Goodbye Beaches... Hello Riu

[Shakara]

Hey everyone! Just thought I'd let everyone know I switched from Beaches Boscobel to Riu Ocho Rios. After weeks of stressing, no sleeping, negotiating, and research I have decided to move my wedding date up to June 24, 2010 and get married at Riu Ocho Rios!!!!! Beaches just wasn't for me... I discovered that late, but thankfully not too late. This forum has been AMAZING and without it, I'd still be lost. I want to thank everyone for helping me make this HUGE decision. I can FINALLY breathe!

 

 

 

Thank You!

 

With all my Appreciation

 

~Shakara~

[shortnsweet7675]

Congratulations! Hopefully now you can get some much needed rest.

 

I agree, this forum is a great resource.

[Shakara]

Oh Yes I would also like to thank TA Maureen who has been absolutely wonderful!!

 

Thanks shortnsweet, Yess I will definetly be catching up on long overdue sleep!

[sweetiecat]

Congratulations on making the right decision for you and your future husband! I'm sure things from here on out will be much calmer and you'll be able to look forward toward your day without so much stress!

 

Can I ask what some of the reasons were that you decided to change resorts? If you don't feel like getting into it, it's okay.

[alkoch]

Congrats! What a relief for you. I got engaged at the RIU in Negril, and I loved it I am sure you will have a great time!

[Shakara]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweetiecat Congratulations on making the right decision for you and your future husband! I'm sure things from here on out will be much calmer and you'll be able to look forward toward your day without so much stress! Can I ask what some of the reasons were that you decided to change resorts? If you don't feel like getting into it, it's okay.

Sure! I'd lovee to share! First off I take 100% blame because I didnt do as much research as I shouldve. I found a WC, told my her my ideal wedding, we wanted to stay in Ocho Rios because we had been to Negril and Montego Bay in the past, I wanted to get married on the beach in a gazebo with 30-40 family members, both FI and I have about 10 total little cousins, nieces, and nephews under 15 so all the couples only resorts were crossed out) I listened to what my WC told me about each resort and took her advice. Her advice was beaches boscobel. I was set and happy (this was in June) and we picked our June 25, 2010 date. We put the deposit down for 12 rooms and we got the free wedding package.

Now all my issues are small, but when your spending over $15,000 for rooms in a resort... it's a pretty big deal to me. I have no doubt in my mind the beaches boscobel is GREAT for some people it just wasnt for me

I completely understand that you should expect to pay more if you want more things... but the WC told me there was absolutely NO decorations included in the wedding EXCEPT martha stewart collections unless I wanted to pay in full by Nov 16, 2010 for customizations.

there is NO beach gazebo, I wasn't a fan of any of the locations they offered accept the beach

I had to pay EXTRA if I wanted an arch on the beach, the one that I liked was $920 (Fiance was NOT happy with my $920 choice)

Martha Stewart collections- I didn't like the first pink butterfly package since my fiance is wearing his marine dress blues and it would COMPLETELY clash with his outfit. The second (cheapest) martha stewart package (which i liked)is $2500 and thats only for decorating for 2 additional guests... it's extra if you want more tables?

Reception $75pp for 3 hrs

No outside photography

I looked through all the pictures on trip advisor on beaches boscobel and was not a fan of the rooms

I stayed at RIU negril last summer and loved it

but my MAIN reason for switching is simply cost, on a whole beaches boscobel was just adding up to be WAYYY over my budget. I did a LOT of research into hidden costs and fees of Riu and everything turns out to be ALOT cheaper, not to mention they have a BEACH GAZEBO!!!!!

Like I said before I'm sure Beaches is great for some people and I have no doubt they give GREAT weddings (I read the reviews!) I just think Riu is better for me.

[bosi]

i totally applaud you for making that decision. I should have done that a whileback but thought it was too late- too many ppl who are traveling from other countries have already booked their flights.

I am still fighting with beaches negril about the whole flower situation. I am only paying whenI see the flowers at the resort. I will pay in advance only for my bouquet and grroms bouteniere.

[eec129]

Yay! I am glad you were able to come to a conclusion.

[*Meagan*]

Good for you! I am a Beaches turks and caicos bride and went back and forth for a while but made our decision based on a ton of points which inclue; location, kids are welcome, the wedding is free,all inclusive and our friends were married there 5 yrs ago and loved it!

 

I think its totally about your preference and if someone else had what you were looking for then go for it! Good luck and congrats, again!

[sweetiecat]

Great! I'm glad you were able to take the leap and change resorts. Your wedding will be more in line with what you were envisioning and you won't be disappointed with your decision.