Megg

@@Binzster thanks for all of that info! I am also talking to Christina Dunbar. The email she sent me stated I have to rent a tent, plus pay the set-up fee. Hummmm. I'm going to have to email her again for clarification. I think paying the set up fee is reasonable, but I was turned off by the high price of that rental for a tent they already own! We are only having about 20 people. How many are you having? We also booked Brian! I love his pictures! And I am also planning on making my own bouquets....well not me. I'm not crafty lol. A friend of mine loves that kind of stuff and is going to help me.

I hear back from mine in about a day. I did have an issue where I wasn't getting her emails. I'm not sure what happen, but she did forward the original emails she sent showing she was replying. I started to email in a new coversation, not the one that got screwed up. Give her a call, maybe it's an email issue, if not get a new one! That's waaaaay too long.

@@Binzster So I got the prices if you want to do a beach party after the semi private dinner. They said it will be for 2 hours. $15 per person open bar $600- $1000 tent rental fee which is not optional $750 set up fee.

@@Binzster Ours is May 9th 2015. Congrats! Yup so busy, but since I'm getting closer, I wanted to get more ideas and start getting stuff done. Can't wait to hear yours!

@@Kelly87 I booked my wedding at the Riu for 2015, we went with the free package and I believe it's about 11 or 12 per person over 10. I think it will be less in the long run, because I really don't need or want they extras that come with the other packages.

@Binzster@Soon2beMrsJ Hey guys! I haven't been on this site for a while! I'd love to read or see what you have. I hope they let us just do the beach party! I really don't see the point in paying that much a head to eat at an all inclusive. I know it's an additional service and I don't mind paying a fee..but not $75 to eat. Binzster when is your wedding?

Great to hear! Do you have any posed pictures?

We are not registering. The gift truly will be our family and friends using their vacation time and spending their money to be with us. I know they are getting a vacation, but they chose it to be with us!

It looks like you got your answer but just in case anyone else is searching...we used this on our wedding web site We made a commitment some time ago That together through life we were destined to go. We purchased our furniture, linen and bedding, in the fulfilling years leading up to our wedding. We would love a card with your memories and wishes easier to take home than toasters and dishes. But weddings are more than rings and tossed rice so please feel free to give some advice. Your words and love are all we could ask Our only hope is you´re up to the task. Write us a story, a poem or a letter your memories and tips are our gift but better!

We are so excited to have finally decided on and book our photographer for our May 2015 wedding! He has great reviews and beautiful picture. How did everyone else decide on their photographer? Anyone else using him?

I think if you do yellow and Khaki, the yellow will have to be very bright and not pale or it may look washed out. Personally I love yellow and gray. Those are my colors. I think those colors have the perfect balance of elegance and fun. Yellow of very cheerful and fun and the gray kind of pulls it all together. Just my opinion! And I'm obviously biased because that's what I picked :-)

I searched the forums but I couldn't find any recent information about services. I see a lot of people get their hair and makeup down by outside vendors. Has anyone had their hair and makeup done for their wedding day by the staff at the Riu? I feel like it would be so much easier to get it down there. But if they are not very good, I also don't want to look terrible! I can barely put on lip gloss or put my hair in a ponytail myself so I def want someone else to do it lol. Any advice would be great! Thanks.

You won't be one of those annoying people! You are doing "research" :-) It's very different

Great! I'd love to see real pictures and not just the ones the resort posts. When you ask about the beach party with open bar, if you remember please let me know. I'd love to be able to do that. I see no reason to have a full dinner on the beach, just the party!

Congrats! We booked ours for May 2015! We are not doing a visit. We stayed at a Riu before and are just crossing our fingers we will enjoy this one as much (and hopefully more!) Here is what was sent to me when I asked about extras. If you send them an email, they will send you everything the offer. I'm a little confused between the two different quotes for open bar. I was actually going to ask if I could do the semi private dinner that IS included and just pay extra for a beach party with open bar but no food or maybe with just snack foods. • PRIVATE RECEPTION ON THE BEACH Set up fee $700.00 USD Includes: round tables with white folding chairs with table setting etc. Buffet set up on the beach and draping and the energy charge for lighting on the beach. Menus: BBQ menu $75 USD per person (Price available for up to 29 guests) $65 USD per person (Price available with a minimum guarantee of 30 guests) Open bar (2-4 hours) $12.00 per person Gala Menu $90.00 USD per person Includes: Dinner & beverage (wine, beer, sodas, water). OPEN BAR: $15.00 USD per person for 2-4 hours.

I have not, but I will be in May 2015! I do have two friends who were married in Jamaica and they loved it. What resorts?

I'm so glad this thread became "hot" again. I just assumed I had to send the formal invites because that's what people do at home weddings. But now that I've read this and thought about it, STD magnets seem to be enough. I'll include our website information and post all of the vital information on there. We are having a super small wedding (less then 20 people), I see no reason to send formal invites. It's not like we need to know for a caterer or seating charts. Thanks ladies for saving me a few bucks!

I personally always thought engagement pics were kind of silly. I'm not knocking anyone who got or really wanted them! If you want to capture that special moment and have a fun photo session I think that's fantastic! But to me the pictures always look so staged and unnatural and a little bit cheesy. My future husband and I have never gazed into each others eyes while skipping through a pasture LOL. We just used old photos from past vacations for our site. Do what you want and can afford! Don't do anything because you think you have too.

Congrats everyone! Not too early at all. I am also May 2015 and we started in Nov. end of 2013. We already got book the resort. We started early in order to give our guests as much notice as possible. We wanted them to be able to save and plan over time and not rush around. As far as the dress and other details, I am going to wait a few months. Where all the 2015 brides getting married? Any Riu Montego Bay?!

I am really sorry as well that you are not happy with your photos. The ones you posted on the website look nice! But I'm sure you only posted the ones you are happy with. It wouldn't hurt to throw it out there to the wedding party about maybe taking some pictures over the summer. (I'd bribe them with food an beer. I can get my friends to do anything if I promise beer lol) I don't think it's too much to ask, it's just a matter of getting everyone together again. If you can't get everyone, how about just you and your husband like the other suggestion or maybe you can at least get the maid of honor and best man...

Anyway to post your pics without having to download them? I'm a "noob" and don't have access to see them.

Snowed-in in Philly! About 9 inches and more to come! Work is closed so I got the time to book the resort our travel agent!

We picked May 9th. No special reason! We didn't want it during any peak time (cheaper for us and our guests) but before hurricane season. One Saturday in May in a Jamaican national holiday so that was out. And we felt May 9th rolled off the tongue better than May 16th :-)

Hi everyone and congrats! I am at the very early stages of planning. I am having trouble deciding between the RIU and the GP in Montego Bay. I've read better resort reviews about the GP and the resort looks much more modern and bright. However I have read the wedding team at the GP isn't as helpful as they are at the RIU. Can anyone with experience give me some advice!

Hello! I see you posted this some time ago and you already had your big day! I am new to these boards and hope you can give share your experience with Grand Palladium. I am having trouble deciding between them and the RIU.