Help! Nassau Wedding 2013!!

[BahamaMama2013]

Regarding large group reservations, i hope that 930pm isn't the only option.  I'm hoping that since i'm not using my semi-privatee option to have our wedding reception, that we can then apply it to a welcome/rehearsal dinner on the second night we are there.  Let me know what she gets back to you on with regards to the reservations.

 

Are you still waiting on guests to RSVP?

[JSLM]

Oh yeah still waiting for ALOT of RSVP's. Because our date for travel is so close to long weekend, a lot of people do not know if they will get the time off work. I still haven't heard back from the RIU WC. Its been more then a month. I actually just emailed the hotel in hopes it gets to someone else. Last time I spoke to the WC Debbie it took her almost 2 months to respond and she used the same excuse that she was having computer problems.

 

How are your plans coming along?

[JSLM]

Oh yeah still waiting for ALOT of RSVP's. Because our date for travel is so close to long weekend, a lot of people do not know if they will get the time off work. I still haven't heard back from the RIU WC. Its been more then a month. I actually just emailed the hotel in hopes it gets to someone else. Last time I spoke to the WC Debbie it took her almost 2 months to respond and she used the same excuse that she was having computer problems.

 

How are your plans coming along?

[BahamaMama2013]

Lol (not at you) but that's the response i got when it took her the 3 weeks to respond to me.  I responded immediately with follow up questions, and surprise surprise, still no reply almost a month later! I still haven't even filled out that contract nor paid a deposit. Should i be worried? 

 

Have you tried calling her directly? If it's any consolation, i hear she's pleasant to work with and very helpful once you're actually there with her...

 

As for the rest of my planning, some of the big stuff has been checked off, aside from ceremony and reception location, can check off wedding dress, grooms suit, groomsmen attire. Still looking for bridesmaid dresses, and need to decide on photographer.  are you doing local or flying someone down?  Also, did you decide on a DJ?  

[JSLM]

she FINALLY responded. Pretty much said you can book the stake house but if its a large group you have to do the 9pm seating.

 

She is really nice. I met her in October when I was there (before finalizing a date or place). She does really focus and put you first when you are there, so no worries.

 

We hired a photographer from there. I kind of wish we got one from here now. For the price to have a good photographer from Bahamas for one day, you could hire one here (yeah you may have to pay their way) but they would probably be able available to take pictures throughout your stay, and not just the one day. I don't know what it would cost, like if they need license etc.

 

I'm still looking for groomsmen attire, have the bridesmaids done. We got suckered into getting a DJ, it wasn't our initial plan. Again another price.

 

You definitely don't have anything to worry about. Sounds like you are pretty organized. How many people are you expecting to come?
 

[BahamaMama2013]

RIght now we're at about 50 people booked, including 7 babies/kids. Thinking we'll be up to 60-65. Are you going with Sunwing vacations and flying Sunday to Sunday?

 

That kind of sucks about the 9pm dinner reservations.  I do recall when i stayed there a few years ago, you really had to be up early to get any type of resos at the a la carts. 

 

Who did you book your transportation with?  I have a couple quotes and they seem pricey ... anywhere from $8-12 per person round trip (to/from Cloisters).  And what about your DJ?  how and who did you select? did you shop around and were they all priced similarly?

 

Sorry for all the questions, if you prefer to PM me instead, totally understand!

 

Sounds like you're about set! I'm sure time has flown for you and you'll be there in no time!!

[JSLM]

Hey, sorry for the late response. I haven't been on here for a while. We have about 40 people booked. A lot of our friends and family are booking last minute in hopes of trying to get a cheaper deal (which I'm sure they won't). We are flying with sunwing sunday to sunday. A lot of my family hate this option because of the late flight so we do have a few people who just did their own flight, hotel, and transportation even though its more expensive. At this point I'm like whatever. I tried my best to find the cheapest deal. No matter where you go to get a group booking. If its with sunwing/signature vacations whether u go with a travel agency directly with sunwing or like another place such as expedia, I found that the group quote was all the same and that the quote was from the same sunwing rep. We had a wedding planner, so she set up a bus for guests about $250ish for about 27 people? Kind of works the same so look into that. Its so close to RIU such a waste of money.plus I was told I can't use the bus for 2 trips. So might need 2 buses. So annoying, another money grab. Dj I also got from the planner, we were looking at jose ageeb?? (I probably totally messed up the name. My FI was dealing with him). He quoted us 1200 for 4 hours, our wedding planner also said 1100. This is also such a rip off because we don't know what we'll get. We have sooooo many friends who dj and were thinking of actually paying for them to come for 5 days and get them to dj. We just don't know about the set up like with equipment and stuff. I have main things in place but still sooooo much little things to do. With sooo little time. Starting to feel the pressure. How about you? Hows your planning going? You getting everything together? Have you picked out your dress? Please feel free to ask me anything I really dont mind!!!

[BahamaMama2013]

hey, no worries!  appreciate your responses!

 

They haven't released our flight schedule yet, but after looking at what the flights are like sunday to sunday to riu through sunwing, i'm pretty sure it's the same SUPER late flights you're dealing with.  Such a bummer... i've done over half a dozen all inclusive vacations, and arriving late and leaving late is not ideal.  But what can you do... minor detail that we had no control over.  I'm anticipating the comments from my guests once we communicate the times. (somehow still praying that their November flight schedule changes though!)

 

I ended up booking our welcome dinner on the Monday at one of the buffet restaurants... figured so long as we can get a reasonable time slot, in a secluded area, it's good enough.

 

Managed to negotiate transportation with Majestic tours to $6 per person, $3 for kids... and that's doing 2 trips. Agreed though, such a $ grab!

 

Thanks for the info on the DJs, atleast i can gage the pricing/quotes when i get them... we're still considering our options of either doing a playlist (which alot of people warn not to do)... having a guest do it, or go with someone local. 

 

Dress is already picked up, waiting til a few months before to do alternations... and now considering a fun short one for afterwards! Still trying to find dresses for my BMs. Our main colour is seafoam green and thought we could go the retail store route but not happening... have a couple appointments this weekend at bridal stores.  what are your colors? 

 

I feel you on the many little things to do. about a month ago i thought i still had a ton of time, but i'm now at the 6 month mark and i'm trying not to procrastinate anymore and doing whatever i can when i can. 

 

Are you bringing alot of things down?  decor? oot bags?

[JSLM]

Hey,

 

I love the idea of doing your welcome dinner at the buffet. I'm going to have to talk to the FI about that because having a dinner at 9pm for 40+ people. Will take FOREVER... and its a long time to wait for dinner.

 

Our colours are pretty much yellow and grey. Guys are going to be in grey pants and vests (except my FI will wear a full jacket just for the ceremony) Girls are in yellow. Have to say its not the easiest colour to work with.

 

Have you decided what you're going to do with your hair? i Don't want my hair up but i don't know if it will last down. I'm going to be going to Atlantis for my hair and make-up so hopefully it turns out okay.

 

I am bringing down a lot of things, or at least it feels like there is a lot of things. I'm bringing fans, parasols, these artificial small ivory rose balls that will hang at the end of each aisle. OOT bag stuff. My centerpieces, table # things etc. I will be bringing another suitcase all together plus we know that with our family and friends we can spread some of the items around.

 

How about you???

 

I cannot wait for the day to come. I just want to be finished with all the decisions and my place is becoming so crammed with all the little things I have been buying.

At the Riu did you book a junior suite room? or did you upgrade?

[Tia Maria]

Hi There everyone,

I Have just signed with The One & Only Ocean Club and am getting everything together. I see you have trouble finding a DJ but that was the first thing i booked and already am so happy with my choice as he came extremely recommended by quite a few different vendors in Nassau. His name is Jose and he calls himself Jose The Party Maker.. haha thought that was funny.

but i reached him through email at partybahamas@gmail  and i think his website is a similar name..

I am looking for a florist .. Any ideas on a good florist ? one that wont take advantage of me?

I visit Nassau a few times a year for vacation and feel free to ask me anything.. I am sooo excited