June 2012 Newbie Bride!

[greatbritain]

Hey All,

 

I recently got engaged and have been feverishly trying to figure out where to get married. We have always discussed a DW and I want to secure a resort as soon as possible. I am completely clueless as to where to start, I have been researching resorts on the internet as well as lurking on here for reviews, opinions, ideas, etc. I decided on June 2012 because I work in a school and have to follow school vacations/breaks and the last two weeks of that June are a time we have off already so I figured that'd be the easiest and best time for me (My FI has a much more flexible schedule).

 

I feel totally overwhelmed as I try to find a TA to work with in order to try to fit everything into our budget as well as get the best deal for our guests (they are really my primary concern...something affordable for them as well as for us). I think Jamaica is the location where we are looking and I have been trying to narrow down resorts, but the consensus on here seems to be that working with a good TA is your best bet.

 

Any words of wisdom or advice from all of you more experienced members?

[JayKay]

Welcome, and congrats on your recent engagement!  For us the most stressful part was picking a location and then the resort.  The most helpful thing we did was sit down and make a list of what is important to us, for example, resort size (small vs large), things to do at the resort, price range, wedding package prices, and wedding locations.  From there, we were able to pick a location, Jamaica, and then a resort, The Gran Bahia Principe.  We chose it because it fit exactly what we were looking for and was still affordable for our guests.  We also worked with a TA quite a bit before choosing our location.  Once we had narrowed it down to Jamaica, she recommended about 5 resorts that we researched further and were able to chose our dream resort. 

 

Good luck!
 

Originally Posted by greatbritain 

Hey All,

 

I recently got engaged and have been feverishly trying to figure out where to get married. We have always discussed a DW and I want to secure a resort as soon as possible. I am completely clueless as to where to start, I have been researching resorts on the internet as well as lurking on here for reviews, opinions, ideas, etc. I decided on June 2012 because I work in a school and have to follow school vacations/breaks and the last two weeks of that June are a time we have off already so I figured that'd be the easiest and best time for me (My FI has a much more flexible schedule).

 

I feel totally overwhelmed as I try to find a TA to work with in order to try to fit everything into our budget as well as get the best deal for our guests (they are really my primary concern...something affordable for them as well as for us). I think Jamaica is the location where we are looking and I have been trying to narrow down resorts, but the consensus on here seems to be that working with a good TA is your best bet.

 

Any words of wisdom or advice from all of you more experienced members?

 

[greatbritain]

Thanks so much for the tips JayKay, Gran Bahia Principe is one that we are considering as well. I haven't had luck finding a TA to work with but that definitely seems to be the next big step I need to take before continuing! 

[JayKay]

I'm really happy we chose this resort! I have personally known a few people who were married here in the last few years and they said it was great.  Not to mention a free wedding package!  Can't beat that!
 

Originally Posted by greatbritain 

Thanks so much for the tips JayKay, Gran Bahia Principe is one that we are considering as well. I haven't had luck finding a TA to work with but that definitely seems to be the next big step I need to take before continuing! 

 

[Matt Adcock]

Welcome to the forum...  check out our wiki, has 2 million links to slideshows here in the RM, if you are planning from another country, this will be helpful.
http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/wiki/del-sol-photography-slideshows-riviera-maya

 

also, a few TTD images to get the imagination stirring.

http://delsolphotography.com/blog/index.php/category/5/Trash-The-Dress

 

Grand Bahia to my knowledge has big restrictions on outside photographers, so if photos are impt, don't choose that hotel

 

good luck,

 

saludos

matt

[greatbritain]

Thanks for the info, Matt. We actually have Mayan Riviera as another option other than Jamaica. I checked out your pictures and they are gorgeous! I will keep you in mind after I speak with a TA!

[Le Reve Hotel & Spa]

If Mayan Riviera is still your option, and you want some exclusivity Le Rêve can offer you that.

 

You can take a quick glance to our website and if you need any more information don't doubt on asking us.

 

Good luck and happy planning.

 

 

[Dutchie600]

Actually.. I have Booked and Reserved my Wedding for the Gran Bahia in Jamaica.

I have an outside photographer coming with us and there are no restrictions.

I also had a friend get married there a few weeks back, She hired a Jamaican Photographer ( stacey Clarke) and all she had to do was pay the 75.00 day pass.

 

I have Family that lives in Jamaica. They all have to purchase day passes. Just like the photographers, theres no Vendor Fees like Sandals or anything like that.

[designsbynishy]

 

Looking to make your Jamaican wedding dream a reality? Contact Designs By Nishy for wedding decor, welcome & hen parties, wedding flowers & floral arrangement, planning and coordination services. We can have wedding favors, custom made invitations and programs, site visits and vendor selection, organized for you. In addition to the wedding, we can also plan group excursions.

We would be more to happy to assist in making your special day a spectacular occasion! Please check our website - www.designsbynishy.weebly.com or email us at [email protected].

[greatbritain]

Thanks for that info Dutchie600. Was your friend pleased with the photographer she hired? Any words of wisdom/advice or opinion on Gran Bahia? I have put in a few requests to TA's and haven't heard back from them but I am hoping to start the process as soon as possible. Until then, I am still reading around on here and trying to figure things out.