Tropical Weddings Jamaica Brides?

[bubbleeater]

Hi newbibridetobe,

 

I think we have a similar wedding day planned in that we are both having the wedding ceremony at the Aqueduct and the reception back at Iberostar rose hall suites! My wedding date is in June of this year. Things are just being finalized now but we're trying to get a better idea of what our costs are looking like having our wedding in this way. It must be getting busy for you as your big day is coming up!

 

Can I ask you what was included in your Aqueduct wedding package because I feel like we are paying a lot to rent the place for the wedding but not getting much out of it (actually, its really just the location and the minister fee thats currently in the price; decor isn't even included; not even a bottle of water per guest!). Because our estimated wedding party is approximately 60 people, we will have to have a speaker/microphone system in place so everyone can hear but if we do this, we will need a generator and the one at the Hilton will cost us $650! I'm trying to see if there's a cheaper alternative...

 

I'm also currently on my own trying to coordinate the wedding reception back at the Iberostar as I have no been able to get a hold of the wedding coordinator. Because of the way the packages are set up for us, I'm left finding my own way to get cake, florals, decor, A/V equipment rentals, hair/makeup and music entertainment for both the ceremony and reception sites. Its definitely looking more like I'm looking into wedding details that I would at home but in another country (kind of defeating the purpose of a supposedly easier to plan destination wedding in my opinion!).

 

Anyways, I would love to hear about how your planning has come together in hopes that it'll help me navigate this unfamiliar territory on my own. And maybe you'll have better ways to save a few dollars here and there. Any advice or suggestions are welcome!

 

Otherwise, congrats on your upcoming day!

[newbiebridetobe]

Hey bubbleeater!

 

It does sound like we have simiar weddings planned!  Hopefully I can help answer some of your questions....or at least confirm that we are in the same boat as you!

 

In regards to the price of having the wedding ceremony at the Aqueducts-it is more expensive than having the ceremony at the Suites (specifically because of that charge you mentioned for the site rental.....we paid $2500 for it).  I compared all other charges between the Aqueducts and having the ceremony at the Suites and all other costs were comparable.  For example, the wedding package with TWJ is $1000 less than the package at the Suites but the "extra pp fee" is more with TWJ so everything balanced out for the most part.  Does that make sense?  In the end, I beleive the cost of having the ceremony at the Aqueducts was about $2500 which was well worth it for me as I LOVE the venue!  Pictures are going to be FAB!

 

My opinion is that you will likely continue to feel "on your own" for the planning with Iberostar for the dinner portion.  This may be in part because this is how they do things and also in part because we have taken away some of their buisiness by having the ceremony off-resort.  This has been REALLY easy for us to deal with because my FI and I could care less about which restaurant we are in, what shape the tables are, etc.  We're fine with just going with it so long as we have somewhere to eat!  We would like a DJ for the reception and hope that she comes through with that---I'll let you know!

 

I've aske Nicole about the cake and they will order one-the price is based per person-I beleive we're paying $200.00 for the cake (we have 40 people coming).

 

I will definitely pass along any tips after my day!   It's so close!!!  EEEEEEKKKKKK!

[bubbleeater]

Hey newbiebridetobe! Thanks for getting back to me. It was definitely reassuring to know you guys are going through a similar experience! We were debating whether we wanted a DJ for the reception but didn't know if it was worth it because we can only be there til 10pm (our reception is at the calabash). Our photographer is SunGold as well! Paula seems super nice! Are you planning to go to the Disco after the dinner to keep dancing? That was what we were hoping to do. Hopefully its not booked up.... I'm so excited for your big day! Please do come back and update me on how everything went! Your experience will definitely help me get a better idea of things to expect. Congrats again

[mg99]

Hi Ladies-- I'm also planning a set-up similar to both of yours. I'd like to have the ceremony at the Aqueducts but when I requested a quote I was told I would have to book the Rose Hall Dreams package for $5900 plus additional charges for my guests that are not staying at the property. Because my guests would be staying at IRHS (and our plan is to have the reception at Aunt Ruby's) it seemed pointless to pay for a package that included so many things we would have no use for. If you don't mind me asking, what were you quoted for the rental of the Aqueduct and what did that include? Is there a charge per person or is the rate a flat fee? Also, how do you plan to coordinate travel from IRHS to the Aqueduct and back? My group is likely going to be 100ppl so I may need to look into renting a coach bus.

[newbiebridetobe]

Originally Posted by mg99 

 

Hi Ladies--

 

I'm also planning a set-up similar to both of yours. I'd like to have the ceremony at the Aqueducts but when I requested a quote I was told I would have to book the Rose Hall Dreams package for $5900 plus additional charges for my guests that are not staying at the property. Because my guests would be staying at IRHS (and our plan is to have the reception at Aunt Ruby's) it seemed pointless to pay for a package that included so many things we would have no use for.

 

If you don't mind me asking, what were you quoted for the rental of the Aqueduct and what did that include? Is there a charge per person or is the rate a flat fee?

 

Also, how do you plan to coordinate travel from IRHS to the Aqueduct and back? My group is likely going to be 100ppl so I may need to look into renting a coach bus.

mg99....who did you receive the quote from?  Tropical Weddings Jamaica?

[mg99]

This quote was from hilton rose hall. I checked with one travel agent who said I can rent it for $2500 flat, but I'd be responsible for the extras. I checked with TWJ and she also offered me a package that would cover everything, but it was only for 10 ppl an every additional person was $30. Furthermore, the package was in addition to the $2500 rental fee. I think I may be better off without a package because 90 ppl x $30 = $2700!

[newbiebridetobe]

My quote/what I'm paying with TWP is the same as what you just mentioned.  There are also additional pp fees for drinks/snacks, etc.

 

My recommendation would be to price out what you want if you had the resort on-resort (all the extras really add up!) and then compare that to the price with TWJ.  It ended up being about $3000 more for us based on our situation but it was worth it to us to have it at the Aqueducts.

[BrookeBrae]

Hi Ladies, 

I just wanted to say that I'm also getting married in Jamaica and using TWJ.  I have been extremely happy working with Almarie so far and have no regrets about going off-site for the ceremony and reception.  We will be having 120 guests, so when you added the costs from the hotel for just the guest count, plus all the additional charges the hotel wanted for DJ, photography, etc etc, TWJ is well worth it in my opinion.  I went with her Always & Forever package which includes everything you can think of from transportation, to photography & videography, to a Saxaphonist for the ceremony, Steel drums for the cocktail hour and DJ for the reception.  It's amazing!!  Yes, its a little expensive, but we were never planning on getting married in Jamaica to "save money".  

My wedding is about 1 month away now.  So I will write back to let you all know how it went.  I cannot wait!! I'm sure my guests will love the location as well.  We chose the Grande Oceanview location.  From the pics, it looks breathtaking.  Can't wait to say I DO on a mountain top over looking the beautiful Jamaican mountain range and turquoise Caribbean sea!!

[sarahandjake13]

Hello Ladies

 

I've also booked with Tropical Weddings for our private beach ceremony in Montego Bay.  We're staying at the Iberostar Grand but wanted a more private ceremony.  I'm super happy with Almarie so far!!  And, compared to what your paying the resort, it's reasonable   The beach location of our ceremony is called Tropical Beach.
 

[sarahandjake13]

That sounds amazing Brooke!!  Can't wait to hear your review, and see pictures when you return.  I love working with Almarie.  She's put my mind at ease   We're having a small wedding with about 20 people on the private beach in Montego Bay, and can't wait!!!  I just picked up some white silk fans today to place at each chair for the ceremony.  I think I'm also going to pick up some coloured ribbon to tie on the ends.  Good luck with everything!!