, etc) to Chandlyn so that it was noted on my file and I guess I'll just keep my fingers crossed until the big day. Are you renting the gazebo for evening dancing?

Hi Ladies! I'm just wondering if any past brides had the Hat Field dancers perform at their wedding? I've booked them for evening entertainment but thought it'd be nice to hear some reviews. Thanks in advance!

We sent our save the dates out before we actually had a date secured as well. We did the same thing as you and just put the month and year so that people could start saving while we waited for all the other details to be confirmed. Once our date and prices were confirmed we sent out formal invitations with all the trip details. It seemed to work pretty good that way.