Leah22

I'm jealous of you Sunshine! My to-do list is a mile long and I still don't have much time to devote to finalizing things. I'm hoping it will just look good in the end.

Hi Lisa, Did you get a chance to see the private beach ceremony location? i still haven't decided if I'm having a beach or terrace ceremony because I'm waiting to find out if the alternate beach location is really private (I really don't want gawkers in speedos). Also, I've seen photos of paper lanterns hanging at Port Maria, I think they hang them from the lower ceiling levels. I'm planning to bring some, so hopefully it works out. Janielle said they would hang them for me.

Hi Allie, Just to clarify the Grand prices: it's a set price to rent out the restaurant with a buffet (varies based on the number of people) OR $70 pp for an a la carte dinner (no $4500 fee on top)...so the prices are comparable on a per person basis. It is stil la lot more money than the Suites. Good luck with your planning.

Hi MrsG, I decided to go with Tai Flora. I couldn't find anyone who provided ONLY the flowers. I tried to work with Godfrey Guy, but he seemed a little crazy and very persistent. Plus his quotes were all over the place and we never seemed to be on the same page. I kept sending him pictures of what I wanted and he would send me alternate pictures of completely different centerpieces. He was willing to provide only the flowers, but wasn't reducing his rates any (so I would have been paying for the full centerpiece and arrangement instead of a flower only price). Plus he's received some bad reviews from a few other brides. I'm honestly still working on the flowers! But it's my fault. I neglected it and now it's a last minute scramble. But Tai Flora is willing to work with my budget and propose ideas (but they are very slow to respond, which is why I don't have anything confirmed yet). The bouquet I initially wanted was going to be an extra $85 using all cymbidium orchids. But then I discovered that debrobrium orchids are one of the choices for the free bouquet. So I'm using dendrobriums (free). And then the centerpieces will be 3 small floral centerpieces of orchids at each table ($15 each) and 2 floating candles with submerged orchids at each table ($30). I'm not doing a huppa (just the arch that comes with the package). I'm still confirming all the prices. And I'm bring my own votive candles and paper lanterns.

Vague is her middle name. They don't actually give you a contract. She should provide you with a wedding agreement which lists all their policies, but I guarantee the rates and policies will change before 2013 (the 2012 rates increased after I had a date confirmed and my invitations were mailed out). And she doesn't officially request any of your wedding info until about 2 months before the wedding. It can be difficult to get information. My travel agent had to contact the hotel manager to get responses.

Hi Kristy, There's a separate Grand forum that you can join and look at past posts and ask questions. I'm getting married at the Grand on June 10, 2012. For the photographer, we're using Brian Nejedley. I looked at several photographers and I thought his work is great without the super high price tag. He's actually American but now lives in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. He frequently shoots at the Grand. For decorations I'm not doing the white fabric (I have seen a few pictures and it looks great), but I am going to have paper lanterns. The florist that the Grand requires you to use (Tai Floral) actually recommended 50-80 (but she didn't specify a size that they provide). I'm bringing my own (she charges $275 for each set of 18...you can find them online for a few bucks each). I have around large 40 large lanterns, plus some large paper flower balls that i plan to hang. the goal is to fill the space, but no one will give me actual dimensions of the space. I did get a floor plan (but no dimensions). Port Maria is actually broken up by several columns and forms smaller area, which may be difficult with a large group. I'm arriving early, so I plan to walk through the space to lay out the table locations and lanterns on the floor plan a few days before the wedding. I have a question for you, since you've actually seen the space. Janielle has told me that there is a private beach location for the ceremony. But all the photos I've seen show ceremonies taking place on the beach right in front of the pool. Did you see the private location? I really don't want to have random people at my ceremony (which is one reason I chose the Grand over the Suites). Good luck!

Just make sure you look at all the fees. A private reception at the Grand is a lot more expensive than at the Suites. Plus they charge more for standard items, like musicians, dj, beach bonfire, dance club rental, cocktail hours, etc. Good luck!

Yes, you can have kids at the Grand! As long as you have a private reception. We have 5 kids coming to our wedding (ages 2-5). Your guests staying at the Suites or Beach resorts also do NOT have to pay for a day pass IF you have a private reception.

Also I have been to Jamaica a few times and traveled all around the island (a good friend is from there) and Negril definitely has the best beaches. I haven't visited Iberostar yet buy ive the beaches are good.

Ztag, I was super indecisive too! It took me forever just to choose a country. Once we finally chose Jamaica, I wanted to get married in Negril. but both my FI and parents complained about making my guests travel over 2 hours from the airport to get down there. So we decided on the Iberostar over Beaches or Couples because in our opinion the Iberostar is a better resort and LESS of a marriage factory than the other chains. Planning with Iberostar has not been easy because there are many things not included in our package (we're doing the free wedding at the Grand, which is definitely not free). Beaches, Couples, & Riu will have multiple weddings per day and they have set wedding packages designed by Martha Stewart (which is great if you really just want to show up). However, I would still prefer to get married in Negril. They have many small, intimate resorts in Negril and depending on your guest numbers you could easily rent out the whole resort. Plus they still have wedding coordinators on site to help you plan. Good luck! (btw we're headed to Negril for our honeymoon after the wedding)

MissHoneyBee, we're in the same boat. We planned for under 75 total, but we have 63 booked at the Grand and Suites, and another 6 who are choosing to stay off property. Plus an extra 15+ who have RSVPd but haven't booked yet. I fear we will definitely be bumped to the next price bracket for the reception! How long are you staying at the Grand? We arrive on June 5th.

That's insane! I'm so sick of this hotel! I'm pretty sure I have emails from Janielle which state that there's no vendor fee for photographers, only a day pass. I'll search and find it. But if your photographer is staying at the hotel then why not say that they're just a guest! You're not bringing anyone onto the property just for the wedding. It's none of the hotel's business if your guest decides to take some photos.

$21 with drinks included! I feel like we are definitely getting ripped off! Everyone keeps saying the wedding at the Grand are amazing, but I'm really doubting how amazing it can be. I was quoted around $70 at other hotels as well, but those were non all-inclusive hotels! It's crazy that all of our guests are paying a premium to stay at the Grand and then we have to pay another premium to have a private dinner. I'm really considering changing it up entirely. We're still qualified for the "free wedding". So I may have the ceremony at the Iberostar, which includes a cake and champagne toast. And then take the reception off property. I'm just waiting on quotes for alternate locations... I highly considered the El Dorado Royale for our wedding! But in the end we chose Jamaica over Mexico. When is your honeymoon? Shannon, Susan, and I are getting married on June 8th, 9th, and 10th (back to back weddings!).

I heard back from Janielle. She said that over 30 people you have to have a private reception at Port Maria. The buffet (set prices) or a la carte for $70 pp. She sent me menu options and there are 6 different menus for the a la carte. Each one has an app/salad, app/soup, 1 entree, and 1 dessert. It was unclear if I can only choose 1 menu for the a la carte, it doesn't give any options for the guests (what if I have some vegetarians). I guess I will wait on my final numbers. But I am also exploring some options in case I wanted to have the reception off site.

Susan, can you explain the al la carte policy? I thought the $70 per person for an a la carte was ON TOP of the Port Maria rental fee (which I thought was crazy). Are you saying that I can pay one or the other? flat fee for buffet or $70 pp a la carte? With the $70 pp a la carte do you still get to use Port Maria for a private reception? My numbers as starting creep up and I've already passed 50. There's a chance we could have 76 which would cause a big jump in the price. If that happens, then it would be a difference of $5320 (a la carte) versus $6000 (flat fee buffet).

Amy, I just saw that you're in Indiana.

See my post above. We are getting a free room upgrade, 1 free person for every 15 people who book, and a free group appreciation dinner (I also considered changing this to a cocktail hour, but I think an extra group dinner will be nice). This was a promotion offered through Iberostar and most travel agents that I contacted offered the same promotion. I contacted 1 or 2 who didn't offer any sort of perks and I chose not to work with them. My travel agency specializes in destination weddings and honeymoons and they frequently work with Iberostar. Quote:Originally Posted by amybutz89 Hello ladies, Im a June 2013 bride at the suites and I was wondering if any of you managed to get any perks, like free room upgrades when so many people booked or free cocktail parties and such. My agent said he wasnt able to negotiate anything but he seems fairly new and hasnt done any weddings at Iberostar before so I wanted to get some feedback on if I should push for extras or not. Thanks!!

I'm 100% certain there's no vendor fee for the photographer...only a day pass. Also, they don't charge a vendor fee for outside make-up/hair. But if you're thinking of getting married at the Grand, then you should check with them directly. As of 2012 they don't allow ANY outside vendors (except the photographer).

Be careful that you're not confusing the "vendor fee" and the "day pass". There's no vendor fee for photographers at Iberostar. They only require a day pass, therefore you have to purchase a day pass for EACH photographer. But for a band or musical group, they "should" be considered as 1 vendor...therefore, only 1 vendor fee (and no day passes). You should check with your WC to confirm.

According to the new revised contract, 90% of your guests have to stay at ANY Iberostar property (Grand, Suites, or Beach). It says nothing about a certain percentage staying at the Grand. And it doesn't mention different rules for different wedding packages (free package versus a regular package). But in order to qualify for the free package you need 5 rooms booked at the Grand for 3 nights OR 1 ocean front room for 7 nights. The contract was literally just revised for 2012 at the end of December. I've attached the contract. But in case you can't download it, send me your email and I will send you a copy. WEDDING AGREEMENT IRH GRAND.pdf

Hi Valerie, I suggest you check with many different travel agents to find the best rates (they will vary). From what I found the rates tend to be lower if you book super early (a year+ in advance) or super late (4 months in advance). I locked in my group rates in October for my June Wedding. Our rates for the Suites are still far cheaper than the current published rates (about $170 per night per person), but I've seen a few promotions for the Grand which were slightly cheaper than our rates (our rate is $230 per person per night). Also, the promotions vary based on the time of year you book. My travel agent was able to offer us a free night for every 15 people booked, plus an extra group "appreciation dinner and cocktail hour" at the Grand with day passes waived for our guests who stay at the Suites or Beach (normally the hotel will charge for any sort group dinners and cocktail hours, plus their really strict about day passes). Plus a room upgrade (but you get a room upgrade with your wedding package anyway). This is a promotion offered through the RESORT for group bookings (not specifically through the travel agent). But other travel agents only offered 1 night free for every 20 guests and NO free dinner/cocktail hour.

Cateyedcutie, I've never heard the 60% requirement for the free wedding (and I have asked the WC several times). But I'm honestly not surprised. They keep changing their rules on a whim. You still have a year out, so that's plenty of time to find a new venue. I'm 3-months away (yikes!), so I feel kind of "stuck" with the Grand. If I could rewind to September (when I first got engaged), I think I would have stuck with my idea to rent a private villa. Or I would go with a smaller boutique hotel (and rent the whole hotel).

MissHoneyBee, Each resort has different wedding planners..Janielle and Angellie are only at the Grand. But I'm glad you've had an easy time communicating with Janielle and Angellie. I think it's been a nightmare dealing with them. I've given up trying to communicate with them. We're arriving a week early for our wedding and I plan to take care of most things at that time (since it's been impossible to get a straight answer from either of them). I'm just hoping they don't throw on extra fees for anything.

$1000 is insane for a vendor fee for flowers! But I'm really amazed she actually told you that price (considering she ademently refused to allow me to even have the option to use an outside florist unless I "brought them from home.") I really think they are making this up as they go along. And apparently they changed the vendor policy regarding music! You can now have an outside DJ if you pay the standard vendor fee (I guess they finally started listening to people's complaints).

Hi Jen, Thanks for sharing your photos! I love your dress! Mine is similar (deep V with beading at the waist). I do have a few questions. Did you bring your own bouquet or upgrade from the one one that comes with the free package? Did you work with Tai Flora? If so, how much did she charge you for the flowers on the arch? Also, what color are your chair sashes? White or silver? I think Janielle said that she has white, silver, or lime green available. Did you check out the alternate beach location for the wedding? The spot that's private? I haven't seen any photos of that area yet.