sarahandjake13

Everyone's advice is great!!! I don't know how I missed the postings on this thread! I've been so busy making decisions for the wedding over the past 2 months, that I haven't spent much time on here. I'm not a big fan of my hair being up either, so I'm really thinking about doing half up and half down now with LOTS of hairspray!! I'm also thinking about getting some clip-in extensions to give my hair more weight. I'm going to start looking for some pictures to post on here

Hello We're having our private reception at the Port Maria Restaurant at the Iberostar Grand. I wanted to know what everyone is doing for decorations. I thought this would be a good thread to start for sharing pictures and ideas for reception decor. I was thinking about buying round paper lanterns and bringing them with us, but I'm not sure if the restaurant an accommodate this. We want to stick within a good budget so DIY ideas are welcomed!!

Hi kt, I'm so sorry for the late response!! I haven't been on the forum for a bit because I was in crazy planing mode..lol We ended up booking the Iberostar Grand for our stay in October, but decided to have an off-resort wedding ceremony. The costs were quite comparable as we are only having about 20 guests. We are still thinking about having a cocktail party or private reception back at the resort after the ceremony. I ended up speaking with Janielle again and confirmed more details on costs. The rental fee of $3000 for the Port Maria included open bar. The one thing I'm unsure of, is if we still have an option of having the private reception in the Port Maria with only 20 people, but still pay the $3000. I've been so busy organizing photography and ceremony details I haven't actually focused on the reception.

Hello Ladies I've also booked with Tropical Weddings for our private beach ceremony in Montego Bay. We're staying at the Iberostar Grand but wanted a more private ceremony. I'm super happy with Almarie so far!! And, compared to what your paying the resort, it's reasonable The beach location of our ceremony is called Tropical Beach.

That makes me very happy MontegoKate!! We booked with Almarie this past week for our private beach ceremony in Montego Bay. We are also staying at the Iberostar Grand, but wanted a private wedding away from the public. So far, I have bee super happy with our communication with Almarie. She's professional and quick to reply Did you have your ceremony on Tropical Beach?

Hi Madison87!! Thank you for posting your questions To the Grand. I just sent them a similar email tonight (before I read your post) in regards to some questions on the details of pricing. My fiance and I were looking at renting the Port Maria for our reception (30 guests), and I was alarmed that our paperwork said the $3000 did not include open bar, especially since all our guests are staying at the Grand!! I'm really looking forward to seeing your updated price list, as we are definitely going to reconsider the private reception if it does not include the alcohol. I'm also surprised to see that the "a la carte" menu is only $70 per person with no rental fee (minimum 30 guests I'm assuming), I'm wandering if alcohol is included in this or if it's an extra fee. I just showed my fiance your post, and we both found it funny that in response to your question about extending the rental till 11PM, she told you there was a cash charge for the staff, it sounds just a little sketchy. Overall, we are planning our wedding for November 2013, but we haven't found the correspondence with the resort very professional. It's a pretty penny to stay there, therefore you have an expectation of service. I have to say, we absolutely LOVE the resort (stayed in May 2011), but I don't feel a sense of ease with the organization. Is it possible to PM me your Wedding Details attachment? I don't have enough posts on the forum yet, therefore don't have access. Thanks so much!!! Sarah

Hello Ladies I'm really considering wearing my hair down and natural for my beach ceremony and would love to hear feedback and advice. If there are any previous brides that tried this or new brides looking to wear your hair down, I would love advice on the best hairspray or different ideas on executing this risky hairdo. Also, if anyone has pictures, I would love to see them!! Thanks!! Sarah

Hello Ladies I'm really considering wearing my hair down and natural for my beach ceremony and would love to hear feedback and advice. If there are any previous brides that tried this or new brides looking to wear your hair down, I would love advice on the best hairspray or different ideas on executing this risky hairdo. Also, if anyone has pictures, I would love to see them!! Thanks!! Sarah

You're wedding video was amazing!! You looked beautiful I'm definitely looking at this company for us.

Hello We're planning on booking the Iberostar Grand for November 2013!! We're just looking at all other options first before making the commitment. I'm very excited about a destination wedding, but also worried because I'm such a planner and doing it from afar scares me. We vacationed at the Grand in May 2012 and absolutely LOVED it!! It's well worth the extra money spent from the other sister resorts. Is anyone else looking at booking for November 2013 at the Grand? Looking forward to hearing everyone's comments!