First day on the site

[Jennkn87]

I'm not SET on blocking rooms, but I would like to have all of my guests staying at the resort close to each other, it sounds like The Grand is really large, and I really don't want to have to search for everyone and have everyone at separate ends of the resort, I'm hoping that I can figure out a way to do this without my guests having a deposit they have to make RIGHT AWAY! I am afraid that will push people away from coming. But if it get your better rates? It's a tossup. 

[jandl2013]

Hi ladies!  Congrats on the planning.  This site can be overwhelming with SO MUCH wonderful information, but I would suggest using several sites to get a rounded set of ideas to help get your focus on exactly what you want.  I used The Knot (Weddingwire.com and Weddingbee.com just to name a few) to get a few ideas and also they (The Knot) have an online timeline directly on the site that you can use that might be helpful in creating a binder manually.  My other suggestion would definitely be to get a TA.  I also used Wright Travel Agency, and we even used them for our site visit last month.  Everything was great so I'm confident that once everyone is booked for our wedding, everything will turn out well.  One of my coworkers also used them a year and a half ago and she and her family had great reviews.

 

One other thing i'm going to suggest is that this site has a bunch of us brides that feed off of each other (in case you haven't noticed yet).  What this means is the flow of ideas make it very easy to end up WAY over budget.  Stick to your budget and your plans.  Nothing wrong with getting great ideas, but you can't use them all...LOL!

 

Just my two cents I thought I'd throw in there because that's been my experience so far.  I LOVE this site so it's easy to get caught up with the DIY projects, dresses, weight loss, long long lists of ideas, trinkets, and favors and then you are way over your budget and your fiancé has a heart attack.  Also, use this site to help keep you grounded with other brides since you might find that some of your family and friends might A) not like your plans initially so they give you hell or don't seem interested in your plans.  Other brides are in your shoes so it's much easier to vent, chat, etc. on this site to keep the people around you sane regarding your wedding and early planning pains which may include many changes....including the fiancé!

 

Good luck ladies, and happy planning!

[Jennkn87]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jandl2013 
 

Hi ladies!  Congrats on the planning.  This site can be overwhelming with SO MUCH wonderful information, but I would suggest using several sites to get a rounded set of ideas to help get your focus on exactly what you want.  I used The Knot (Weddingwire.com and Weddingbee.com just to name a few) to get a few ideas and also they (The Knot) have an online timeline directly on the site that you can use that might be helpful in creating a binder manually.  My other suggestion would definitely be to get a TA.  I also used Wright Travel Agency, and we even used them for our site visit last month.  Everything was great so I'm confident that once everyone is booked for our wedding, everything will turn out well.  One of my coworkers also used them a year and a half ago and she and her family had great reviews.

 

One other thing i'm going to suggest is that this site has a bunch of us brides that feed off of each other (in case you haven't noticed yet).  What this means is the flow of ideas make it very easy to end up WAY over budget.  Stick to your budget and your plans.  Nothing wrong with getting great ideas, but you can't use them all...LOL!

 

Just my two cents I thought I'd throw in there because that's been my experience so far.  I LOVE this site so it's easy to get caught up with the DIY projects, dresses, weight loss, long long lists of ideas, trinkets, and favors and then you are way over your budget and your fiancé has a heart attack.  Also, use this site to help keep you grounded with other brides since you might find that some of your family and friends might A) not like your plans initially so they give you hell or don't seem interested in your plans.  Other brides are in your shoes so it's much easier to vent, chat, etc. on this site to keep the people around you sane regarding your wedding and early planning pains which may include many changes....including the fiancé!

 

Good luck ladies, and happy planning!

 

Thanks so much for your positive thoughts! You are SOOOO right about reading and loving too many ideas you see on here! I'm already worried about budget and I don't even have my date set in stone yet!! I'm glad to hear you used Wright Travel...which agent did you book through? The one I have been talking to seems to be very good, answers my emails in a timely manner...even late at night!...and is seemingly very knowledgeable about the area I chose. Hopefully this continues! I have registered with The Knot, and Weddingwire...but I always find myself coming back to this site the most!! Thanks again for the gracious words of encouragement! 

[jandl2013]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jennkn87 
 

 

Thanks so much for your positive thoughts! You are SOOOO right about reading and loving too many ideas you see on here! I'm already worried about budget and I don't even have my date set in stone yet!! I'm glad to hear you used Wright Travel...which agent did you book through? The one I have been talking to seems to be very good, answers my emails in a timely manner...even late at night!...and is seemingly very knowledgeable about the area I chose. Hopefully this continues! I have registered with The Knot, and Weddingwire...but I always find myself coming back to this site the most!! Thanks again for the gracious words of encouragement!

 

Your most welcome Jennkn87!  I'm happy to help as this site and other brides have helped me too!  I've spent a lot of time on here just lurking and occasionally writing, but i'm trying to actually participate more.  I booked through Virgilia, and she's great!  I think my coworker went through Patty?

 

I agree with you about this site most definitely.  It has helped me the most, but I have used all of them to gain better insight into exactly what I wanted because I had no idea about my vision, my colors, my location...nothing!  If you don't really have an idea of what you want then you will definitely get overwhelmed on here with the many many fabulous ideas!!  LOL

 

It was difficult, and also we changed our date/location because of home renovations that were done earlier this year.  My wedding was pretty much completely planned for St. Lucia 9/27/13 and when we changed the date to May we realized that St. Lucia wasn't going to work for us.  The airfare and travel arrangements were quite difficult for my family and friends considering everyone was coming from different countries.  It was EXPENSIVE, and my family is way larger than my fh family.  For those reasons, we had to start from scratch and we decided on Punta Cana because it was a bit more affordable for the crowd, and had more flights for the various people. It has finally all worked out, but it surely has been one serious roller coaster!

 

So any advice I can give to any newer members...i'm happy to do so!  The other advice I can give is try not to stress because planning a DW can be a bit more stressful than a stateside wedding at times.  Relax, and be comfortable with your TA and know that everything will be OK.  They are just not on US time so most places tend to move at a slower pace which can be frustrating...

[Jennkn87]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jandl2013 
 

 

Your most welcome Jennkn87!  I'm happy to help as this site and other brides have helped me too!  I've spent a lot of time on here just lurking and occasionally writing, but i'm trying to actually participate more.  I booked through Virgilia, and she's great!  I think my coworker went through Patty?

 

I agree with you about this site most definitely.  It has helped me the most, but I have used all of them to gain better insight into exactly what I wanted because I had no idea about my vision, my colors, my location...nothing!  If you don't really have an idea of what you want then you will definitely get overwhelmed on here with the many many fabulous ideas!!  LOL

 

It was difficult, and also we changed our date/location because of home renovations that were done earlier this year.  My wedding was pretty much completely planned for St. Lucia 9/27/13 and when we changed the date to May we realized that St. Lucia wasn't going to work for us.  The airfare and travel arrangements were quite difficult for my family and friends considering everyone was coming from different countries.  It was EXPENSIVE, and my family is way larger than my fh family.  For those reasons, we had to start from scratch and we decided on Punta Cana because it was a bit more affordable for the crowd, and had more flights for the various people. It has finally all worked out, but it surely has been one serious roller coaster!

 

So any advice I can give to any newer members...i'm happy to do so!  The other advice I can give is try not to stress because planning a DW can be a bit more stressful than a stateside wedding at times.  Relax, and be comfortable with your TA and know that everything will be OK.  They are just not on US time so most places tend to move at a slower pace which can be frustrating...

I'm SOO glad you said Virgilia!!! Thats who I have been in contact with! She seemed soo genuine the one time I have talked to her and the few times we've emailed! I just was worried because I read allll kinds of good reviews on a few of the others on here but nothing on V! That takes a huge load off my shoulders! I was hoping not to have to research any others! Did you feel she got you the best deal? I'm really hoping she gets back with me with GOOD NEWS on the pricing? Did you have any other travel agents give you price quotes to see if they were any different? I'm really afraid I will run into having to change destinations or even just resorts due to money...did this cause a big fuss anywhere for you? I can't imagine having to start from scratch with all of it!! 

[RandL2015]

I'm using Babs from Wright Travel Agency and she has been very informative and quick to respond back. Sometimes I wonder when does she sleep. Lol!! I'm a night owl, and I would send her an email, she would respond right back. Other brides have used her, and LOVE her. I am beginning to see why.

[Jennkn87]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandL2015 

I'm using Babs from Wright Travel Agency and she has been very informative and quick to respond back. Sometimes I wonder when does she sleep. Lol!! I'm a night owl, and I would send her an email, she would respond right back. Other brides have used her, and LOVE her. I am beginning to see why.

 

I read A LOT of good reviews on her as well! Apparently Virgilia is their Jamaican specialist. She is the one who contacted me both times I sent my information into them. So far she's been great! I'm still in the early stages of planning though! Hopefully everything works out!

[jandl2013]

I didn't feel the need to check with multiple travel agents. I just did my own research online to see if the rates were better or not. That will also help you make sure that your destination is affordable and easily reached by your guests.The rates she gave me are pretty good so I'm happy. I've heard Babs name mentioned too. I don't think you can go wrong with any of them!

[RandL2015]

I read A LOT of good reviews on her as well! Apparently Virgilia is their Jamaican specialist. She is the one who contacted me both times I sent my information into them. So far she's been great! I'm still in the early stages of planning though! Hopefully everything works out!

It will. At the end of the day, you are getting married to your best friend on a BEAUTIFUL exotic island. It doesn't get any better than that. Everything else is just the frosting on the wedding cake. Lol!!

[jandl2013]

I have definitely spoken to Virgilia a number of times, and we always end up talking for a long time. I really like her!