Jamaica Riu Brides

[Spazz]

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrittneyD We are getting married at 4:00 and are having the steel drum band. I think we are going to go to the beach party instead of a rehearsal dinner, mostly because there is not a space to seat all of our guests. We are thinking about doing a private cocktail party, but that may make everything too rushed. We are bringing our own photographer from home. This was the most expensive, but best decision I have made yet. We are doing a trash the dress shoot the day after the wedding. This is the only decision I have made that has caused some family controversy. Oh well. We are also considering planning an optional outing to Dunns River Falls. I don't want to have too many planned events, because I want everyone to enjoy a vacation. I do want to make sure that we make this a fun experience for everyone though. We are making out of town bags. Some ideas we have come up with are koozies, cups, T-shirts, postcards, photo album, pool bags, and water proof disposable. We are also making wine charms for the reception dinner. Well, that is enough now. Brittney

I wish my wedding was at 4:00. The ONLY time I could get was 12:00, I keep checking to see if anyone else has cancelled that day yet, but so far I'm stuck. I just have no idea what to tell guests to do for 5 1/2 hours between the ceremony and reception?!?
We also got the steel drum band. Do you know if they play afterwards while you're getting pictures taken?
Did any of you get cocktails/hors d'oeuvres for after the ceremony? I sorta want the guests to have something to drink while they're on the beach getting pictures, but don't know how much this would cost.
I think I'm one of the few who is keeping the photographer from RIU. I do love pictures, it just isn't one of the most important things for me, so I'm willing to take my chances with them.
I'm doing a lot of the same things for the OOT bags: koozies, cups, cards/dice, maybe postcards, snacks, cameras, etc...not totally sure yet.
I'm not planning too much either, maybe just an informal night at the bar to welcome everyone. I figure it's their vacation too, so I don't want to fill up too much of their time. Also, it would be a huge pain to try to organize 80+ people!

[Spazz]

Welcome Mo! I'm so excited we have so many ROR bride-to-bes here now!!! Your FI sounds like a great guy.

What are your plans between the ceremony and reception because that's my big issue too?

[Spazz]

Mo - It sounds like you have everything planned perfectly! I have a few questions for you...

It sounds like we are doing a lot of the same things. I am flying down on a Saturday, my family is coming Sunday and friends Tuesday or Wednesday, we're getting married on a Friday. My TA arranged for a company to take everyone from the airport to the hotel. I am also flying first class non-stop out of Philly. How many bags are we allowed to carry-on and check?I sent out my STDs in June and I have had 65 people book, but am expecting 15-20 more. [I]When do you think I should send out my official invitations?[/i][/b]Did you arrange the rehearsal with Chandlyn? I wasn't sure if they normally did a rehearsal the day before the wedding. That's a great idea about renting out the bar. I may have to copy that if you don't mind! Did you arrange that with Chandlyn too? I wanted to give out my OOT bags at a welcome party, but am wondering how will people find out about this party if I was going to put the itinerary in the OOT bagI also got travel candle tins, am getting koozies/cups, etc. Where did you get your actual bags from?Sorry for the million questions!!! Can't wait to hear your reception plans!

[BrittneyD]

Mo.. you have some really great ideas! It's great that you work with children on the spectrum. I do in home programs.

 

Lizz... You can have the steel drum band for as long as you want. There is a minimum of 1 hour, and it is $350/hour. As far as cocktails, Riu brings rum punch and fruit punch for after the ceremony. They will serve this free of charge. I would send an e-mail to Chandalyn, just so you have a written confirmation to bring with you.

[BrittneyD]

Mo...what company is doing your cake? I heard that Riu has an awful cake, so I'd love to get one from somewhere else.

[Spazz]

Mo - If you don't mind me asking, how much does it cost per person for the lunch at Evita's?

[Spazz]

Mo - That's a great idea about sending out the booklet. I'd love to see your finished version to see what all you included.

That is so great to know about Air Jamaica too!

[BrittneyD]

Mo... you really have it together. I would everything you have in the books. That is such a great idea. You are going to have such a beautiful wedding.

[Heidi]

I also plan on having a sand ceremony.... do you know how that is working yet? Will they set up a table for you at the gazebo?

[boscobel]

We are doing the sand ceremony also. It was something that Matt suggested that let me know he is actually involved in this! So I am excited about that. Are you purchasing a kit here?

 

Mo - All I can say is Wow. You have it together! I wish I ws even halfway that organized. I know I have like 9 months, but still. I can't even get my resort to give me information let alone make decisions!