Turks & Caicos Wedding is OVER- now what?!?!

[Soon-to-be-Mrs.D]

Hi nsblum!

I'm getting married at the Somerse tin March 2011 - I'm so excited I can't think of anything else.  I'm sure I'll feel the same as you as soon as it is over   I'm just going through trying to get estimates on flowers now, and we have a band booked (Press Gang) who I don't know anything about.  Monique, our coordinator, assures me that they will be great; however, I have to say that I am very nervous about going with a band I have never heard before!  Who did you use for your band/DJ?  and your flowers?  Monique recommended Environmental Arts, but they seem a little pricey... any thoughts/suggestions you have would be great!  Looking forward to hearing from you!

[JanineA]

Hi there, I'm also marrying at the Somerset....but this November...wow can't believe it is less than two months away. Anyway I know your questions were for Nicole but I thought I would ask about your band Press Gang? Never heard of them nor is it one of the ones I had heard of through Monique or Krys....where did you find them. I'm using a dj. For flowers I'm using EA, I didn't think they were so pricey but then again I ordered specifically the flowers I wanted. Are you using TI for your pics? I'm using Ileana. Good luck with all your planning!

Originally Posted by Soon-to-be-Mrs.D 

Hi nsblum!

I'm getting married at the Somerse tin March 2011 - I'm so excited I can't think of anything else.  I'm sure I'll feel the same as you as soon as it is over   I'm just going through trying to get estimates on flowers now, and we have a band booked (Press Gang) who I don't know anything about.  Monique, our coordinator, assures me that they will be great; however, I have to say that I am very nervous about going with a band I have never heard before!  Who did you use for your band/DJ?  and your flowers?  Monique recommended Environmental Arts, but they seem a little pricey... any thoughts/suggestions you have would be great!  Looking forward to hearing from you!

[Soon-to-be-Mrs.D]

Janine,

I think Aimee from Environmental Arts is great - she's so on top of things and gets back to me very quickly.  Her prices aren't so bad, I just think she's trying to get us to order more than we might actually need.  She has wonderful ideas though!

 

Monique told us about the band Press Gang after she saw them at a wedding in June that was held at the Somerset.  She said they play one a week at a bar called Shark Bites I believe.  I've asked her for a play list or the types of music and haven't heard back yet, but she said they are pretty upbeat when she originally told us about them.  We've been back and forth about just getting a DJ because music is important, and at least we'd be able to give a DJ a list of songs.  We'll probably end up using an Ipod in between their sets - it's definitely nerve wracking not ever hearing them before.... we have about 75 people (mostly a younger crowd) and good music will definitely keep the party going.

 

We are using TI for pictures - originally we requested Ileana as she did our engagement pics when we were down there in Feb.  She was booked, so we are going with Andy, Kellie and Preston for videoography.  I'm sure they will be great!

 

Good luck with your wedding in Nov!!!! Any helpful tips?!  We just spoke with Lauren, the chef, the other day about our cocktail hour options... I'm so excited!  Keep us updated!!!

 

Brianna

[nsblum]

Hi Brianna! So excited for you, and so jealous! I wish we could do it all over again! We used Press Gang, and that wedding in June Monique is talking about is US! She told us about a bunch of different bands, and I wasn't feeling their style, so we took a chance on these guys and they were great! I honestly don't remember the type of music they played, but I wanted a band that knew covers to common songs, and they def did. It honestly goes so fast that I don't remember what they even played, but people were telling me how good they were. And I felt comfortable with them. I didn't want Caribbean/ Calypso for my wedding, I had that at my rehearsal dinner when we had a steel drum player- who I didn't really like, but that's a separate issue!

 

Anyway, we also used EA for our flowers and I wasn't too happy with the final product. It was pricey in the end, the candles did NOT stay lit, the centerpieces were a bit bulky and guests couldn't see eachother at the other side of the table, but what I will say is they are very responsive and easy to talk to. I probably made them crazy with my one million emails, and they answered each one very professionally. I am also my own worst critic, so I'm not sure how they compare to other flower shops on the island, but they are def not your typical, local island florist.

 

I did not use TI for pictures, which was a terrible idea and I think about that everyday! So, good job going with TI, you will not be disappointed. We are going back down in October and doing a Trash the Dress session with Ileana, and I am beyond thrilled! What else can I say? The rooms are GORGEOUS at The Somerset, just be aware of ants, make sure you remind them to spray. As for food during cocktail hour, whatever Lauren says, add more! It was not enough, but the food is amazing and people are still talking about how amazing the food was. Let me know what else I can help with! Good luck!

[Soon-to-be-Mrs.D]

HI!  Thanks so much for all your input!  I'm so happy that you enjoyed Press Gang- I was really nervous going with a band we've never seen, especially since music is such an important part of the wedding!  Your post calmed my nerves about them, so thank you!  We were going to do a steel drum thing for our rehearsal as well... but I'm still unsure about that.

 

Aimee from EA has been very responsive to each of my 1000 emails as well, lol.  We are going to do half the tables with higher centerpieces on top of a tall vase, with either small vases with floating candles or vases with floating flowers and LED lights on the bottom (her suggestion).  The other half of the tables will have smaller, low center pieces with the same floating candles or floating flowers.  I was nervous about the candles blowing out, but we really like that look!  We haven't even looked at other flower shops as Monique said this is the one that they use the most... so I really have nothing to compare to with price.

 

We kinda thought the same about the cocktail hour... I had the feeling we aren't ordering enough, and the last thing we want is to run out!  We did a tasting there back in Feb and were blown away by the presentation and the taste of the food.  Lauren is great!

 

That is AWESOME that you are doing a trash the dress session with Ileana - can't wait to see the pics!  You will LOVE her!

 

Keep in touch and if you have any other thoughts/suggestions let me know!

Thanks,

Brianna

 

[nsblum]

Hi Brianna! That sounds EXACTLY how I had my tables. Too funny! I will 100% be honest and tell you that not one candle stayed lit, so just a warning. Also, the tall vases made it hard for people to see the other people at the table, so everyone just moved them to the side, and some even to the floor. The LED lights were nice, but they aren't very bright. We had that with sparkling water and a loose floating orchid blossom. As for the steel drum player, he was the only one on the island, and I am happy he was there in terms of idea, but he wasn't very good in terms of playing. I felt he was very pricey, and he took lots of breaks and used his computer a lot. At one point I remember wondering why New Kids on The Block was playing. I mean I love NKOTB, but not for my rehearsal dinner with a steel drum player. You know what I mean?

 

When you did the tasting did you do canapes tasting or just food off the menu? We also did a cake testing, and it was yum. They actually messed up on our cake, because we wanted choc/vanilla and then vanilla/choc and instead they did vanilla/vanilla and choc/choc, if that makes sense. It was still delicious, and everyone loved it, but I said something to Monique, and wrote Lauren an email and just got an email saying sorry. Well, sorry wasn't good enough, haha, so I asked for a discount and they actually deducted a portion from the final bill. My advice, if you are having 80 people, do a cake for 60 or something. That seemed to be the last thing people wanted, they were stuffed!

 

Where are you located in NY? I am in NYC, are you close? We could meet for coffee if you'd like!

 

Talk soon!

[JanineA]

Hi Brianna, like nsblum suggested I did not go with the tall vases or the candles. I originally wanted some tall vases and some short ones....for more depth from my centerpieces but after talking to Nicole and then having a very frank conversation with Louise and Aimee they very candidly admitted that in recent weddings both at Somerset and other properties the candles did not stay lit and the tall vases were poorly received because people complained they had to look around them to talk or move them from the tables all together. I was a bit apprehensive about my centerpieces since I wanted to actually see a mock up prior to putting any deposit in the end I went into a local florist here and completely had them do a mockup for me. I lucked out because we are having an AHR at the fourseasons so the florist did me this favor. I went with short square vases lined  w/gardenia leaves and blooming with peonies, ranunculus, lisanthus and hypericum berries. On either side I will have long vases filled with sparkling water and submerged sabin porchids and LED lights. Trying to coordinate the flowers was driving me nuts because I knew exactly what I had in my mind and wasn't going to settle for anything else...in the end I am happy with it cause...well basically I picked it all out. At first I thought the prices from EA were a bit pricey but I negotiated as much as I could and considering Louise let me know because of the blooms I chose everything would have to come from Italy/Europe not the US I think their prices are fair. Another bride has passed along another florist info to me a while back. If you want to compare I can try to see if I can find it......I'll look. 

In terms of canapes we ended up with 16 dozen and chose a variety of different ones (basically about 6 or 7 different kinds) we're only having 40 people. Are all of your guests staying at the Somerset?

[Soon-to-be-Mrs.D]

Nsblum, that's too funny about the orchid blooms with LED lights - she probably sent me a picture of what you had for your wedding - very pretty!  We'll probably still do the tall vases on a half of the tables... I've emailed Aimee to ask how tall they are (I'm hoping they are higher than eye level so that people can all see eachother).   Then the rest of the tables will have lower centerpieces and either the lanterns or hurricane vases with candles.  Ahh I'm nervous about candles though if both you and Janine say they blow out.... we'll see.  I just really liked that look.  Janine - your centerpieces sounds really pretty too!  You're lucky to have the opportunity to have a mock built for you!!  I guess I kinda just have to trust that EA will do a good job - I mean, weddings are probably the bulk of their business I would imagine.

 

Ummm yea I was a huge fan of NKOTB back in the day, but am pretty sure I don't really want them playing at my rehearsal, lol.  I'll have to ask Monique who else she recommends.  We're doing a beach BBQ by the kissing fish catering company.  We're VERY excited for this!!!

 

As far as the tasting goes, we had samples of two appetizers, two salads, two meats (rack of lamb and filet), two fish (local red snapper and chilean sea bass), a number of sides and a variety of desserts... we are thinking about not doing a cake - neither of us is really a fan of cake and we always notice that no one eats it anyway!  That's too bad they messed up your flavors though - sounds like you took it easier than I would have!  At least they discounted it in the end...

 

Janine - Lauren recommended 20 dozen for 75 people... and you got 16 for 40 people?  Was it just enough, too much?  Nsblum said she ran out - I definitely don't want that to happen!  We have two stationary items, then 20 dozen passed apps (about 6 different types).  Sounds like we might have to add more!

 

No, not all of our guests are staying at the Somerset.  Pretty much only immediate family is staying there, then most others are staying at the Sands and Sibonne.  I believe a few others might be staying at Beaches because they wanted the all-inclusive option for a week.  We recommended Sands and Sibonne as more economic options since they are so close to Somerset. 

 

Nsblum - I'm actually in upstate NY, near Saratoga Springs... but I'm down in the city all the time (4 of my bridesmaids live in NYC)!  Would love to meet up sometime next time I'm there!

[JanineA]

Brianna since you were able to do a tasting I'm interested to know which of the dishes you liked. I won't get to do a tasting and it is racking my last nerve cause two of our guests are chefs and I would hate for them to think the food was sub-par. We ended up choosing the Porcini dusted steak and the Caicos snapper (I prefer fish and my FI is a meat and potatoes kind of guy). Which of the meals from your tasting did you enjoy the most. 

 

For the moment we have decided not to do a cake. I don't eat cake and neither does FI not to mention we have been to 7 weddings for the year (ours will be the last wedding for the year we will attend before we pick back up in February for a very good friends wedding......can you say weddinged out....lol I know thats not a word). Anyway we noticed at every single wedding no one ate the cake and if they did they took two bites and complained because they were hoping for red velvet, but it was chocolate, or it was vanilla and they were hoping for red velvet. The mothers would prefer if we did a small cake, but I've told Monique literally if we do one it will be a last minute decision.....as in she will be told the day before....which I'm guessing the chef is ok with. I must admit I have only been in touch with the chef once and that was in coordinating the sides (we mixed things from all over the menu and put them together we didn't like the accompaniments for the meals as they were so I had one of my friends who is a chef look it over and mix and match). Other than that I have been pretty much in touch with Monique the entire time.....should I be worried? Then again my wedding is pretty small.  

 

In terms of the canapes Monique and Lauren recommended 14 dozen but since Nsblum had warned me whatever amount they told me to go higher I added two more dozen....I'd rather have more than less. 

 

All of my guests are staying at Somerset but then again we are only 41 so I guess if we were any larger people would have to start looking into other hotels.....yesterday I was at 39 but a few stragglers are now calling to say they have booked and are coming.....hmmm...I wonder what the occupancy of the hotel is...as in the limit. 

 

Brianna is your BBQ your rehearsal dinner? We'll be having our rehearsal dinner at Bay Bistro.....which reminds me I still need to get in touch with Joan. Ok ladies talk to you all soon.

 

Ciao

Originally Posted by Soon-to-be-Mrs.D 

Nsblum, that's too funny about the orchid blooms with LED lights - she probably sent me a picture of what you had for your wedding - very pretty!  We'll probably still do the tall vases on a half of the tables... I've emailed Aimee to ask how tall they are (I'm hoping they are higher than eye level so that people can all see eachother).   Then the rest of the tables will have lower centerpieces and either the lanterns or hurricane vases with candles.  Ahh I'm nervous about candles though if both you and Janine say they blow out.... we'll see.  I just really liked that look.  Janine - your centerpieces sounds really pretty too!  You're lucky to have the opportunity to have a mock built for you!!  I guess I kinda just have to trust that EA will do a good job - I mean, weddings are probably the bulk of their business I would imagine.

 

Ummm yea I was a huge fan of NKOTB back in the day, but am pretty sure I don't really want them playing at my rehearsal, lol.  I'll have to ask Monique who else she recommends.  We're doing a beach BBQ by the kissing fish catering company.  We're VERY excited for this!!!

 

As far as the tasting goes, we had samples of two appetizers, two salads, two meats (rack of lamb and filet), two fish (local red snapper and chilean sea bass), a number of sides and a variety of desserts... we are thinking about not doing a cake - neither of us is really a fan of cake and we always notice that no one eats it anyway!  That's too bad they messed up your flavors though - sounds like you took it easier than I would have!  At least they discounted it in the end...

 

Janine - Lauren recommended 20 dozen for 75 people... and you got 16 for 40 people?  Was it just enough, too much?  Nsblum said she ran out - I definitely don't want that to happen!  We have two stationary items, then 20 dozen passed apps (about 6 different types).  Sounds like we might have to add more!

 

No, not all of our guests are staying at the Somerset.  Pretty much only immediate family is staying there, then most others are staying at the Sands and Sibonne.  I believe a few others might be staying at Beaches because they wanted the all-inclusive option for a week.  We recommended Sands and Sibonne as more economic options since they are so close to Somerset. 

 

Nsblum - I'm actually in upstate NY, near Saratoga Springs... but I'm down in the city all the time (4 of my bridesmaids live in NYC)!  Would love to meet up sometime next time I'm there!

[mistibuard]

Hi Brianna,

 

I see that your wedding is in March 2011 in Turks & Caicos as well. What dates will you be there? I will be down there March 9-15th. I would love to be a BDW bride at the actual resort! My classmate had her honeymoon at the Somerset..gorgeous place.

 

Happy Planning!
 

Originally Posted by Soon-to-be-Mrs.D 

Hi nsblum!

I'm getting married at the Somerse tin March 2011 - I'm so excited I can't think of anything else.  I'm sure I'll feel the same as you as soon as it is over   I'm just going through trying to get estimates on flowers now, and we have a band booked (Press Gang) who I don't know anything about.  Monique, our coordinator, assures me that they will be great; however, I have to say that I am very nervous about going with a band I have never heard before!  Who did you use for your band/DJ?  and your flowers?  Monique recommended Environmental Arts, but they seem a little pricey... any thoughts/suggestions you have would be great!  Looking forward to hearing from you!