Tensing Pen Brides?

[selassie11]

Hi!

 

I'm looking to connect with any brides who have gotten married, intend to get married, or already booked Tensing Pen in Negril. I'm especially interested in getting a sense of whether I should hire a wedding planner/coordinator and about how much needs to be outsourced....Help!

 

Koko

[L&J]

We are getting married at Tensing in November. They have been helpful with the arrangements and have a wedding coordinator on staff. They also have several vendors that they work with and require you to pay a $500 fee per vendor if you choose to use someone else. I don't think you'll require an outside wedding planner. They are a little slow in responding to emails which I can see being frustrating to some brides.

 

x

[selassie11]

Thanks so much! The communication part hasn't bothered me so much, I find it's just so much easier to call! The $500 vendor fee seems a little hefty, but I guess it's standard. I was considering bringing my own photographer. Who is the photographer or photographers on their preferred list? Are you going with one of them?

[L&J]

They sent us information for True Colors Photography True Colors Photography True colors do both photo and video and have several packages to choose from but I haven't contacted them yet. We are using them but we decided we didn't want to spend a lot on photos. I know Tensing Pen use to work with Sun Gold but I'm not sure if they are still considered a preferred vendor.

[selassie11]

Thanks again. I went to this link but it only shows True Colors as a children's photographer (??). I'll google them. I've contacted SunGold, I'll check back to see if they're still on the preferred list. Thanks L&J! Keep in touch and let me know how things are progressing...any help/insight would be helpful. And I'll do the same...I'm planning to go to JA in July to sit down with Shanique and plan some of this out face to face. I'll let you know how that goes!

[L&J]

Sorry about that! Here's the correct website Truecolors Photography

 

Have you set a wedding date yet? I attended a wedding at Tensing Pen in 2006 so I have a good idea what to expect for ours but please let me know if you have any questions. Make sure to speak with them about the hidden costs. I just learned that chairs are $10 per person and anther $7.50 to rent covers!

 

x

[selassie11]

No problem -- Thanks! I'll check them out.

 

I have a date in mind but until I put the deposit down I know it's all up in the air. So we're shooting for April 2011 loosely speaking. I've looked at waaaay too many Tensing wedding slide shows, so somehow I feel like I have a sense of the visual. But I always wonder when I'm looking at the pics how much was provided and how much was outsourced?

 

$10 per chair? What kind of chair is that?! That twice the cost of what I was quoted for gold chivari chairs in Ocho Rios! I read in another blog that they also tack on a $10pp set-up fee (??)

 

Are you working with a wedding planner or are you working strictly through TP?

I sent Shanique an email to request more information about the package and what else I'll have to pay for...just wondering how much she'll share w/o the deposit being put in.

 

If you don't mind my asking, how many people do you have coming and approximately how much is your wedding/reception (decor, flowers, food, bar, entertainment, etc.) costing you? Just the day of - not lodging or transpo or even photography. If you'd like I can PM you instead. I'm getting nervous...I'm love with TP!

[QueenDiva]

I was originally going with Tensing Pen for April 2011, but changed my mind due to just feeling uncomfortable with them-instead, I'll be getting married at Rockhouse in April of next year. They do not allow an outside wedding coordinator and I've emailed with a previous bride who said to be careful of all the hidden fees. They even have a per person "set up" fee?? Anyhoo, I did have some email correspondence with the WC that may answer some of your questions.

 

1. What is the total amount that I need to pay in January for the 1 nights deposit to hold our date for April 28-May1st?

The rates go up at the beginning of the next winter season, so I am not able to quote you the rates just now.

2. When does the final money for the rooms have to be paid?

Once the deposit is paid the final balance is due upon arrival.

3. What are ALL the fees that I need to be aware of (ex. any set-up fees, rental fees, officiant fees, etc.)?

4. Do you have a vendor list that you can send me?

There is a set-up and breakdown fee of US$10.00, there is also a vendors fee of US$500.00 for each non-vendor of the resort.

5. How much is the DJ and who is he?

A DJ cost US$225.00 per hour and plays for a minimum of three hours.

6. Do you have a Steel Drum band and how much is it?

A steel drum band is available at a cost of US$350.00 per hour.

7. Is there a minimum age requirement for guests?

If you are taking the entire property then there is no age requirement.

8. If we have an overflow of guests and they have to stay at a neighboring hotel, will they still be able to come to the wedding/reception? Is there a charge for this?

No charge to come on property.

9. Do you have a menu of the dinner choices for the reception with the prices that you can send to me?

See attached file for information on wedding menus and cost, you can also visit the website for additional menus.

10. Is there a contract that I need to sign?

As things get finalized there is a contract that you sign.

 

Hopes this helps a little

[selassie11]

Hi Queen Diva!

 

Looks like we have the same wedding date (hopefully)...good thing you changed your mind! (teasing)

 

But yes, I can definitely relate! There have been times when I've called the WC, all chipper and excited and feel like the response is (insert blank stare)! Alrighty then!

 

I've connected with L&J and she has also offered a lot of helpful advice. I'm thinking I'm just going to have to be that person to ask 1,000 questions and not worry about the response...if I'm getting on someone's nerves, sorry! My MIL told me to tell the WC straight up, "I need to know EVERYTHING...EVER-REE-THING... or else you'll have to pay it out of your paycheck, 'cause I'm coming with the exact amount you tell me and there's no more money anywhere else!"

 

Though anxious and apprehensive, I am totally in love with TP! And I'm going to employ the help of any and everybody available to make sure it's all i wish for!

 

Hey QueenDiva - who are you using for photographer?

[QueenDiva]

Yes, TP is a beautiful place...we visited when we stayed at Rockhouse in September. I know how you feel! Although it's a destination wedding, I still wanted it to be as awesome as it would be if I had it at home. I'm an ex-event planner, so am extremely picky and have a vision! Ask as many questions as you can and it helps to number them as I did above when you send them. I guess everything happens for a reason, lol, glad I could free up the date for you- I actually was in the process of sending the deposit for that date back in January, then I discussed it with FI and stopped so as to follow the uneasy feeling in my gut. How exciting we're wedding twins!! Oh, and I'm using Sungold...