Secrets St James/Wild Orchid Weddings 2012/2013

[jrebecky]

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexisinjamaica 
 

 

 

I can't wait to see both of your planning threads ladies!! Feel like we've been talking so long so it'll be fun to see how everything came together for you. Good luck with the rest of your planning!!

I know it's crazy.  We have been talking for quite awhile now!  I will definitley do a planning thread - just don't know when I'll be able to start it.  My major stresser right now is packing everything we are brining for the wedding!!  My bachelorette party is this Saturday - which is crazy to me.  I'm only 2 1/2 weeks out!  yay!!

[Jennkn87]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krisf1986 

Thats weird. Yes the reception is included in the packages. It should say...but ya my package includes reception with buffet, champagne toast, and cake on the beach or the gazebos or the ballroom for up to 20 people then there is a charge for extra guests. My travel agents name is ketti menne. She works for all about honeymoons and destination weddings and she is AMAZING!!! She got us a great deal and always helps me and gets back to me within a couple hours! I highly recommend her. She also doesnt cost money as resorts and vendors pay her to recommend clients:) let me know if you have any other questions!

Is your reception private? At one of the restaurants, or on the beach? Which package did you choose? How much more per person did yours end up being when you have more than the 20 guests? What is the deposit to book your date? Can you do a room block? Do they charge outside vendor fees? What kind of reception is included? I'm assuming a beach party/DJ costs extra? I'm kind of liking that it's smaller, and ALL adults only. I'm still not positive what I want to do yet. I'm waiting on my TA to get back with me with prices. I had all of the wedding package details but I think I threw them away since I was telling myself I couldn't change all my detials now...even tho I haven't booked a date....I'm guessing I'll end up with more questions...ahhh...REALLY didn't want to change my mind but I'm leaning that way now. 

[Jennkn87]

Also...the Iberostar only having one wedding a day really intrigued me. My FI told me I AM NOT aloud to change my mind now...so if I am going to switch resorts, it's going to have to be a decision I make pretty quickly! Sorry for sooooo many questions!!

[LisaJoy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jennkn87 

Also...the Iberostar only having one wedding a day really intrigued me. My FI told me I AM NOT aloud to change my mind now...so if I am going to switch resorts, it's going to have to be a decision I make pretty quickly! Sorry for sooooo many questions!!

 

Secrets offers up to 3 weddings a day however truly does not affect yours or takes away anything from yours. I promise!!! Most couples do simple weddings in the gazebos which takes 20-45 minutes. You would never know it unless you happened to be on the beach during that particular wedding. If you have a large eloborate wedding and reception, trust me, you will be noticed and the highlight of the day!

[krisf1986]

Yes my reception is private and it set up on the beach with buffet cake and champagne included. I think the cost for extra guests is $80 but if I remember correctly iberostar was only 10 guests included. You can also have your reception held in the ballroom for complete privacy however I want mine on the beach! I chose the ultimate package which is $3000 and the deposit was $500 which obviously deducted from the package price. Also after the ceremony there is a cocktail hour with appetizers and a jamaican band playing included!!! However there is an extra charge for music at the ceremony. I am just using their sound system instead of dj or band. Or you can even bring your own speakers and sound system and save money! I did a group contract with my ta and so my guests paid $100 deposit and that reserves their room! Its also a really nice incentive that you get such a large discount depending on how many rooms you book. You also get other incentives like a welcome party with drinks and appetizers, etc. Just for having a group! Im not trying to tell you what you should do but I wouod definitely go with secrets! I was in the same boat as you. I almost chose iberostar but after researching and emailing back and forth with both resorts, secrets is by far better and cheaper. I think iberostar is an awesome resort for vacation but for a wedding secrets definitely takes it! Let me know if you have any more questions! Im happy to help:)

[Jennkn87]

Quote:

Originally Posted by krisf1986 

Yes my reception is private and it set up on the beach with buffet cake and champagne included. I think the cost for extra guests is $80 but if I remember correctly iberostar was only 10 guests included. You can also have your reception held in the ballroom for complete privacy however I want mine on the beach! I chose the ultimate package which is $3000 and the deposit was $500 which obviously deducted from the package price. Also after the ceremony there is a cocktail hour with appetizers and a jamaican band playing included!!! However there is an extra charge for music at the ceremony. I am just using their sound system instead of dj or band. Or you can even bring your own speakers and sound system and save money!

I did a group contract with my ta and so my guests paid $100 deposit and that reserves their room! Its also a really nice incentive that you get such a large discount depending on how many rooms you book. You also get other incentives like a welcome party with drinks and appetizers, etc. Just for having a group!

Im not trying to tell you what you should do but I wouod definitely go with secrets! I was in the same boat as you. I almost chose iberostar but after researching and emailing back and forth with both resorts, secrets is by far better and cheaper. I think iberostar is an awesome resort for vacation but for a wedding secrets definitely takes it! Let me know if you have any more questions! Im happy to help:)

I think thats the route we are going to go as well. When are you getting married??

[Jennkn87]

Does anyone have the wedding packages and information for Secrets? I threw mine away and deleted the email with them when I thought I had made my mind up on Iberostar. Now it's looking like secrets!! 

[Jennkn87]

Also---

How did everyone make a decision on whether to choose Wild Orchid , or St. James? I've heard good things about both...need advice!! :-) Thanks all!

[TA Babs]

Both resorts are very similar and offer the same amenities.  Wild Orchid rooms have a contemporary decor while St James is more traditional British Colonial.  Wild Orchids is also closer to the restaurants area.  But you really can't go wrong with either!

[krisf1986]

My wedding date is may 1, 2014! And if you go to the secrets website and go to wild orchid and tyen click on weddings on the left. there is a wedding guide you can download and that has ALOT of info! Including extras and pricing and packages, food etc. Let me know if y9u cant find it and ill try to post the link on here!