Iberostar Site Visit 5/12/12

[allieplask]

I have not contacted Tai Flora yet - I figured with the wedding so far out I have some time.  I actually initially asked the WC at IRHS about the chairs because I have seen pictures from peoples wedding using those chairs.  The WC told me they were called chivalry chairs and that they are rented through Tai Flora, so that's how I found out about that.  I just wasn't sure if the hotel would take care of arranging that (since TF is the preferred flower vendor of the hotel) or if I had to contact Tai Flora myself and figure it all out?

 

The wedding sheets I found through Google - I am not sure if the website is affiliated with the hotel or not but all of the information is the same as what the hotel has been sending me - and they have one for the Beach, Suites and Grand.  I actually found it by googling "iberostar rose hall suites wedding" and the page comes up in all capital letters.  I'mm put the links below.  We were debating about getting married at the Grand but the prices seemed so much more for what I would assume is basically the same thing?  But when I saw the picture of the Port Maria Restaurant with the lights on the columns and the chairs I like, I figured it could be done at either resort (they'd just charge us extra for it).

 

And our travel agent's name is CeCe Loper - she's with CruiseLovers.com but based out of Ohio.  It just happens that she is a family friend of my parents and we just figured it was easier since we knew and trusted her.

 

Beach: http://www.weddingsbyiberostar.com/iberostar_rose_hall_wedding_packages.htm

Suites: http://www.weddingsbyiberostar.com/iberostar_rose_hall_suites_wedding_packages.htm

Grand: http://www.weddingsbyiberostar.com/iberostar_rose_hall_grand_wedding_packages.htm

 

 

Originally Posted by kfarkas26 

 

I will try to get those questions answered! Have you gotten a quote for the chairs from tai, I agree with you about the covers. Where did you find that weddings by iberostar sheet?! I love the porta maria decorations and I think i have to set my wedding up like that too! Its so funny that 99% of your questions are the same as mine!

 

Actually we just bought a house and moved to freehold last year--- we actually grew up MUCH closer to you in South Brunswick thats so funny! I miss walking around princeton on nice nights like this and getting thomas sweets! Also what travel agent are you using!? 

 

 

[allieplask]

 

Here are the email responses I received.... (from two separate emails)  The red are Tiffany's responses 

 

 

1.  Is it possible to have someone rolling cigars for guests during cocktail hour? unfortunately we don’t offer that service

 

2.  Can we do a fireworks show? Unfortunately no, we do not allow fireworks

 

These are both things that would have to be done by Jamacian vendors - not sure if there is anyone the hotel works with?  if its possible? and if you have pricing? We aren’t aware of any Jamaican vendors that offer cigars rolling but if you find one you can contact them directly.

 

 

1.  We plan to marry on the beach and would like to do a ceremony right at dusk.  See attached picture - wedding ceremony_inghilterra.  Is that possible - to have candles, lighting on the beach?  yes you may do that

 

2.  I also love the wedding of Marisa Axelrod - she was married at your resort last June.  See pictures - http://www.celebritybrideguide.com/marisa-axelrod-and-kent-cecil-wedding-photos/?pid=1906.  We plan to have the reception at the beachfront restaurant.  I would like to rent out the whole thing but will have to see the number of people coming.  We would love to have a DJ and dancing in this area as well. ok, no problem

 

3.  Marisa Axelrod's cake was also beautiful.  Was this done by the hotel or by an outside vendor?  I would love a speciality cake - something beach related. Yes it was done by the Hotel, just send us a picture and we will check with the chef to see if what you send us is possible.

 

4.  I love these centerpieces - http://www.celebritybrideguide.com/marisa-axelrod-and-kent-cecil-wedding-photos/?pid=1897 - and will probably do something similar.  I saw similar arrangements on the Tai Flora website. Tia Flora was the ones who did the centerpieces .

 

5.  We will be renting chilvary chairs or white wooden chairs from Tai Flora for the beach ceremony.  Is that something I can coordinate through the hotel or do I need to speak with Tai Flora separately. You need to speak to Tia Flora separetely

 

6.  On this website, showing weddings from Iberostar - http://www.weddingsbyiberostar.com/WEDDING-DETAIL-SHEET-IBGRRH.pdf - I really like some of the "Port Maria ideas additional costs."  Specifically the ones with the lights going up the columns in the restaurant.  Is that something we can do as well?  Please let me know how we would coordinate/price that? this picture shows the Iberostar Grand, not the Suites.  If you want, you can get this style at the Steakhouse restaurant but you will how to contact Tai Flora as they are the ones that did this setup.

 

7.  We also plan to do a beach bonfire - maybe Friday night (May 24, 2013).  We would also like to have a welcome dinner at one of the resort restaurants that night.  Obviously I will know later now many will be attending but is it possible to make a large dinner reservation like that? yes you can have dinner for the group in one of the hotel restaurants.

 

8.  I have read that the hotel does a beach party on Saturday nights?  Is this something our guests can attend? Yes   Is it possible to get an area set up specifically for us?  we can reserve a special area . Is there a bar set up on the beach for this party? yes they do have a bar open for the Beach Party.

 

9.  Confirm that I do not need to worry about flowers, etc. until around January 2013?  If I need to do things sooner, I will.  I will just worry about invitations, save the dates, travel arrangements (we have a travel agent already), etc. until I am notified by you that I need to start "planning." At least  4months in advance you can start contacting the flower Shop

 

Again, I know we have time. I just want to make sure my wedding "vision" can be achieved through the hotel.  Please let me know.

 

[kfarkas26]

Hey Ladies! 

 

I just got back yesterday and I had an AMAZING time! I loved to suites BUT I am def happy to be getting married at the grand. The suites has ALOT of kids (i love kids but not on my relaxing vacation) The rooms are great and the food is good too! We saw so many weddings and they were all beautiful! The only issue I can see arising at the suites is that because the suites is the middle property you may get more people passing through than you would at the Grand/Beach because they are down on the ends. We did the Dreamer catamaran and decided that we are 100% going to book the private tour for next year- such a blast. I met with Jenealle she was super sweet and helpful. I don't feel like we accomplished much on the planning part because we are so far out, but it was awesome to get a feel for the resort and I can say with 100% certainty that everyone will have and AMAZING time at the resort! Let me know any questions you have.

 

Allie- I noticed that they have cigar carts outside the buffet on certain nights and they pair certain cigars with after dinner drinks, I would bring that up to your dad maybe instead of cigar rollers, it seemed like a cool thing for after cake or something like that.

 

I have so much info swirling in my head so please ask me anything!

 

Thanks!

Kristi 

[MrsG 81812]

Hi Kristi,

 

Thank you for your post. I am also getting married at the Suites and recently visited. There are lots of kids of the resort and though FI and I will be staying at the Grand. I am very concerned about my guests without kids having a good time. I really wish they had an area at the Suites ONLY for adults. Adults with kids in the pool, not fun at all.

 

Thanks,

Ana.
 

[allieplask]

awsome tip!  thank you, i will let him know and will email the WC at the Suites to ask if that is possible... a cart is just as good as a roller (at least to me)

 

cam't wait to see your review/pictures!

 

Originally Posted by kfarkas26 

Hey Ladies! 

 

I just got back yesterday and I had an AMAZING time! I loved to suites BUT I am def happy to be getting married at the grand. The suites has ALOT of kids (i love kids but not on my relaxing vacation) The rooms are great and the food is good too! We saw so many weddings and they were all beautiful! The only issue I can see arising at the suites is that because the suites is the middle property you may get more people passing through than you would at the Grand/Beach because they are down on the ends. We did the Dreamer catamaran and decided that we are 100% going to book the private tour for next year- such a blast. I met with Jenealle she was super sweet and helpful. I don't feel like we accomplished much on the planning part because we are so far out, but it was awesome to get a feel for the resort and I can say with 100% certainty that everyone will have and AMAZING time at the resort! Let me know any questions you have.

 

Allie- I noticed that they have cigar carts outside the buffet on certain nights and they pair certain cigars with after dinner drinks, I would bring that up to your dad maybe instead of cigar rollers, it seemed like a cool thing for after cake or something like that.

 

I have so much info swirling in my head so please ask me anything!

 

Thanks!

Kristi 

[Shauna253]

Kristi,

Did you happen to notice how windy the beach is in the evening?  We are debating whether it is worth it to pay the extra cost to have the entire reception/dinner/dance on the beach.  It is really what we want, but don't want to be paying all that money and then have sand blowing in our food or something.

 

Also, does anyone plan to have a slideshow or anything for their wedding?  I'm curious if the resort has the capabilities for that (ie. screen/projector/sound/etc).

 

And, did you happen to check out the disco?  If so, what are your thoughts on everyone heading there after our own reception dance.  I don't want to be bringing Grandma to a sweaty 'club' where everyone is grinding:), but I also think it would be a lot of fun to have everyone let loose!

 

Shauna

[kfarkas26]

Originally Posted by Shauna253 

 

Kristi,

Did you happen to notice how windy the beach is in the evening?  We are debating whether it is worth it to pay the extra cost to have the entire reception/dinner/dance on the beach.  It is really what we want, but don't want to be paying all that money and then have sand blowing in our food or something.

 

Also, does anyone plan to have a slideshow or anything for their wedding?  I'm curious if the resort has the capabilities for that (ie. screen/projector/sound/etc).

 

And, did you happen to check out the disco?  If so, what are your thoughts on everyone heading there after our own reception dance.  I don't want to be bringing Grandma to a sweaty 'club' where everyone is grinding:), but I also think it would be a lot of fun to have everyone let loose!

 

Shauna

Shauna

 

When we went the beach was not very windy at all, we are going to do everything on the beach and we think it will be perfect!  However Aunt Ruby's is VERY open and gives you a great view of the ocean and an outdoor feel while still having your feet on solid ground.

 

I did not look into the slideshow thing so I cant help with that- (sorry)

 

As far as the disco went, when we went all three hotels were at less than 1/2 capacity, so the disco wasnt bad at all, however depending on when you are getting married that can change. HOWEVER we talked to alot of the bartenders and workers there and they told us to checkout the piano bar- they said the bar was always open and no one was ever in there. We went and sure enough we were the only two people in the whole place and had 2 bartenders and an amazing space complete with a great balcony all to ourselves, we are thinking of forgoing a welcome party and having everyone meet there- it will be free and still private- it was an awesome place.

 

Hope that helped!

Kristi

[allieplask]

where is the piano bar? the suites or the grand?

[kfarkas26]

Originally Posted by allieplask 

 

where is the piano bar? the suites or the grand?

Piano bar is at the suites but also attached to the grand, the way the lobby works is that you are able to access this middle portion of a common area between the suites and grand which has shops, a cigar bar, a piano lounge, the spa, the casino and a few other places I think, its nice, because you can get here from the lobby of the suites. Not sure where this connects to the grand, because there was a security guard that stopped us and said we were not allowed to go past that point because it was the grand. We will def be utilizing that bar alot for meet up places after or before dinner. They said it only gets crowded on nights they do karaoke. Like I said we were the only ones in there (which got weird for us because there were only 2 of us so we had a drink and left) but it would be great for a big group. Keep in mind when we went was down season so the place was operating at 1/2 or less capacity. It may be different during they're busy season

[justine416]

Hi Kristi,

 

Did you happen to tour the beach resort also? My FI are staying at the Suites but have 50% staying at the beach. I'm thinking of the front bar for the welcome party than a bonfire but I'm now wondering if everyone can use the Piano bar?

Thanks