FutureMrsGlover

I was only going to do save the dates but my wedding planner told me I needed to send out invites also....so I think I am going to just do the invites and include a small flyer with the resort and travel agent info on it.

I am trying to get there also.....It seems like it is taking forever!

Ladies...thank you for all the great ideas for bridesmaid dresses. I was unsure with what to do but I think I will do a bright colored (orange or yellow) maxi dress for my bridesmaids. I want them to be able to wear the dress again.

Actually, I don't think it will look ridiculous. I have looked on a lot of sights with destination brides and a lot of times I see women with full almost ball gowns on. The lace is beautiful on this dress and it isn't too much! I have the same issue with my fiance and I want a dress similar to the one you have pictured. My fiance is going to wear a linen shirt and linen pants. Always remember it is your day, you can do what you want!! Congratualations and have a fun shopping! Tish

I hope they still have some items! Checking them out now.

Hi, I am having the same issue...however, my wedding is in Jamaica. My friend was married in Cancun last year and shipped items to the resort. Well the packages never made it through customs and they were never returned. She had to file a claim with FedEX, and they reimbursed her but she had to buy all new favors and decorations in Cancun prior to the wedding. It was very stressful for her. In light of that ordeal, I am thinking of trimming down my decorations and just getting them from the resort. Good luck and hope this helps. Happy planning! Tish

I am new to the site also....welcome and congratulations!!! Brazil sounds amazing!

Hi Everyone, I got in engaged July 2013 in Cancun. At that time, we decided to have a destination wedding. We are planning on getting married in Jamaica. My concern is shipping decorations to Jamaica. Has anyone done this before? Was it a smooth process? I have heard some horror stories about shipping items to other countries and I am thinking it would be easier to just buy everything through the resort and florist. Any thoughts? Thank you, Tish

This has been my issue with resorts. They charge for extra guests but the guests are already staying there. I have seen additonal person fees up to $80 per person. It can get really expensive. I am currently looking in Jamaica but I can't find any resorts that include packages for more than 20 persons.

Congratulations!!! My travel agent has been my right arm as I have asked her about so many different resorts. She even set up my resort tours in October 2013 when I went to Jamaica on a girls trip. This isn't a must but since I was already there, I decided to do them. I still haven't decided on the final resort (wedding is in 2015) but it gave me a chance to see if they could give me the vision I was seeking. Happy planning!

I too am a simple bride....I like clean white and crisp!!! With maybe just a few votives. I don't want the big flower arrangements. Everyone has their own unique taste....remember this is about you and your future husband. Do what makes you happy!!!

Congratulations on your engagement!!! It was my fiance's idea to have the destination wedding. It was also due to the cost of having a wedding at home. Also, I have been married before so I was fine with the destination wedding. With the destination there will be some people who will not be able to make it. That can be upsetting to some, so you have to think about if it is worth it. (My parents won't fly and neither will my fiance's). However, we are thinking of having a dinner with the parents when we return. We have decided on Jamaica because it is very beautiful, not very expensive and has a lot of resorts to choose from. I have narrowed my resorts down to three in Montego Bay - Iberostar, Secrets and Royalton White Sands. In additon to all of the great ideas and helpful hints on this website, I also look at tripadvisor and I have a travel agent. The travel agent is key to getting the travel organized for everyone. Good luck and happy planning!

Wow.....you gave me so many ideas!!! Congratulations! I know your wedding day is going to be wonderful!

This is great. Very helpful.

I just received the information from Ellie. RWS has definitely moved up to the top. It has vision I was looking for. Also, the prices are very good for the extras I can't bring along with me. I too believe my guests will have an awesome experience at RWS.

Hi HeatherC85, Congratulations on your engagement!!! I am also getting married in Montego Bay Jamaica October 2015. I actually went on tripadvisor to first look at some of the resorts. I also talked to a friend who is a travel agent to get her opinion on some of the resorts. There are great forums on here and reviews on a lot of resorts in Montego Bay. My personal favorites are Iberostar Resorts, Secrets St. James/Wild Orchid and Royalton White Sands. I reviewed each resorts wedding packages. I wrote down my questions and sent an email to the wedding planners. Most get back with you within 24-48 hours. Everyone on here is very responsive and have great ideas and helpful hints to making your planning a smoother process. Again congratulations and happy planning!!! Tish

Congratulations!! I am a newbie as well....there is a wealth of information on this website. You will get some great ideas!

I am also putting the prices for the resort on the website. It gives your guest some idea of the cost. However, we are stressing to speak with the travel agent for more detailed information.

This is great information. I am planning a Jamaican wedding and I was concerned if I would have to get married in the US first. Thank you!

Thank you Pam. I am thinking we will have approximately 50 guests also. Please keep me posted with helpful hints. I know I will need it. Tish

@@vanessav53 Thank you for posting...these are great ideas! My wedding isn't until Oct 2015 but this is a great help. Tish

This is a great list!!! Very helpful!

Thanks for the tips!

Hi Tania, Congratulations!!! I have been engaged since July 2013...and we too are planning a destination wedding. I have had a hard time choosing between Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. I think I am finally on-board with Jamaica (my fiance's first choice). Then it is the narrowing down of resorts (I am down to three) - Iberostar, Secrets and Royalton White Sands (all in Montego Bay). I looked at resorts in Aruba also but as stated above there aren't many all inclusives and I didn't like all the pictures with the iguanas. (Not a fan of lizards). I chose Montego Bay because of the airport being right there and not wanting my guests to have to take an hour or two ride to the resorts in Ochos Rios or Negril. Jamaica doesn't requre blood tests and the documents needed are pretty standard. The issue with the Dominican Republic is the translation services needed and the cost of the judge/minister for the wedding. (I thought the cost was a bit much!) Like you, I am trying to keep my budget between $5k and $6K. I had the same concern as to whether to pay for the flights for the wedding attendants but the cost just got too much. I am trying instead to find inexpensive dresses and linen suits so that the additional cost will be minimal to them. I am also using a travel agent who lives in the States but is actually from Jamaica. She has been a tremendous help. I hope this helps. Tish

Hi everyone.....I am new to this. In the process of planning an October 2015 wedding. I have been considering Iberostar and Secrets but I ran across RWS on tripadvisor. The resort is lovely. I knew planning a wedding would be stressful but a destination seems even harder! I can't make up my mind. I will be emailing the wedding planner. I look forward to reading everyone's updates. Tish