Secrets St James/Wild Orchid Weddings 2012/2013

[alexisinjamaica]

Originally Posted by kaycag 

 

 

I found one pic online that shows the entire section of the Casita. From what I can tell, the coctail hour is set up right next to the Casita and I think there is sand there. But I questioned it because that pic is from when the resort first opened. I'm doing the 4:00 timeslot so my reception will be at sundown and it will be cool enough for my guest to sit outside. So yes, that's the plan.

 

I love the bamboo arch!! I was nervous that their beach location was in the common area of the beach. Do they have a secluded beach area they use?

 

It looks to be a secluded beach area in the pics, but I don't know for sure. My wedding isn't for another 6 months and I feel like the are starting to get annoyed with my questions since I'm not in the 2 month planning window. Let me know if you're able to find anything out though!

 

One thing I did find out is that they allow the eco friendly wish lanterns. Very excited about that because I already bought a bunch when there was a GroupOn deal several months back and I was hoping they wouldn't go to waste.

 

The wide shot of the Casita looks nice!

[kaycag]

Originally Posted by alexisinjamaica 

 

 

It looks to be a secluded beach area in the pics, but I don't know for sure. My wedding isn't for another 6 months and I feel like the are starting to get annoyed with my questions since I'm not in the 2 month planning window. Let me know if you're able to find anything out though!

 

One thing I did find out is that they allow the eco friendly wish lanterns. Very excited about that because I already bought a bunch when there was a GroupOn deal several months back and I was hoping they wouldn't go to waste.

 

The wide shot of the Casita looks nice!

 

I saw that deal as well!!! LOL. I sent the picture to the wedding coordinator at Delta Vacations (that's who my TA booked our deal through) and I'm waiting for her to respond. But from the looks of the pictures it looks like the ceremony is set up under the Casita of course, then the guest are moved to the left for the cocktail hour (no chairs) and during the cocktail hour they move the ceremony chairs to the reception area. If this is the case then great! I have decor for the cocktail and reception tables.

 

I think I remember them saying the beach area where they set up has multiple locations and you should be able to pick. I was a little annoyed with the two month window because you want to plan and prep your ideas (at least in your mind...LOL) and make last minute changes to decor or anything else. I can't wait to see your pics and hear your experiences.

 

I'll try to post everything I find out from my TA or the Delta Wedding Coordinator.

[kristencanada]

I am getting close! 3 and a half months! I am starting to put things together and am trying to do things myself to save some money! Does anyone know if the 4 hours that you are allowed for your cocktail hour, dinner and reception are enough? I just want to be able to have a first dance and a bit of dancing, then we can head to the disco. Also, does anyone know how much extra it costs to add an hour onto your reception? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

 

Kristen

[alexisinjamaica]

I am getting close! 3 and a half months! I am starting to put things together and am trying to do things myself to save some money! Does anyone know if the 4 hours that you are allowed for your cocktail hour, dinner and reception are enough? I just want to be able to have a first dance and a bit of dancing, then we can head to the disco. Also, does anyone know how much extra it costs to add an hour onto your reception? Any help would be greatly appreciated!! Kristen

No idea! I'm still 5 months out but I'd love to know answers to these questions too if anyone out there knows.

[emilyj]

Hi everyone! I am considering Secrets for my wedding next year. I am wondering if you all know if group reservations can be made at the restaurants. I am not expecting more than 10 guests so I am not sure if it is worth it to book any of the packages with a private reception. THANKS!

[Mimi127]

Here is some info my wedding planner sent me regarding having a group dinner: Hope this email finds you well. The resort currently does not offer any beach or poolside dinners open to the entire resort. Unfortunately, because our Resorts operate independently of each other and controls their own inventory & operations, we are unable to extend the offers from another Resort. We would not be able to block/close any of our restaurants for a group or private functions for the reasons mentioned before. Having a set menu, a private location, and/or a separate location will incur an additional cost. What we can offer are dine-a-rounds for no additional cost. This is where we can accommodate the group for dinner in different restaurants between 6:00pm -7:00pm for no more than 10 persons to a table. For Example: 10 persons in Blue mountain, 10 persons in El Patio and 10 in Portofino at 6:00pm. If this is what they would like let us know. We will be confirming wedding planning closer to the wedding date.

[emilyj]

Here is some info my wedding planner sent me regarding having a group dinner: Hope this email finds you well. The resort currently does not offer any beach or poolside dinners open to the entire resort. Unfortunately, because our Resorts operate independently of each other and controls their own inventory & operations, we are unable to extend the offers from another Resort. We would not be able to block/close any of our restaurants for a group or private functions for the reasons mentioned before. Having a set menu, a private location, and/or a separate location will incur an additional cost. What we can offer are dine-a-rounds for no additional cost. This is where we can accommodate the group for dinner in different restaurants between 6:00pm -7:00pm for no more than 10 persons to a table. For Example: 10 persons in Blue mountain, 10 persons in El Patio and 10 in Portofino at 6:00pm. If this is what they would like let us know. We will be confirming wedding planning closer to the wedding date.

Mimi, Thanks for sharing that information. I thought about purchasing one of the packages but the are so many additional costs that are necessary to pay for outside of the packages (legal fees, DJ, sound system, set up fees, etc.). I thought that the free wedding would be a better option but that wouldn't work if I can't even have dinner with my group.

[Mimi127]

Mimi, Thanks for sharing that information. I thought about purchasing one of the packages but the are so many additional costs that are necessary to pay for outside of the packages (legal fees, DJ, sound system, set up fees, etc.). I thought that the free wedding would be a better option but that wouldn't work if I can't even have dinner with my group.

Emilyj you should be fine if you make dinner reservations for ten people. There appears to be an issue if the group is larger than ten.

[Nicole Perkins]

Who is your photographer and what are the prices like? I'm getting married July 13, 2013 at Secrets St. James and I'm searching for a photographer.
 

[alexisinjamaica]

Originally Posted by Nicole Perkins 

 

Who is your photographer and what are the prices like? I'm getting married July 13, 2013 at Secrets St. James and I'm searching for a photographer.

 

 

I'm using Saab. Loved the work I saw on their website. They are a bit pricier (2 photographers for 5 hours is $2550) but I'm willing to splurge on photos!