Leah22

Hi! I understand your dilemma. I’ve never been to the Riu in Negril (I assume that’s what you’re referring to), but I have visited a few other Riu resorts and the Iberostar is by far better. I’ve been to Jamaica a couple of times and I have friends from the island. I looked at many hotels (on multiple islands). If you want an all-inclusive resort, then I think Iberostar is the way to go (just my opinion). I’m getting married in June at the Iberostar Grand, but I also considered the Iberostar Suites, so I’ve been in contact with both wedding coordinators. The Suites may be more affordable. You pay $18pp over the first 8 people. And then a private reception is a flat fee of around $875 (you need a minimum of 30 people, and I think it’s only up to 80 people). At the Grand you pay $20pp over the first 10 people, but a private reception varies based on the number of people. 30-50 people is $1750. 51-75 is $2600. 76-99 is $3500. 100-150 people is $5250. The Grand does have a “free package†which is very basic and only includes the marriage services, ceremony setup and arch, cake, champagne toast, bouquet, and boutonniere, and the reception dinner for up to 10 people (no other decorations). Both wedding coordinators are slow, but responsive. They always get back to me within a day or two. Good luck!

Janielle confirmed that the free bouquet is any of the four, #161-164 (in the top image below).

That sounds a little odd. I wrote to her a few days ago asking for prices and she emailed me back right away (within 10 minutes). I would try again and then move on if she's too busy for new clients. There seem to be several good photographers in the same price range in the area.

I'm planning on the same thing for the cocktail hour. I'll tell my guests to go to one of the hotel bars for drinks before the reception. I don't see the purpose in paying for a formal cocktail hour when I'm paying to rent out a reception space (especially when they can grab free drinks nearby). Also, as part of the ceremony package there's a champagne toast.

Jen, About your reception. I think you CAN rent Port Maria or do the a la carte on the beach. You will just be required to pay the charges associated with them. Did you talk to Janielle about it? I can't imagine the hotel would deny the extra money.

Hi Jen, I asked Janielle this question last week. She sent me a 50 page brochure with all of the bouquet options from Tia Floral. She said "only a tropical bouquet from page 44 is included". I'm honestly not sure if she meant page 44 of the pdf or page 44 of the brochure (2 different pages). #153, #154, and #161-164 are on these pages and listed as "tropical". I've attached the images. If you want the full brochure send me a PM with your email address.

Beachbum, Are you having both the ceremony and dinner off-site or just the ceremony? I'm anticipating 40-60 guests. At Iberostar there is an extra cost to rent the private dinner space. But I imagine bringing that many off-site for a ceremony and dinner will really add up.

Here's my date: 6.10.2012 - Leah 22 - Grand 2011 Brides 10.30.2012 – nolabride78 (Stacy & Raymond) 11.6.2011 – pmwoodard1978 (Paula & xx) – Beach 11.6.2011 - ErinDoc (Erin & Bryan) - Suites 11.11.2011 – mrsgreene2011 (Jeanine & Reuben) – Suites 11.14.2011 - Sn2bMrsMarshall (Eric & Sheena) - Beach 11.16.2011 – starrysim – Beach 11.20.2011 - lianac (Liana & Jeff) - Suites 11.24.2011 – Bride2be – Suites 12.3.2011- DeAngelis2be (Christine & Joseph)- Grand 12.5.2011 - Marlena (Marlena & Brian) Beach 12.6.2011 – Kimberli1211 (Kim & Coleman) – Suites 2012 Brides 1.9.2012 – daizyduke – Suites 1.18.2012 - RyGuysBride - Suites 1.18.2012 - nikadawn - Beach 2.2.2012 – shanas (Shana & Brian) – Beach 2.11.2012 - bmaxam12 - Suites 2.17.2012 - butyfuldreamer - Suites 2.22.2012 - X-Tina - Suites 2.24.2012 – hayjk – Suites 2.26.2012 – bjcs21 – Suites 3.19.2012-Saskbride2012 (Kari&Sean) = Suites 4.18.2012 – cGd41812 – Suites 4.27.2012 - Jamaica2012 - Beach 5.12.2012- photolvr77- Suites 5.14.2012 - poddoc - Beach 5.30.2012 – MoBayBride2B – Suites 6.8.2012 – sunshine2413 (Shannon & Maurell) - Grand 6.9.2012 - Sj4680 (Susan & Kyle) - Grand 6.10.2012 - Leah 22 - Grand 6.22.2012 – dcrow55 – Suites 6.23.2012 - fungirl97 - Suites 7.1.2012 – JADE28 (Charene & Kevin) – Suites 7.7.2012 – JamaicaSukie – Suites 7.13.2012 - tdotey (Tomi & Kevin) - Beach 7.22.2012 – IslandBride201x (Kim & Eric) – Suites 7.22.2012 – MrsDesz – Beach 7.23.2012 – IslandBride12 - Suites 7.30.2012 - noreenp79 - Suites 8.24.2012 – Kadijah – Suites 10.7.2012 - mcolon722 - Suites 11.11.2012- meeshamillz - Beach 11.11.2012 – futuremrsclark (Megan & Nick) – Suites 2013 Brides 6.5.2013- amybutz89- Suites Married!!!! 6.30.2011 – mrsdeloatch2be – Suites 7.13.2011 – daisymable – Suites 8.28.2011 - MrsWashington11 9.8.2011 - QTPie11 - Suites 9.9.2011 – Islandgirl910 – Suites 9.10.2011 – toiinlove – Grand 10.8.2011 – futuremrstgun – Beach

Thanks Susan. I spoke with Lauren at VIP and it took her about 3 weeks to get me a quote and then I never heard from her again. Is Jennifer the owner?

Does anyone where this image is located at the Grand? It was one of the ceremony options that Janielle sent me, but I can't tell if it's outside or completely indoors.

I originally wanted 30 but then my fiancé decided he wanted to invite everyone! So now we have no idea how many people but may come, but we know that the Grand will be too steep for some. As far as day passes, we are planning to pay for passes (especially since we know some people will bring their super young kids). BUT we originally budgeted for fewer people. So we are going to wait and see how many people end up coming, where they choose to stay, and then decide. If we end up with a lot of guests at the Suites or even the Beach resort then we may pay $25 pp instead of the full $50. Susan, who is your travel agent? I spoke to a woman at VIP vacations who claimed her company was in the process of negotiating day pass waivers (they are based out of PA). But communication with her was very poor. in the end I've decided to use Beach Bum Vacations & they seem to have a good relationship with Iberostar. It would be amazing if we could get our day passes waived! I'll send you both a PM with my facebook info.

Hi Susan and Shannon! I'm not sure what I'm doing for the ceremony yet but we will do the private reception. Susan, is there an extra charge to have the reception right on the beach? I also wanted to have some sort of welcome party or mixer either on Friday or Saturday (which we may be at the Suites). And I may do a girls only catamaran booze cruise on Saturday afternoon as a bachelorette party. We are inviting 130 and expecting at least half. But right now I'm still working with a travel agent to confirm the rates & block off some rooms. I have a feeling that the majority of my guests will be at the Suites, but I'm trying to convince them to stay at the Grand! Shannon, I have spoken to a few travel agents who have reassured me that it won't be sold out for early June! I originally was going to have the wedding on the 29th but that week the rooms were 15% more & there was a high sell out risk because of the 4th of July. Susan, I've wasn't aware of the beach party! But I did a quick search on tripadvisor.com and people have commented that it's mid week (Wednesday of Thursday) but the day of week changes.

The wedding packages & costs at the resort include all taxes & fees. When you order anything from an outside vendor (including the florist) you need to check for additional fees. I would also suggest to pay cash on arrival to avoid those extra cc fees.

Sunshine & Susan, We plan to arrive on Wednesday of that week. I may be the one lurking from afar to check out your weddings! Are you both doing beach ceremonies & private reception at Port Maria? I wrote to Janielle with all the questions above and asked for other ceremony options (non-beach) with pictures...but I'm still waiting for a reply.

I definitely plan to provide an iPod and/or CD with a complete playlist. My fiancé and I are both in to music and I don't want to leave anything to chance! Plus one of my fiance's cousins in a DJ, so if they allow it we'll have him take over the equipment and control the music.

We have finally decided on the Grand. Our wedding will be June 10, 2012. And I fear I have a lot to do since I still haven't sent out STD. We are going to do the free wedding. Does anyone know what decorations (if any) come with this package? Do I need to arrange all my own centerpieces or fabric for the arch or chair covers?

I agree! I love the fabric on the huppa. Did that come with your wedding package? I'm doing the free wedding at the Grand. I was told by the WC that it came with an arch for the ceremony, but I'm not sure if any fabric or decorations are included.

I just looked through all my emails and I found the "Wedding Agreement" that the PR manager sent me a couple of weeks ago. According to this form, you need 90% of your guests to stay on the entire property! Including the Grand, Suites, and Beach resorts combined. I have attached it. Leslioni, I'm planning to get married at home and just do a vow renewal in Jamaica as well (I don't want to wait 6 months for my marriage certificate and then have to deal with submitting it to my state). I read through all the forms and I don't think you need anything for the vow renewal since it's a non-legal ceremony. But it wouldn't hurt to bring a copy of your marriage certificate. They also offer a "blessing" ceremony. And for that I know you would need nothing. WEDDING AGREEMENT IRH GRAND.pdf

Hi Susan, That is our plan as well. We think we will have the 5 rooms booked at the Grand and then we assumed most of our guests will be at the Suites or Beach resort. I'm going to try and call her tomorrow. I've never seen it written anywhere and i've read all the info she's given me. I think they would prefer if 80% stayed there. But if we're paying $50 pp for a day pass + $20 pp for the ceremony & reception then they're collecting extra money regardless.

I have a question for the Grand brides (but this is relevant to everyone else as well). I just emailed the wedding coordinator, Janielle, and asked her a series of questions. One was in regards to the number of guests that must actually be booked at the Grand if we want to have a wedding there (this question was in response to the bride quoted below). She told me 80% "if feasible". What does "if feasible" mean? Has anyone else dealt with this? I've never seen a contract that states any percentage. We are expecting around 50 guests and we assumed we would have mix of guests staying at all three resorts based on their budgets. The free wedding package only calls for 5 rooms booked at the Grand! Does everyone have 80% of the guests booked at the same resort?

Did you guys block out any rooms and/or put them on hold. That is terrible. But at least there is still room on the property.

The $200 pp per night was from Go Iberostar Vacations (they specialize in only Iberostar but I've noticed there is adelay of 3-4 days to receive a response via email from them). I was quoted $230 by Beach Bum Vacations (they are very helpful and respond right away, but their contract is strict...they do not allow any changes in the rates after a contract is sign). I also contacted AAA and they told me $300 pp, which I think must be a mistake. I'm still waiting to hear from a couple of other travel agents. Which TA are you using? The $200 rate was for June 11th wedding, so you should be able to get the same rate if your wedding is on the 9th!

The $200 pp per night rate for the Grand came from Go Iberostar Vacations (they specialize in only Iberostar). I contacted Beach Bum Vacations and they quoted me $230. And I also contacted AAA and they said $300 pp! Which I think has to be a mistake. I'm also waiting for rates from Liberty Travel and another "destination wedding planner/travel agent" that I found on the internet. The $200 rate was for a June 11th wedding date, so you should be able to get the same rate! Beach Bum seems like a very good company, very responsive and helpful. But she said once I go into contract they wouldn't match or adjust any rates, plus they want $100 pp for a deposit just to hold the rooms. Whereas Go Iberostar claims that they will match or beat any rate. But she's not very responsive and will take several days to respond. Which travel agent are you using?

I just received a new quote from a different travel agent for $200 pp per night for the Grand and $168 for the Suites. Not sure about the Beach resort since no travel agent has been willing to give me their rates so far (they all seem to ignore my request when I ask for the rates at all 3 resorts). What kind of rates have others been quoted? I'm not sure if this is really amazing or a bad deal! At least it's better than the last quote.

Hi TGreen, I'm planning on getting married in June 2012 and I've done nothing! I just decided on the Iberostar and reserved a date a couple of days ago...but now I'm doubting that decision again. I booked the Grand, but I'm trying to decide if that makes sense and if any of my guests will actually stay at the Grand. If they all end up at the Suites, then I might as well just get married there (and save money on those day passes). BUT I'm also checking out Negril. I would love to do a small AI boutique hotel...but many of those in Negril do no allow kids! I feel really behind, but we're trying to avoid hurricane season and we want to stay away from the fall holidays and the high winter season. I'm hoping to finalize a hotel this weekend or early next week. And get out my save the dates in mid-October. But the invites would have to follow soon after.