amaxey

Jennkn87 - Thanks for the info! The gals doing my makeup and hair are staying on property using the vendor fee I would have had to pay anyway....that way they are available for touch-ups and whatever for the afternoon/evening (our wedding is slated for 5pm). As for the complimentary romantic dinner...we did book a PREFERRED CLUB Jr suite for 7 days thinking this was one of the perks that came along with it (we're getting the Weddings in Paradise since it's just us two). It's very disappointing to find out I'm having both my wedding and honeymoon at a resort that seems bent on squeezing every nickel and dime out of you. Maybe it's just because our wedding party IS just the two of us...I've read different stories on these forums for folks with larger wedding parties (it seems it's all about the $$ you're bringing in for them - not so much about making your day/stay special). I still haven't received a response from my WC on how much the bamboo arch/chuppa is to rent. If anyone hears back on how much just the structure is, I'd be interested. I'm bringing my own fabric, but don't want any extra flowers from the florist on it. I don't mind paying the $50 to have them add my fabric since I can't really do that myself...right before my wedding. I'm also looking for a textured, one-tier, butter-creme cake (8", vanilla, no filling) the color of light brown sugar instead of the 'standard' cake provided by the resort. My WC quoted me anywhere from $175 to $200 for this 'upgrade'. I've found a local bakery that quoted me $45 for the same cake.

Hi all....I'm new to this forum, but finding lots of good info here already! I didn't see a new thread for 2014 Secrets St James/Wild Orchid brides, so I thought I'd try here... We've already sent all of our paperwork to the resort (about a month ago), so that's done. Not an easy thing...but we finally found a notary willing to do it. My fiance and I are traveling alone....and I'm running up against some issues I hope some previous Secrets brides may be able to help with:- - I'm having outside vendors come on property for make-up (Rachel Edwards), hair, and photography (Misha Earle). Does the property charge a vendor fee for each vendor or is it just a single vendor fee? Wording in their documents indicates a $300 vendor fee total, but I don't want to find out differently once I'm in country. - I've read on other threads that the Romantic Dinner for two (on the beach or gazebo) is included (in either the Wedding or Honeymoon package), but the resort sent me different options starting at $290 per couple. I've asked which is included in our package but received no response for 3 days. Does anyone know? - I'd like to have our ceremony right on the beach with the bamboo arch, and I'm looking to bring my own fabric. My WC was quick to point out that there will be a charge for the florist to help me put my fabric on the arch...but didn't answer how much the arch rental/set-up would be. Anyone know? - Since it's just the two of us, I'll require a little dressing assistance. Does anyone know if the WC will help out in this dept or should I just ask the gals doing my make-up and hair? ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Any advice a former Secrets SJ/WO bride has to offer about what they'd do again, or what they'd do differently is very appreciated!