How to Choose at Moon Dance Villas

[cali2010]

Hey there Moon Dance Villa brides!

 

After lots of researching, we think that Moon Dance Villas is our place. We are almost ready to put our deposit down. I still have lots of questions and you all seem so knowledgeable and helpful!

 

How did you decide how many villas to reserve given the initial uncertainty of who would attend? For those of you who are closer to your wedding date - if you didn't reserve all of them - how is availability of villas for last minute attendees? Also, who did you choose as a photographer?

 

I have been in touch with Miriam and she is extremely helpful - which makes me even more excited to book!

 

Thanks in advance!

[stacey18]

My fiance and I chose Moon Dance after it came highly recommended by family. We booked the entire resort and just crossed our fingers that we would be able to fill it. I guess it depends on how many people you are planning on inviting. We have a rather large party so we did not think that filling the entire resort would be a problem.

 

I imagine that it is easier to book it all and back out of some rather than not book enough and find out it is full if and when your numbers increase. I think that Moondance has a pretty liberal refund policy.

 

I can't help with photographers. I know that Paula at Sungold comes highly recommended but is also pricey in my opinion.

 

Good luck

[WAJA2009]

Hi, I am getting married at Moondance in June and we booked the entire resort initially now, we have only about 20 people that will be able to stay at the villas (some are staying offsite) and we gave everyone a deadline to pay for their deposits. The deadline we chose is a week before the deadline that Moondance gives us to cancel villas without penalty (for us its March 11). Soooo, by March 1, whoever has not booked, will be automatically dropped from the resort and we will just roll with who we have on that day.

 

We set up payment plans for all those who said they were going to come and gave them a deadline for the last payment. Otherwise, if you cancel later, you may find yourself paying a cancellation fee if you have to cancel villas.

 

We were very confident that we would have the whole place booked at first, but many surprises came along the way. FYI.

[WAJA2009]

Hi, I am getting married at Moondance in June and we booked the entire resort initially now, we have only about 20 people that will be able to stay at the villas (some are staying offsite) and we gave everyone a deadline to pay for their deposits. The deadline we chose is a week before the deadline that Moondance gives us to cancel villas without penalty (for us its March 11). Soooo, by March 1, whoever has not booked, will be automatically dropped from the resort and we will just roll with who we have on that day.

 

We set up payment plans for all those who said they were going to come and gave them a deadline for the last payment. Otherwise, if you cancel later, you may find yourself paying a cancellation fee if you have to cancel villas.

 

We were very confident that we would have the whole place booked at first, but many surprises came along the way. FYI.

[rydm]

My fiancé and I booked all the villas except for the two and four bedroom cuz they were already booked by someone else. We're expecting about 40 guests but some of them are staying at nearby resorts. We paid the deposits for all guests staying at the villas but Moon Dance will apply the amount to wedding cost as the guests pay their deposits.

[stacey18]

When are you girls getting married? My date is December 5th 2009. I was wondering what vendors you are using or if you have given any thought as to setup, menus, welcome receptions etc. I have plenty of time but could benefit from ideas if you are willing to share.

[cali2010]

Hi Everyone!

 

Thanks so much for responding to my post. We decided to book 4 villas after talking to our immediate families. We aren't getting married until next year, so I am sure that our numbers will change way before then.

 

Other than that, I haven't really done much more planning wise. I contacted Oneika, but haven't corresponded past that initial email.

 

For you ladies that are getting married sooner - have you had more feedback regarding how they do reception setups? I am having a hard time envisioning it without seeing sample pictures.

 

I look forward to keeping in touch and sharing ideas! :-)

[Sparkles8300]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cali2010 Hi Everyone! Thanks so much for responding to my post. We decided to book 4 villas after talking to our immediate families. We aren't getting married until next year, so I am sure that our numbers will change way before then. Other than that, I haven't really done much more planning wise. I contacted Oneika, but haven't corresponded past that initial email. For you ladies that are getting married sooner - have you had more feedback regarding how they do reception setups? I am having a hard time envisioning it without seeing sample pictures. I look forward to keeping in touch and sharing ideas! :-)

Paula from Sungold has tons of Moon Dance weddings in her slideshow gallery. Check that out and you can see all of the different weddings and set ups that they had! Jamaica Wedding Photography by Paula and Damian : Photojournalism, Tensing Pen, Montego Bay

[rydm]

Also, go to this site and watch the "Joseph & Sherri" wedding video.

 

Gallery

[cali2010]

Thanks Sparkles and Rydm for the links!

 

I have been following the Moon Dance Cliffs thread and I am starting to get a little worried. I have been in contact with Floral Fantasies and have been given quotes for centerpieces, but it sounds like Moon Dance adds fees in addition to the quoted prices? How is everyone's experiences so far with the planning process and MDV?