Any Gran Bahia Principe Runaway Bay Brides out there?

[adinn97]

I am just wondering how it worked out with the vendor fee for the photographer?

[acw271011]

Originally Posted by soontobeawalsh 

 

I am also dealing with Marlin Travel in Kitchener!  I originally started with Flight Center, but that TA was EVEN WORSE if you can believe it!!  We have the same deal as you but we are paying $1607 with tax for the Royal Golden. I looked up the rates and flight times when I heard that the flight times were out and pretty bad, and the price on my travel date is now up to $1900-something with taxes so I am somewhat happy about my rate but I know that I have lots of people who are waiting for a cheaper rate to come out later on and are not going with our group rate...Not sure if I should send out a mass e-mail and let them know that the price is much higher than what we have now, and we still have the option to change it if it drops. 

prices always drop a month or two before. we booked in august for an october wedding and ended up getting it for $748 + tax. the earlier posts are right about january, february, march but october and november aren't big travel months due to the hurricane season and early december isn't too bad either. it's after december 15th that people start thinking about Christmas trips, etc.

[BARB2014]

Originally Posted by staceydale 

 

I have chosen the semi-private location for my wedding - any recommendations on which a la cart is the best? I have about 50 guests.

If your'e looking for romantic setting by the water with nice sunset views then dolce vita, personally the grill had better food but i found it kind of big and impersonal.......I am going to have a tough decision here, but i'm leaning more towards the italian for the setting.......worst case scenario, if the foods not that great.....the buffet is always open after....lol.  Not going to stress too about it too much

 

Barb

[JennyO]

Yes, we come back on the 9th now instead of the 8th.  It actually works out much better for everyone this way being that it's a satruday to saturday.  this saves everyone from having to take friday to friday (only 5 days off of work now instead of 6)

[JennyO]

Originally Posted by CdnBrideJoanne 

 

 

WHAT??!!  They can change the date??!!  I know their flight schedules are subject to change, but I figure by a few hours here and there, but not by an entire day!  So does that mean your return flight was delayed a day too? But good for you for getting that awesome deal! 

Yes, we come back on the 9th now instead of the 8th. It actually works out much better for everyone this way being that it's a satruday to saturday. this saves everyone from having to take friday to friday (only 5 days off of work now instead of 6)

[JayKay]

I was married at this resort in January of 2012 (feels like forever ago!).

 

We honestly didn't spend much on our wedding at all.  We went with the free package and only had to pay $320 for our wedding.  That included the minister fees, extra people at dinner, and a boutineer and bouquet for our wedding party.  We went with the semi private dinner as it was included free.  We also chose not to do the steel drum band rather we used music from this man-http://www.steeldrummusic.net/buycds.html

 

I just couldnt bring myself to spend hundreds of dollars on it when I could purchase his music for under $10. 

 

I did get my hair and makeup done at the spa at the resort and in total it came to just under $160 and I felt they did a really good job.

 

I used an outside photographer, Merrick Cousley, but at that time they didn't have the outragous $800 vendor fee.  I'm sure though if your photographer is a paying guest at the resort they can't really make you pay a vendor fee.  I know some previous brides have gotten around this.

 

We didnt pay to have a dance after our dinner.  We had a fairly small group (18 in total) and didn't feel it was worth it to spend money on that for a small group, and I'm really glad we didn't.  After our dinner we went to the pool side bar where they set up chairs and tables beside the pool bar and they had great music.  We were the only ones there so we had our own little dance party.  After that we went to the disco.  We had so much fun and drinks right at our fingertips, I'm glad we didn't pay the extra money to have a private dance.

 

Originally Posted by CMason 

Hey!!!
I am so excited to be getting married at the GBP next apr 2014!!!!!!!
I've got the gazebo for my wedding and I have seen amazing photos and heard great things about it!!

I am just trying to piece all the costs together!! I am thinking we will probably have about 30 ish people at our wedding!!

Is anyone on here an already married at GBP bride?? I am just curious how much in total you spent on your wedding ( actual costs at the resort - and did you get any of the private receptions etc and pay for hair/ photography )

I REALLY want to bring my photographer from back home - but she charges travel/stay for her and her assistant, and then a $560 charge, and then the resort charges that $800 fee!!! So it would be over $5000 for my own photographer!!

I've seen posts about Chris Lee??? Is he at the resort still?? If i HAVE to go with someone from the resort, I'd at least like to know who to ask for

I am rying to keep costs down, but want a semi private reception, and a dance And maybe steel drums for the ceremony!!

Thanks!!!!!!!!

[dutchess]

Jaykay I think you had the right idea about the dance. I plan on doing the same. I also am doing the free wedding and just paying for the extra stuff I want. I plan in bringing a lot of my own stuff, like sky lantern, table favors, chair saches ext. I may go with silk flowers. Only because I want to keep my bouquet and I heard you can't bring them back. I saw some really beautiful orchid bouquets. I was very surprised. Theywere pretty pricey but it may be worth it.

[MrsViolo]

C

I was married at this resort in January of 2012 (feels like forever ago!). We honestly didn't spend much on our wedding at all.  We went with the free package and only had to pay $320 for our wedding.  That included the minister fees, extra people at dinner, and a boutineer and bouquet for our wedding party.  We went with the semi private dinner as it was included free.  We also chose not to do the steel drum band rather we used music from this man-http://www.steeldrummusic.net/buycds.html I just couldnt bring myself to spend hundreds of dollars on it when I could purchase his music for under $10.  I did get my hair and makeup done at the spa at the resort and in total it came to just under $160 and I felt they did a really good job. I used an outside photographer, Merrick Cousley, but at that time they didn't have the outragous $800 vendor fee.  I'm sure though if your photographer is a paying guest at the resort they can't really make you pay a vendor fee.  I know some previous brides have gotten around this. We didnt pay to have a dance after our dinner.  We had a fairly small group (18 in total) and didn't feel it was worth it to spend money on that for a small group, and I'm really glad we didn't.  After our dinner we went to the pool side bar where they set up chairs and tables beside the pool bar and they had great music.  We were the only ones there so we had our own little dance party.  After that we went to the disco.  We had so much fun and drinks right at our fingertips, I'm glad we didn't pay the extra money to have a private dance.

Hey!!! I am so excited to be getting married at the GBP next apr 2014!!!!!!! I've got the gazebo for my wedding and I have seen amazing photos and heard great things about it!! I am just trying to piece all the costs together!! I am thinking we will probably have about 30 ish people at our wedding!! Is anyone on here an already married at GBP bride?? I am just curious how much in total you spent on your wedding ( actual costs at the resort - and did you get any of the private receptions etc and pay for hair/ photography ) I REALLY want to bring my photographer from back home - but she charges travel/stay for her and her assistant, and then a $560 charge, and then the resort charges that $800 fee!!! So it would be over $5000 for my own photographer!! I've seen posts about Chris Lee??? Is he at the resort still?? If i HAVE to go with someone from the resort, I'd at least like to know who to ask for I am rying to keep costs down, but want a semi private reception, and a dance And maybe steel drums for the ceremony!! Thanks!!!!!!!!

Chris Lee is still at te resort. I've friended him on Facebook and am keep track of his work. The photos on the Arrecrife Facebook page are good enough - and I'm pretty sure most of the ones I post are from Chris. When I see one I really like I usually ask her the photographer was. I've already booked Chris for my wedding day to be sure I get him. When I connected with him on Facebook he said he'd be happy to talk to me before my wedding day to get idea of the types of photos I'd like.

[CGervaisToBe]

Hi guys!

 

Has anyone else noticed there's a new package offered for next year?

 

ROMANCE EXTRAVAGANZA

   Bride’s Bouquet & Groom’s Boutonniere- Tropical Flowers

• Champagne Luxury Toast with Moet Chandon after ceremony(maximum 7

bottles)

• Complimentary room upgrade for couple & parents( Confirmed)

• 30 minute Massage for Bride & Groom

• VIP Amenities for Bride and Groom and Parents

• Special Fresh, elegant floral décor on the Bridal Table.

• Gourmet wedding cake or variety of Chef’s customs pastry desert choice

• Late check out for couple & parents ( upon request & subject to

availability)

• Luxury turned down service for couple & parents

• Music for the marriage ceremony with recorded CD ( couple may bring their

own)

• Newly Wed Romantic Breakfast in bed the morning after the wedding for

Bride & Groom & Parents. ( Once per stay)

• Manicure & pedicure for bride & groom

• Cocktails & Canapes served after ceremony (One hour)

• Open bar after reception Dinner (2 hours)

• 25 professional pictures of the wedding full colour photography ( included)

• Professional Services of an Onsite Wedding Consultant

• Romantic Ornamental decoration of the wedding site ( location assigned

after arrival)

• Romantic Candlelight Dinner with Reservation

• Sparkling bottle of wine ( international brand) in the room on arrival ( just

for the couple)

• Sit down wedding reception Dinner in one of our restaurants with set

menu

• Live Music(ceremony or dinner)

• Witnesses ( if required)

• Romantic decoration in Couple’s room

• Special Welcome surprise

• VIP Treatment for Couple and Parents

• Special Wedding present from Grand Bahia – 3 Free nights (Condition

Applies)

WINTER 2014 (December 23-April 30, 2014)

Civil Wedding (judge, fees, expenses, rates)–USD250.00

Wedding Package for 30 persons=USD2420.00 (Grand Bahia)

Wedding Package for 30 persons=USD2570.00 (Don Pablo Collection)

Supplement per additional person- 40USD

SUMMER 2014 (May 01-December 22, 2014)

Civil Wedding (judge, fees, expenses, rates)–USD250.00

Wedding Package for 30 persons=USD2420.00 (Grand Bahia)

Wedding Package for 30 persons=USD2570.00 (Don Pablo Collection)

Supplement per additional person- 40USD

All prices attract a 10% TAX charge)

 

 

Does anyone have any clue what this new "Don Pablo Collection" option is for the wedding packages? Are we now able to do our dinner there, or what's the difference that makes that package option $150 more?

 

Love that they've included the 2 hour bar in a package finally! And it's pretty cool that your parents get special treatment as well

 

Also, how many people have done their legal marriage prior to GBP? Do they refund you the $250 minister fees? Is there a nonreligious ceremony option? The FI and I are not religious in the least bit.

 

Love this thread! Anyone else looking to get married November 2014?

[MrsViolo]

The new packages are out!! I've been waiting for those.

 

Anyway you can email them to me? or post them on this page. It will probably be faster than trying to get a hold of Chandlyn.

 

 

Originally Posted by CGervaisToBe 

Hi guys!

 

Has anyone else noticed there's a new package offered for next year?

 

ROMANCE EXTRAVAGANZA

   Bride’s Bouquet & Groom’s Boutonniere- Tropical Flowers

• Champagne Luxury Toast with Moet Chandon after ceremony(maximum 7

bottles)

• Complimentary room upgrade for couple & parents( Confirmed)

• 30 minute Massage for Bride & Groom

• VIP Amenities for Bride and Groom and Parents

• Special Fresh, elegant floral décor on the Bridal Table.

• Gourmet wedding cake or variety of Chef’s customs pastry desert choice

• Late check out for couple & parents ( upon request & subject to

availability)

• Luxury turned down service for couple & parents

• Music for the marriage ceremony with recorded CD ( couple may bring their

own)

• Newly Wed Romantic Breakfast in bed the morning after the wedding for

Bride & Groom & Parents. ( Once per stay)

• Manicure & pedicure for bride & groom

• Cocktails & Canapes served after ceremony (One hour)

• Open bar after reception Dinner (2 hours)

• 25 professional pictures of the wedding full colour photography ( included)

• Professional Services of an Onsite Wedding Consultant

• Romantic Ornamental decoration of the wedding site ( location assigned

after arrival)

• Romantic Candlelight Dinner with Reservation

• Sparkling bottle of wine ( international brand) in the room on arrival ( just

for the couple)

• Sit down wedding reception Dinner in one of our restaurants with set

menu

• Live Music(ceremony or dinner)

• Witnesses ( if required)

• Romantic decoration in Couple’s room

• Special Welcome surprise

• VIP Treatment for Couple and Parents

• Special Wedding present from Grand Bahia – 3 Free nights (Condition

Applies)

WINTER 2014 (December 23-April 30, 2014)

Civil Wedding (judge, fees, expenses, rates)–USD250.00

Wedding Package for 30 persons=USD2420.00 (Grand Bahia)

Wedding Package for 30 persons=USD2570.00 (Don Pablo Collection)

Supplement per additional person- 40USD

SUMMER 2014 (May 01-December 22, 2014)

Civil Wedding (judge, fees, expenses, rates)–USD250.00

Wedding Package for 30 persons=USD2420.00 (Grand Bahia)

Wedding Package for 30 persons=USD2570.00 (Don Pablo Collection)

Supplement per additional person- 40USD

All prices attract a 10% TAX charge)

 

 

Does anyone have any clue what this new "Don Pablo Collection" option is for the wedding packages? Are we now able to do our dinner there, or what's the difference that makes that package option $150 more?

 

Love that they've included the 2 hour bar in a package finally! And it's pretty cool that your parents get special treatment as well

 

Also, how many people have done their legal marriage prior to GBP? Do they refund you the $250 minister fees? Is there a nonreligious ceremony option? The FI and I are not religious in the least bit.

 

Love this thread! Anyone else looking to get married November 2014?