Secrets St James/Wild Orchid Weddings 2012/2013

[Mimi127]

Originally Posted by alexisinjamaica 

 

 

Ack I know!! Getting there I think. Just need to finish up some things like OOT bags, order some more table linens and take care of the whole birth certificate thing so we can get married legally. But I'm still not in the sweet spot of 2 months and haven't started working with the WC yet to finalize my choices for the menu and whatever else. I did reach out to Tai Flora to discuss flowers so I have that done. Yay! Getting excited!!

 

I am so excited for you.  You must keep us posted and let us know how it is working with the WC.  It is so hard to plan certain things when you have to wait for that two month window. 

[muneera0302]

I'm still trying to decide whether to have the ceremony on the beach or at the Casita area? both could be decorated very nice. I planned on 50 people and it's looking close to 70 now (don't ask me how). I can't remember the max amount of people for the beach area.

 I'm also really scared to find out how much add-ons we will be looking at for group this size. And majority will stay at the resort as well. :-) My fiance also wants the reception inside incase it's windy or too chilly, December at night in jamaica is definitely on the cool side!

[alexisinjamaica]

Originally Posted by Mimi127 

 

 

I am so excited for you.  You must keep us posted and let us know how it is working with the WC.  It is so hard to plan certain things when you have to wait for that two month window. 

 

Thanks, I will!!!!

 

Originally Posted by muneera0302 

 

I'm still trying to decide whether to have the ceremony on the beach or at the Casita area? both could be decorated very nice. I planned on 50 people and it's looking close to 70 now (don't ask me how). I can't remember the max amount of people for the beach area.

 I'm also really scared to find out how much add-ons we will be looking at for group this size. And majority will stay at the resort as well. :-) My fiance also wants the reception inside incase it's windy or too chilly, December at night in jamaica is definitely on the cool side!

 

I'm doing the beach area. I don't remember the max number either (I think it's somewhere in the 70s) but we will probably have around 30 so we are good. And yeah, an indoor reception might be good for that time of year. We're in April and hopefully shouldn't have to worry about it since I want to do everything on the beach. I'm scared about the add-ons too, even for 30, because other brides have warned it adds up at Secrets. I'll let you girls know!

[Mimi127]

Originally Posted by muneera0302 

 

I'm still trying to decide whether to have the ceremony on the beach or at the Casita area? both could be decorated very nice. I planned on 50 people and it's looking close to 70 now (don't ask me how). I can't remember the max amount of people for the beach area.

 I'm also really scared to find out how much add-ons we will be looking at for group this size. And majority will stay at the resort as well. :-) My fiance also wants the reception inside incase it's windy or too chilly, December at night in jamaica is definitely on the cool side!

 

I am having the same issue deciding where I want to have the ceremony and reception.  The funny thing is even though we will be in the Caribbean I do not want to be in the sand.  Go figure!!!  My wedding planner has been in touch with the WC on several occasions trying to figure out some alternatives but of course they are not being that helpful as the wedding is not until August.  However my wedding planner has reached out to the Seawind Beach Club which is part of Secrets and inquired about pricing.  At this point I am leaning toward using that location.  This way I am not obligated to use their package and I can tailor things to what I want. I love that its not on the beach nor a conference room.  Oh yeah I think that the beach area can hold up to 70 people and I can imagine what you may be feeling with the extra number of people. 

[kristencanada]

Originally Posted by alexisinjamaica 

 

 

I'm using Saab, and here is their website: http://www.saabweddings.com/ Not sure if you meant them or another photographer in Jamaica. There are a handful out there that other brides have used, try doing a search to see what pops up in the forums for photographers there. I know there are a few threads on the topic!

 

The WB at Secrets isn't usually very fast about replying to me, but I'm not yet in the 2 month window so I get it. Hopefully when I get closer they'll be on top of it! Otherwise we will have issues. Haha.

 

And yes, love Wright Travel!!

I am now in the two month window and I have noticed that there responses are now within a day or two instead of a week! They seem to be on top of things  

[kristencanada]

Originally Posted by Mimi127 

 

 

I am having the same issue deciding where I want to have the ceremony and reception.  The funny thing is even though we will be in the Caribbean I do not want to be in the sand.  Go figure!!!  My wedding planner has been in touch with the WC on several occasions trying to figure out some alternatives but of course they are not being that helpful as the wedding is not until August.  However my wedding planner has reached out to the Seawind Beach Club which is part of Secrets and inquired about pricing.  At this point I am leaning toward using that location.  This way I am not obligated to use their package and I can tailor things to what I want. I love that its not on the beach nor a conference room.  Oh yeah I think that the beach area can hold up to 70 people and I can imagine what you may be feeling with the extra number of people. 

Hi there! I have been to Secrets St James (in March 2012) for a friend's wedding, now my wedding is in less than 2 months at Wild Orchid! I know that each person above 20 people is about $70-80, plus if they are not staying at the resort, another $80 day pass..it adds up very quickly!!!

[muneera0302]

Originally Posted by Mimi127 

 

 

I am having the same issue deciding where I want to have the ceremony and reception.  The funny thing is even though we will be in the Caribbean I do not want to be in the sand.  Go figure!!!  My wedding planner has been in touch with the WC on several occasions trying to figure out some alternatives but of course they are not being that helpful as the wedding is not until August.  However my wedding planner has reached out to the Seawind Beach Club which is part of Secrets and inquired about pricing.  At this point I am leaning toward using that location.  This way I am not obligated to use their package and I can tailor things to what I want. I love that its not on the beach nor a conference room.  Oh yeah I think that the beach area can hold up to 70 people and I can imagine what you may be feeling with the extra number of people. 

I actually found out that Seawind was an alternative. Did you get info for pricing? if so, how is their pricing, expensive, cheaper? I blocked 22 rooms 2 weeks ago and they are all full already (2 per room) and thats not including my fiance family which is from jamaica. so our $ is adding up quick lol especially since the Ultimate package is only for 20 people. We pretty much decided beach for ceremony and ballroom for reception.

[muneera0302]

Originally Posted by kristencanada 

 

I am now in the two month window and I have noticed that there responses are now within a day or two instead of a week! They seem to be on top of things  

Oh wow yours is coming up quick! mine isn't until december! def look forward to seeing pics from your wedding! are you having the ceremony on the beach or gazebo?

[jrebecky]

Originally Posted by kristencanada 

 

I am now in the two month window and I have noticed that there responses are now within a day or two instead of a week! They seem to be on top of things  

 

That's very exciting!!  I am getting married at St. James on Nov. 1, 2013 - so I've got some time.  Please keep us posted on how your communication goes with the WC - I'm very curious.  Reading some posts from past brides has me worried on how they respond.  But so far they seem to be good for you!  Hope it keeps up!  Good luck and have fun!

[Mimi127]

Yes I did get a quote from the Seawind.  They want you to pay a venue fee which is negotiable.  Then you have a choice of menus which vary in price from $40pp-$80pp.  If you would like pm me and I will send you the information that I received.  The way I see it I am still sending about the same amount of money and it gives us more flexibility as to what we will and will not use.  I will also try to post some pics in a few.