Other resorts besides RIU..

[durhambride]

That I could possibly look into having my wedding/reception that is all inclusive....please post away ladies.

[budgetjamaicabride]

If you are looking for a smaller resort that has plenty to offer at an affordable price and is just outside of Ocho Rios, I recommend Breezes Runaway Bay. It is a smaller resort but big enough and with enough ammenties. We are headed there in October.

[misskaytee]

I am looking into Sandals Grande Ocho Rios- these resorts seem to be moderately priced and they deal with weddings frequently so they have specials and things. TA Jennifer is the sandals specialist

[YoursTruly]

Sandals, Rose Hall (hilton), Sunset Spa, Round Hill, Tryall, Half Moon, Ritz carlton

[islandbride317]

Hi-ya, Durham Bride!

 

I, like Kaytee, am strongly considering Sandals Grande Ocho Rios for my May 2010 wedding. One question: Am I the only person, more-or-less destination bride, that had never heard of RIU until coming to this site?? Wow! So many others have gotten, or will be, getting married there...there must be something to it, right? As far as Sandals is concerned, I must say that I was smitten with the idea of getting married at one of their resorts from the first time I saw one of their TV commercials. Plus, I have been a bridesmaid in a number of weddings, and I witnessed so many sane women truly become stress-crazed Brizezillas, and I decided that stress-free, all-inclusive was the way for me! The prices are great in my opinion at SGOR (far less expensive than some of the other Sandals resorts), and my family is happy with all of the different levels of rooms that this 2-sided resort offers. All I can say to maybe help you make your decision is check out TripAdvisor.com, and see what other travelers are saying about the resorts you are interested in -- it's been a rollercoaster of great and not-so-great reviews, but I feel like I'm doing my homework, and I think SGOR will be where I say I do!

 

All the best!

Christie

[misskaytee]

Christie- I'M SO glad you and I aren't the only ones! When I first joined this site I felt like it was plastered with SGOR stuff, but when I search it seems things have died down and RIU is taking over! lol...

 

I think that I will be a SGOR bride too- and our wedding dates are quite close!

[islandbride317]

Kaytee --

 

Did you ever read the testimonials on the Sandals.com site of SGOR and see the pics of the Roman Gazebo where one couple wed? I think it's just divine, and although it's different than a traditional gazebo, it really makes a unique statement! I, personally, want to walk down an actual concrete/firm aisle instead of sand, and this allows you to do that, with a waterfountain just behind you and ocean views in the distance to serve as your background. The best part about this location is that it doesn't look like you have to spend any additional $ on decorations unless you really want to because it's already so beautiful on it's own! Plus, it looks like this location offers more privacy than some others closer to the beach for your ceremony. The chances of someone in a bathing suit jumping into your pictures to retrieve a rogue volleyball seem slim here...Check it out if you get a chance and let me know what you think!

 

One other question: do you happen to have the "add-ons" price list for reception extras, etc? Just curious, as I want to figure out if the Signature package is right for me or if I should do something more a la carte!

 

Thanks and Smiles,

Christie

[misskaytee]

Christie- I searched and searched for a pic and I can't find one!! sad...I'm gunna email Jennifer (The Sandals TA- She's fabulous!) and see if she can email me a pic. She did email me a pic of the "reef terrace" and I like it, but I'm really picky and the cement leading up to the gazebo is kinda ugly...lol- like I said I'm picky. Where did u find your pic? I do not have the price list yet- I guess I should be gathering these things! I just emailed Jennifer. Here are two pics she sent me of the reef terrace.

 

 

 

What kinds of things are you working on?

[islandbride317]

Thanks for the pics, Kaytee!

 

The Reef Terrace Gazebo is pretty, but I see what you're saying about the concrete leading up to it... One cool thing is I know my dress will look nice in photos because the girl in the pic is wearing it! Apparently that style is popular for island weddings, because she isn't the first bride I've seen wearing it on the Sandals site! Speaking of which, that is the place where I initially saw the Roman Gazebo pics. At the top of the Sandals.com home page, there is a link at the top right of the page that says "Testimonials". After you click on that, midway down the page, there are three drop-down menus: All The Countries, All the resorts, and All the categories. Click on All the Categories and select "Wedding". That will show you pics of real couples that have gotten married at all the various resorts. The one I am thinking of is at the bottom of the 2nd page with the title Sandals Grande Ocho Rios. You see the gazebo in the 1st of 4 pictures posted by Nathan and Kimberly C. **I am going to attempt to attach 2 of the pics in a stone-age Word document here, because everthing else I tried to paste the pictures here isn't working!** Fingers crossed you can see them!

 

But like I was saying, the Roman Gazebo is sort of an untraditional look, but hey, destination weddings are kinda untraditional, right? It may not be as cool in person though, and that is why I am really going to be looking forward to being taken around by the planner the day after we arrive to see everything face-to-face!

 

Other than that, I am starting to work on research as to where we'd like to have our at-home reception. Since we realize that all of our family and friends may not be able to make the trip, (and since I live in southern Pennsylvania about an hour north of Baltimore) we are thinking of keeping the water-theme going with a reception on a small yacht/private party boat cruise in the Inner Harbor of Baltimore. There is a really great catering company that does Caribbean cuisine which is recommended by the boat rental company, and I am getting pricing together for a steel drum/reggae band to play as entertainment. I want everyone to feel as though they're getting to experience a little slice of Jamaica right here in their own backyard...

 

What's hilarious about planning my at-home reception, is that we have only recently decided on SGOR for the wedding itself, and have yet to actually book with our travel agent! (Within the next few weeks, we are going to firm up the details and make it official!) Geez, talk about putting the cart before the horse, huh?

 

Hope all is well! Christie

[misskaytee]

I looked on the cite- is it the one that is red with the fountain? cause it's officially my NEW favorite!! lol. I'm waiting for my TA to email me back. Sometimes I wish I could just go down to the resort and pick a place- I feel like I want to feel the atmosphere and see what's around to pick- and there are so many gazebos I'm sure there are some great options! (I always have to add the pics to my photobucket account and then use the link they give me and insert it into a reply)

 

by the way- that is SO crazy about your dress! what a small world!! haha. It is a beautiful dress, good choice! very DW!

 

I have yet to think about my at home reception- there are small details I am putting together but nothing firm- I don't have any idea of location but I know this part is going to be done as cheap as possible...It's funny tho cause one of the things my FI and I agreed on was a steel drum band- we agree that we want a jamaican flair at our wedding too! too funny...Your reception sounds like it's gunna rock the house, those are some great ideas! *jealous.

 

So question- are you nervous about booking? what if you find a better resort? what if something comes up or you hear about a terrible review on here? aaah the choices...I am confident in this resort and my TA, but I'm still nervous...maybe it's me being anal...

 

and- my mom keeps saying who is gunna want to pay $2,000 for 2 people to stay 4 nights? so I'm wondering if there's a cheaper alternative, but the selfish part of me doesn't care who is there as long as it's FI and I...

 

DURHAMBRIDE- I'm sorry we've stolen your thread!!