Any Gran Bahia Principe Runaway Bay Brides out there?

[JayKay]

I agree, the thing I'm not worried about is rain, but then again its just a little water.  I'm going to try to not let it ruin my day! 

I'm going to definately come check out your wedding!! And you will have to come check out mine, if you will still be at the resort!

 

Originally Posted by BusyBee123 

Jaykay: I agree 110%!  I've come to accept that the day will not run entirely without a flaw!  All we can do for the time being is focus on organizing and simplifying things on our end and hope for the best! The reality is, none of our guests know what the plan is; they're just going to see an amazing day in the sunshine with their close friends/family getting married!  To them I'm sure it will seem perfect anyways!  Unless is rains...that's the one thing that would totally ruin the day for me! lol!

 

Ps, you won't be 'spying' on my wedding!  You're welcome to come and check it out!  Would be great to see you down there!  
 

 

 

[BusyBee123]

JayKay, We'll still be there! We're Saturday 7th to Saturday 14th, so as of your wedding day we'll officially be done with all the welcome dinners, rehearsals, wedding day and trash the dress! Wow, its going to be a busy week!  We'll definitely have to stop by!

 

Originally Posted by JayKay 

I agree, the thing I'm not worried about is rain, but then again its just a little water.  I'm going to try to not let it ruin my day! 

I'm going to definately come check out your wedding!! And you will have to come check out mine, if you will still be at the resort!
 

A few questions for everyone now that my wedding day is only 109 days away! Eeek!  Suddenly feel like there is a lot left to be done! 

 

1. Once you've sent in your initial info form, the 2nd form with all of the info about food, cakes, music, etc. and your notarized documents (birth certificate/passport), is there anything else you need to send in?  I have also sent them pics of cakes and gazebo decor, my ceremony script and my receipt from Tai Flora for my additional flower package.  Am I missing anything? 

 

2.  I got an email from Donnalee saying I needed to send in my credit card authorization form.  What I'm confused about, is what I'm paying for in advance?  We're getting the free package and there are 16 of us on the dot.  We're renting the gazebo with DJ and bartenders for the reception, and the steel drum band for the ceremony/champaign toast, but I was under the impression I wouldn't pay for that until after as she always reminds me that it will "officially be confirmed upon arrival".  Does anyone know what we need to pay for up front?

 

3.  For those who recently got married - I read on this board ages ago, that brides were recommending that you ask for you and your guests to be placed in one of the newer sections of the resort.  Section 23 seemed to come up a lot.  I was thinking of emailing to see if we can all at least be placed in the same section, and was wondering where you guys stayed, and if there was another area of the resort you would have preferred?   Ideally I'd like to be somewhere central ish, but not hear the noise of the disco all night long.  Any tips?

 

4. Did Chandlyn book the initial meeting and rehearsal time with you in advance or on arrival?  Our week is so busy with excursions, hair and makeup trials, etc, etc, so it would be nice to be able to book those in advance.  Also I'd like to put the rehearsal time on my guest itinerary (our bridal party is almost half our whole group!).

 

Thanks a bunch!  The countdown is officially on!  

 

 

 

[cupcake1382]

Hey Busy Bee-

1. Nope, you are all set.

 

2. Nothing- I would email her back reminding her of your Free Package and that you shouldn't have to send in a CC authorization for since there is nothing to pre-pay. We paid for everything the day we met with Chandlyn.

 

3. We were in the 1800's and it was perfect. I went to the rooms on the 2300 side where our photogs were and I didn't see a difference in room. And actually they were very far from everyone and everything.

Look at it like a "U" the pool is in the middle of the U with the lobby. If you are standing in the lobby with the pool in front of you.. To the right is the 2300 and 12/1300's and the big buffet, Japanese, Don Pablo. To the left is the 14-1800's and Dolce Vita. Behind the 14-1800's building is the disco and little marketplace and near the beach is where the good jerk chicken is So if anything you should consider being in the 1800's like we were. Other than the lobby (which we rarely went there) we were right near everything.

 

4.Yep. I contacted her a week before our arrival and she booked a time with me for the next week. We too were doing excursions and stuff so I wanted to make sure it didn't interfere.

Originally Posted by BusyBee123 

A few questions for everyone now that my wedding day is only 109 days away! Eeek!  Suddenly feel like there is a lot left to be done! 

 

1. Once you've sent in your initial info form, the 2nd form with all of the info about food, cakes, music, etc. and your notarized documents (birth certificate/passport), is there anything else you need to send in?  I have also sent them pics of cakes and gazebo decor, my ceremony script and my receipt from Tai Flora for my additional flower package.  Am I missing anything? 

 

2.  I got an email from Donnalee saying I needed to send in my credit card authorization form.  What I'm confused about, is what I'm paying for in advance?  We're getting the free package and there are 16 of us on the dot.  We're renting the gazebo with DJ and bartenders for the reception, and the steel drum band for the ceremony/champaign toast, but I was under the impression I wouldn't pay for that until after as she always reminds me that it will "officially be confirmed upon arrival".  Does anyone know what we need to pay for up front?

 

3.  For those who recently got married - I read on this board ages ago, that brides were recommending that you ask for you and your guests to be placed in one of the newer sections of the resort.  Section 23 seemed to come up a lot.  I was thinking of emailing to see if we can all at least be placed in the same section, and was wondering where you guys stayed, and if there was another area of the resort you would have preferred?   Ideally I'd like to be somewhere central ish, but not hear the noise of the disco all night long.  Any tips?

 

4. Did Chandlyn book the initial meeting and rehearsal time with you in advance or on arrival?  Our week is so busy with excursions, hair and makeup trials, etc, etc, so it would be nice to be able to book those in advance.  Also I'd like to put the rehearsal time on my guest itinerary (our bridal party is almost half our whole group!).

 

Thanks a bunch!  The countdown is officially on!  

 

 

 

 

[cupcake1382]

Oh also.. the Grille is right in front of the 1800's block next to the pool.

[BusyBee123]

Thanks so much cupcake!  I really appreciate it!  Great explanation of the resort....I think we definitely want something more central!  I was really wondering how new those "new" rooms in section 23 would still look! After all, most of those posts were written >2years ago!

 

Thanks again, and congrats on a beautiful day and becoming a MRS!
 

Originally Posted by cupcake1382 

Hey Busy Bee-

1. Nope, you are all set.

 

2. Nothing- I would email her back reminding her of your Free Package and that you shouldn't have to send in a CC authorization for since there is nothing to pre-pay. We paid for everything the day we met with Chandlyn.

 

3. We were in the 1800's and it was perfect. I went to the rooms on the 2300 side where our photogs were and I didn't see a difference in room. And actually they were very far from everyone and everything.

Look at it like a "U" the pool is in the middle of the U with the lobby. If you are standing in the lobby with the pool in front of you.. To the right is the 2300 and 12/1300's and the big buffet, Japanese, Don Pablo. To the left is the 14-1800's and Dolce Vita. Behind the 14-1800's building is the disco and little marketplace and near the beach is where the good jerk chicken is So if anything you should consider being in the 1800's like we were. Other than the lobby (which we rarely went there) we were right near everything.

 

4.Yep. I contacted her a week before our arrival and she booked a time with me for the next week. We too were doing excursions and stuff so I wanted to make sure it didn't interfere.

[JayKay]

Like BusyBee123, my wedding day is fast approaching! Where has the time gone?!

 

I just have a few questions and hope to find the answers here.

 

1.  We want to do a welcome dinner.  We arrive at the resort on a Monday and get married the Friday.  What day would be appropriate for the welcome dinner?  We were thinking either the Wednesday or the Thursday.  Would it be weird to have it the day before the wedding? 

 

2.  If any past brides did have a welcome dinner, did you go to an A La Cart or the buffet?  We are only a group of 16.  If we do have it in an A La Cart do we have to pay for it? And does it count for the number of A La Cart you can use in the week?  Also, how did you go about arranging it with the resort?

 

3.  The more I look at the free bouquts, the more I realize I don't like any of them!  I am thinking of getting some other flowers from Tai Flora.  How did you go about this? Did you email the wedding planners at the resort or Tai Flora directly?  How much is it costing you?

 

4.  I need your opinion.  We are only a group of 16.  Between our wedding party and ourselves that leaves only 10 guests in chairs in the aisle.  Do you think it would be weird to have our guests sit on the first layer of the gazebo around it, instead of on the walkway leading to the gazebo?

 

5.  Has anyone made a CD of their own music and taken it with them?  Does someone play it for you?  How many songs do you need?

 

If anyone has any answers I would really appreciate it! Thanks!

[ashley490]

I've already gone ahead and arranged a rehearsal time in advance with Chandlyn, however, our initial meeting is not scheduled yet.  Maybe just send her an email stating you would like to book the rehearsal and perhaps the initial meeting and see what she says (fingers crossed Chandlyn replies and not Donnalee!).

 

I was also struggling with the credit card authorization form as we are also going with the free package.  Here are the questions I had emailed Chandlyn as well as the response I received from her today.

 

Given that we are going with the Free Package I am unclear on the need for the credit card authorization form to be completed and sent in. Could you please clarify why the credit card authorization form must be completed? Could you also please clarify what charges we are authorizing to be placed on our credit card? Should you have the Free package please note that you are not required to complete the authorization form
 
 

Originally Posted by BusyBee123 

JayKay, We'll still be there! We're Saturday 7th to Saturday 14th, so as of your wedding day we'll officially be done with all the welcome dinners, rehearsals, wedding day and trash the dress! Wow, its going to be a busy week!  We'll definitely have to stop by!

 

A few questions for everyone now that my wedding day is only 109 days away! Eeek!  Suddenly feel like there is a lot left to be done! 

 

1. Once you've sent in your initial info form, the 2nd form with all of the info about food, cakes, music, etc. and your notarized documents (birth certificate/passport), is there anything else you need to send in?  I have also sent them pics of cakes and gazebo decor, my ceremony script and my receipt from Tai Flora for my additional flower package.  Am I missing anything? 

 

2.  I got an email from Donnalee saying I needed to send in my credit card authorization form.  What I'm confused about, is what I'm paying for in advance?  We're getting the free package and there are 16 of us on the dot.  We're renting the gazebo with DJ and bartenders for the reception, and the steel drum band for the ceremony/champaign toast, but I was under the impression I wouldn't pay for that until after as she always reminds me that it will "officially be confirmed upon arrival".  Does anyone know what we need to pay for up front?

 

3.  For those who recently got married - I read on this board ages ago, that brides were recommending that you ask for you and your guests to be placed in one of the newer sections of the resort.  Section 23 seemed to come up a lot.  I was thinking of emailing to see if we can all at least be placed in the same section, and was wondering where you guys stayed, and if there was another area of the resort you would have preferred?   Ideally I'd like to be somewhere central ish, but not hear the noise of the disco all night long.  Any tips?

 

4. Did Chandlyn book the initial meeting and rehearsal time with you in advance or on arrival?  Our week is so busy with excursions, hair and makeup trials, etc, etc, so it would be nice to be able to book those in advance.  Also I'd like to put the rehearsal time on my guest itinerary (our bridal party is almost half our whole group!).

 

Thanks a bunch!  The countdown is officially on!  

 

 

 

 

[ashley490]

I can only answer a couple of your questions but hopefully it helps!

 

I thought about doing a welcome dinner and had talked with Chandlyn about it.  She basically told me that we could be accommodated in the buffet area which I thought was sort of dumb since there are only 18 of us.  I didn't end up pursuing it any further because I decided if people want to get together for dinner we'll just make arrangements when we arrive.

 

I didn't like any of the free bouquets either so I made arrangements directly through Tai Flora.  I sent them an email with pictures of what I was looking for and asked for a quote.  My flowers for everyone ended up being around $400 which I thought was reasonable for what I ordered.  They still give you the groom's bout for free and give a small discount on your bridal bouquet for not using the free one that comes with the package (I think it was only $25 off but better than nothing).  I did a price comparison with Jan's, but Tai Flora ended up being cheaper for me so that's who I went with.  They do require you to send a small deposit to secure your order but they are able to send you all of the deposit options so that you can choose which method works best for you.  After I had everything arranged with Tai Flora I just sent Chandlyn an email letting her know that I've made alternate arrangements with Tai Flora for the flowers and that she won't have to worry about that part.

 

I think having your guests sit closer to you is a lovely idea.  It will really give your ceremony an intimate feel.  I've also contemplated doing that since our group is only 18 people and with 6 being in the wedding party it only leaves 12 in the chairs.  I'm still undecided about this and probably won't make up my mind until we get to the resort lol!

 

Originally Posted by JayKay 

Like BusyBee123, my wedding day is fast approaching! Where has the time gone?!

 

I just have a few questions and hope to find the answers here.

 

1.  We want to do a welcome dinner.  We arrive at the resort on a Monday and get married the Friday.  What day would be appropriate for the welcome dinner?  We were thinking either the Wednesday or the Thursday.  Would it be weird to have it the day before the wedding? 

 

2.  If any past brides did have a welcome dinner, did you go to an A La Cart or the buffet?  We are only a group of 16.  If we do have it in an A La Cart do we have to pay for it? And does it count for the number of A La Cart you can use in the week?  Also, how did you go about arranging it with the resort?

 

3.  The more I look at the free bouquts, the more I realize I don't like any of them!  I am thinking of getting some other flowers from Tai Flora.  How did you go about this? Did you email the wedding planners at the resort or Tai Flora directly?  How much is it costing you?

 

4.  I need your opinion.  We are only a group of 16.  Between our wedding party and ourselves that leaves only 10 guests in chairs in the aisle.  Do you think it would be weird to have our guests sit on the first layer of the gazebo around it, instead of on the walkway leading to the gazebo?

 

5.  Has anyone made a CD of their own music and taken it with them?  Does someone play it for you?  How many songs do you need?

 

If anyone has any answers I would really appreciate it! Thanks!

 

[acw271011]

Flowers email directly to Tai Flora. Don't deal with the resort over it. Jennivie Wisdom is the one I've been working with and she seems really sweet. I'm going to make a point of going into the store in Ocho Rios to meet her just to say thanks.

 

We're doing a CD of our wedding music. yes - they do set up a sound system to play it. we found a guy that does the steel band wedding music so that's what we have. I'll find the link if you want it - it's $6 to buy it so super cheap!!

 

 

Originally Posted by JayKay 

Like BusyBee123, my wedding day is fast approaching! Where has the time gone?!

 

I just have a few questions and hope to find the answers here.

 

1.  We want to do a welcome dinner.  We arrive at the resort on a Monday and get married the Friday.  What day would be appropriate for the welcome dinner?  We were thinking either the Wednesday or the Thursday.  Would it be weird to have it the day before the wedding? 

 

2.  If any past brides did have a welcome dinner, did you go to an A La Cart or the buffet?  We are only a group of 16.  If we do have it in an A La Cart do we have to pay for it? And does it count for the number of A La Cart you can use in the week?  Also, how did you go about arranging it with the resort?

 

3.  The more I look at the free bouquts, the more I realize I don't like any of them!  I am thinking of getting some other flowers from Tai Flora.  How did you go about this? Did you email the wedding planners at the resort or Tai Flora directly?  How much is it costing you?

 

4.  I need your opinion.  We are only a group of 16.  Between our wedding party and ourselves that leaves only 10 guests in chairs in the aisle.  Do you think it would be weird to have our guests sit on the first layer of the gazebo around it, instead of on the walkway leading to the gazebo?

 

5.  Has anyone made a CD of their own music and taken it with them?  Does someone play it for you?  How many songs do you need?

 

If anyone has any answers I would really appreciate it! Thanks!

 

[cupcake1382]

JayKay-Hey Doll!

 

1. Contact Diana the reservation chick for all of the a la carte restaurants 2 weeks prior to your wedding. Do NOT talk to Chandlyn or Donnalee, they put you in the buffet because they have no say over the a la cartes. We had our welcome/rehearsal dinner in the Grill for 35 people and it was amazing. Her email is [email protected]. She will let you know 1-2 weeks before which restaurants are open and which can accommodate your group. But you all have smaller groups than I did so it shouldn't be any problem!

 

2. No you don't have to pay for it and no it doens't count towards one of your a la carte dinners.

 

3. Brought my own flowers, can't help ya on this one.

 

4. Nope- I think that would be really pretty and the best usage of the space and more intimate. 

 

5. Didn't make a cd, I brought my ipod and they had a wire to hook up to the speaker.

 

Originally Posted by JayKay 

Like BusyBee123, my wedding day is fast approaching! Where has the time gone?!

 

I just have a few questions and hope to find the answers here.

 

1.  We want to do a welcome dinner.  We arrive at the resort on a Monday and get married the Friday.  What day would be appropriate for the welcome dinner?  We were thinking either the Wednesday or the Thursday.  Would it be weird to have it the day before the wedding? 

 

2.  If any past brides did have a welcome dinner, did you go to an A La Cart or the buffet?  We are only a group of 16.  If we do have it in an A La Cart do we have to pay for it? And does it count for the number of A La Cart you can use in the week?  Also, how did you go about arranging it with the resort?

 

3.  The more I look at the free bouquts, the more I realize I don't like any of them!  I am thinking of getting some other flowers from Tai Flora.  How did you go about this? Did you email the wedding planners at the resort or Tai Flora directly?  How much is it costing you?

 

4.  I need your opinion.  We are only a group of 16.  Between our wedding party and ourselves that leaves only 10 guests in chairs in the aisle.  Do you think it would be weird to have our guests sit on the first layer of the gazebo around it, instead of on the walkway leading to the gazebo?

 

5.  Has anyone made a CD of their own music and taken it with them?  Does someone play it for you?  How many songs do you need?

 

If anyone has any answers I would really appreciate it! Thanks!