Frustrated Newbie!!

[LenoreandKeithROR]

We just got married at the Riu, Ocho Rios.  We got an even better deal through sunquest...for every 8th person, we got one free.  For the 50 guest we had, we used one freebie to fly our photographer down and the rest was distributed among our guests totalling close to $200 back to everyone.  PM me for more information if you like.

 

You can't go wrong with the Riu!  Best thing I found is that they change their quotes so much that they can't remember how much $$ everything is.  I ended up saving close to $1000 by telling them different prices than what i was quoted:)

 

Rooms:  When you get there ask for an upgrade!  We got room 1361 which is close to 800 square feet with a jacuzzi, massive deck, huge walk in shower and it even has a bidet!!!  Right on the ocean on the quiet side of the resort:)  It also overlooked the beach gazebo so we could watch other weddings and looked great in pre wedding photos.  Another thing is that if you are booking a big group, they are pretty good at accomidating you and your guest.  I was able to help close to a dozen of our couples upgrade their suites from garden to the 3rd and even the 5th floor with no issues.  Pay the extra $100 or so for the week and stay in a Junior Suite if you can.  Also ask about OCEAN FRONT instead of OCEAN VIEW....may like that alot better...we sure did!

 

Paid:

 

$90hr to rent the dj equipment  (quoted $150) now they are saying you need to hire a dj as well at $250hr.

$10pp for the poolside reception HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS (quoted $15pp)  ask to do it at the quiet pool!  They let us stay until 11:30pm too....only quote 8:30-10:30

$1200 for our photgrapher and ended up with 3000 pictures

$700 for flowers from Tia Florist

 

Overall our cost for the wedding using the free package and including the beachfront gazebo wedding, semi private dinner at the plantation and private poolside reception was just over $2000!  Plus $1200 for our photographer!  Can't beat that...and it was absolutely beautifull and perfect!!!

 

If you plan on doing a tour...book with PHIL LAFAYETTE....he is awesome and will accomidate any size group for whatever you want to do!!!

 

Feel free to PM me for more information

 

 

[LenoreandKeithROR]

We are also from canada:)

[meeshie77]

Hi Tammy.

 

Glad you could find someone who is helpful

 

Michelle
 

Originally Posted by tamandrob 

I Just heard back from Irene at traveldiscounter.ca and she is awesome! Thanks so much for all the information! She is so quick to respond as well!

 

Thanks Tammy

 

[meeshie77]

Oh wow Lenore!  Thanks for so much great information!!!!
 

Originally Posted by LenoreandKeithROR 

We just got married at the Riu, Ocho Rios.  We got an even better deal through sunquest...for every 8th person, we got one free.  For the 50 guest we had, we used one freebie to fly our photographer down and the rest was distributed among our guests totalling close to $200 back to everyone.  PM me for more information if you like.

 

You can't go wrong with the Riu!  Best thing I found is that they change their quotes so much that they can't remember how much $$ everything is.  I ended up saving close to $1000 by telling them different prices than what i was quoted:)

 

Rooms:  When you get there ask for an upgrade!  We got room 1361 which is close to 800 square feet with a jacuzzi, massive deck, huge walk in shower and it even has a bidet!!!  Right on the ocean on the quiet side of the resort:)  It also overlooked the beach gazebo so we could watch other weddings and looked great in pre wedding photos.  Another thing is that if you are booking a big group, they are pretty good at accomidating you and your guest.  I was able to help close to a dozen of our couples upgrade their suites from garden to the 3rd and even the 5th floor with no issues.  Pay the extra $100 or so for the week and stay in a Junior Suite if you can.  Also ask about OCEAN FRONT instead of OCEAN VIEW....may like that alot better...we sure did!

 

Paid:

 

$90hr to rent the dj equipment  (quoted $150) now they are saying you need to hire a dj as well at $250hr.

$10pp for the poolside reception HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS (quoted $15pp)  ask to do it at the quiet pool!  They let us stay until 11:30pm too....only quote 8:30-10:30

$1200 for our photgrapher and ended up with 3000 pictures

$700 for flowers from Tia Florist

 

Overall our cost for the wedding using the free package and including the beachfront gazebo wedding, semi private dinner at the plantation and private poolside reception was just over $2000!  Plus $1200 for our photographer!  Can't beat that...and it was absolutely beautifull and perfect!!!

 

If you plan on doing a tour...book with PHIL LAFAYETTE....he is awesome and will accomidate any size group for whatever you want to do!!!

 

Feel free to PM me for more information

 

 

 

[ellenj01]

Thanks for the advice!  That is a good idea to ask your guests for input.  I guess it is one of those times, where sometimes you just have to do as much research as possible, and then hope for the best!  I looked up your resort and it looks amazing!!  No, we aren't using a TA yet...I haven't really thought about using one.  Are you?  Is it helpful?

Thanks!

 

Originally Posted by meeshie77 

Hi Ellen.

 

We chose Jamaica and are getting married at the RIU Ocho Rios in Jamaica.  Neither of us have been there, but we have both heard nothing but positive things about the resort and Jamaica, so we decided "What the heck"!  When it came down to it, we wanted to choose either the Mayan Riviera in Mexico (I've been and LOVE it) or Jamaica.  Since we got amazing pricing back for both places and were happy to go to either, we asked our guests.  We figured that if they are spending their money to join us, then they should have a say.  Most everyone voted unanimously to go to Jamaica, so that's what we decided on.

 

Choosing your destination and resort was the most difficult part for us so far, but I'm sure you will find your place in no time   Are you working with a TA?
 

 

 

[mnicole20]

I think we probably could've done it cheaper for our guests, but I was in a hurry to book, so our guests are paying $1500/2 people for 3 nights, for the hotel.  Our air is $460 (approximately) per person from Denver.  It is about $1000/person based on double occupancy.  Everyone keeps telling me we picked the most expensive hotel in Mexico, but I think they are mistaken.  It's a pretty good deal for a 5 star hotel.  We booked Azul Beach October 22, 2011.  My TA is pretty good, however, I get a little frustrated because I did tell her my budget for the wedding and she said it "would surely stay under $5000 for travel and $1500 for the wedding"  Wow, we are now thousands over the budget-so much for a small inexpensive destination wedding!  My advice would be clear about your budget and the desired guest prices-no room to go over.  Good luck in your planning and remember it is supposed to be fun!

[meeshie77]

That is a good price!  The Azul Beach is one of the most expensive resorts but also one of the nicest!  Congrats and keep us posted on your planning and wedding

Originally Posted by mnicole20 

I think we probably could've done it cheaper for our guests, but I was in a hurry to book, so our guests are paying $1500/2 people for 3 nights, for the hotel.  Our air is $460 (approximately) per person from Denver.  It is about $1000/person based on double occupancy.  Everyone keeps telling me we picked the most expensive hotel in Mexico, but I think they are mistaken.  It's a pretty good deal for a 5 star hotel.  We booked Azul Beach October 22, 2011.  My TA is pretty good, however, I get a little frustrated because I did tell her my budget for the wedding and she said it "would surely stay under $5000 for travel and $1500 for the wedding"  Wow, we are now thousands over the budget-so much for a small inexpensive destination wedding!  My advice would be clear about your budget and the desired guest prices-no room to go over.  Good luck in your planning and remember it is supposed to be fun!

 

[mnicole20]

Thank you! I have never been to Azul Beach or even Cancun so I'm glad I've heard such nice things. I will keep you updated on our plans!

[meeshie77]

The Mayan Riviera is a gorgeous place so I'm sure your wedding will be amazing!!!
 

Originally Posted by mnicole20 

Thank you! I have never been to Azul Beach or even Cancun so I'm glad I've heard such nice things. I will keep you updated on our plans!

 

[Moments That Matter]

Congrats on your special day, and also congratulations on booking your resort.  That is a big ticket item out of the way and should help make the rest easier.  Good luck with the rest of your planning.