Any Gran Bahia Principe Runaway Bay Brides out there?

[AngelaandTrevor]

Wow Tekeya NICE pictures! Great job! I went with Jamaican wedding photographers. Devon does amazing pictures too! I'm booked with the Gran Bahia Principe for April 21st 2012. Did they have any hidden fees that came out after the fact? So far 70 people are booked to go and Chandlyn has said I have to close down the restaurant at a price of $2500.00 plus pay $30 per person after 30 people because of the large amount of people going. Has anyone had the same problem? Everytime I turn around there seems to be a charge for this and a charge for that! Originally it was just the one fee of $2500.00. A month later when i messaged to confirm this I now have to pay the $30 dollars per person too! I'm scared to ask if it covers the alcohol too or if that is extra as well! For an all inclusive resort they sure have a lot of hidden charges. If anyone can help bring me up to date on all the charges that would be great!

 

Thanks Angela

[Dutchie600]

WELCOME!! I am also with air transat. Be careful Air transat's wedding packages are a little different from the Hotels!

[JayKay]

Welcome!!

 

We too are going with airtransat, and there wedding packages are different then the resort ones.  We looked at going with airtransat wedding packages but found it easier and cheaper to just go with the packages offered at the hotel.  We booked in January for a few reasons.  It was cheaper then February, March and April and it was not in hurricane season.  Also, my family owns a business and January was the best time to go away.  Good luck with your planning!

 

Originally Posted by LJMedic 

Hi Ladies,

                Just joined the site. We have choosen the GBP resort and now have to decide when to get married. I would love any suggestions or experiences you have had with certain times of year. I have been warned away from Aug to Nov due to hurricane season. I see alot of brides are booked for Sept Oct weddings so I am wondering if there really is reason to worry. We will be booking airtransat and have the 3 wedding packages to choose from, any information on your experiences with these would be great as well. Thanks

LJ

 

[Tekeya Thompson]

We had 51 people total and I did the free package...so I only got 16 (which you have to include the bride and groom in the 16 - which leaves you only 14) free guests, and I had to pay $25/guest for each additional.  I had one guest that showed up (didn't rsvp, didn't call, text, send a telegram, nothing...just showed up) so Chandlyn actually let that one ride and I didn't have to pay for her.  So I paid for all the guests, $220 for the minister and legal documents, $250 for gazebo, and $40 for the extra cake layer (which I wish I hadn't did now, we had too much leftover).  That was it.  We did Dolce which accomodated 51 people in the room, but I can't say if 70 will fit in the room because they use the long rectangle tables.  I had 7 tables total and it was little room for any more..  If you do the grill, it's more open but it's hot as HECK and the bugs was yuky.  The food was good in both though.

 

Originally Posted by AngelaandTrevor 

Wow Tekeya NICE pictures! Great job! I went with Jamaican wedding photographers. Devon does amazing pictures too! I'm booked with the Gran Bahia Principe for April 21st 2012. Did they have any hidden fees that came out after the fact? So far 70 people are booked to go and Chandlyn has said I have to close down the restaurant at a price of $2500.00 plus pay $30 per person after 30 people because of the large amount of people going. Has anyone had the same problem? Everytime I turn around there seems to be a charge for this and a charge for that! Originally it was just the one fee of $2500.00. A month later when i messaged to confirm this I now have to pay the $30 dollars per person too! I'm scared to ask if it covers the alcohol too or if that is extra as well! For an all inclusive resort they sure have a lot of hidden charges. If anyone can help bring me up to date on all the charges that would be great!

 

Thanks Angela

 

[Tekeya Thompson]

I agree...that's the main reason we went with Destinationweddings.com...they offered transfers in all of their packages and according to where you left, some people got free parking at airport.  We left out of ATL and the average for 4 days and 3 nights was $700 with air and transfer (and hotel).   The hotel will stick you later when you have to pay for the transfer

Originally Posted by Dutchie600 

WELCOME!! I am also with air transat. Be careful Air transat's wedding packages are a little different from the Hotels!

 

[Tekeya Thompson]

The Airtran discount program is called eventsavers.  It's not a booking with hotel, but if those prefer to book their own flights, it will give them 10% discount.

 

http://www.eventfares.com/eventsavers.aspx 

[tamandrob]

Tekeya,

 

Thanks for the photographer info I will make a list so I don't forget! I love your sneak peek pictures, you looked amazing! If my photos turn out anything like your I will be one happy bride! Thanks for sharing! Ps. purple is my wedding colour too!

[Tekeya Thompson]

Great...I am about to post my leftovers in the sales area

[tamandrob]

I will go check it out!
 

Originally Posted by Tekeya Thompson 

Great...I am about to post my leftovers in the sales area

 

[monarch]

Thanks for all the info Tekeya!

 

A few questions for you:

 

1. You mentioned that you had 50-some people in the room at the dolce vita.  Did you rent out the entire restaurant or did you have some type of semi-private room.  Do you recommend renting out the entire restaurant for a group of 40?  I am concerned that some of the older guests may not be happy with the gazebo party.

 

2.  Approximately how much did you pay for the sungold photography?  How did you find it in comparison to the hotel photographer?  Your photographs have such beautiful colour and sharpness!

 

Thanks for your help!