Royalton White Sands

[Bridetobe771]

Hi all, great thread going here. Wish I was more involved in planning but my wedding is at the end of the year so I can't plan yet. My friend said I should consider venue options off the resort or at least get some pricing to compare RWS with. Has anyone tried to look at reception venues outside the RWS? Any idea where I should start? I want to have some pricing so I can assess the difference between what RWS is offering. Some of the things they are charging for are ridiculous! We have a very large group and we think we're already bringing them a lot of business so I think it's strange that they nickel and dime for everything. Thoughts?

http://www.tropicalweddingsjamaica.com/ check out this website. I had a travel agent reccomend them for off resort weddings. Happy planning

[pamelas21]

Morning ladies,

 

I received more info from Laura!

 

Here’s some other questions I’ve asked her:

 

Do we have to pay the $300 private event fee twice for the wedding ceremony and reception? NO – there is no fee for the ceremony setup. Just the reception.

 

Can you tell me if the spa at the royalton does airbrush makeup? They do not.

 

If I wanted to host a dinner at Zen – could they hold us? If not, what the max they'll reserve for? No they can’t. The most we can do is a reservation for 8.

 

For the wedding reception - I will need dinner for one photographer and two videographers…..plus the DJ – do you set up a table for them? Four men total….We can have a vendor table yes. We can offer a vendor meal instead for them.

Vendor meals we can do just an entree for even - $20 USD per person if you would like!

 

On the beach, what would you recommend for lighting? And how much? I would appreciate recommendations and photos if you can. I honestly don’t know what to do regarding lighting! I don’t have any photos right now, BUT I would recommend wrapping the palm trees in twinkle lights at $65 USD per tree and then you can do white lanterns like the following around the area for $30 USD each. I’ve attached the photo ladies – it’s flipping ridiculous! $30 EACH! :S

 

We’ll definitely be going with a DJ. Does your DJ have a website I can check out? And can you confirm the price? The wedding guide has 2 different prices – one under Entertainment and one under Equipment rentals. I’m looking for 6pm to 11pm. The accurate price is $220 USD per hour. I have had this updated in our guide, my apologies for the error. In regards to the DJ, this is the vendor that we use: http://jamaicaweddingdj.com/

 

For cocktail and reception - What is included with set up in terms of table linens and napkins? Is anything included?

Cocktail: small cocktail tables with white linens included. Reception: Rounds seating 8 with white linens + white garden chairs.

 

I also asked her for the Spa Price List – I’ve attached it plus the lantern photo – still can’t believe those are $30 each to rent!

 

Hope this helps some of you!

 

Share any info you can! We all appreciate it! <3

 

Pam

The Royal SPA Menu.pdf

[Bee]

Hi Pam! thanks so much for all your advice.

I cannot believe they didn't compensate you for a date change! That is unacceptable.

I'm glad to hear you got a bit of a deal (still think they're charging way too much, especially considering you're bringing them more than 50 ppl!) on the menu and drinks.

I'm curious about whether I'd have to pay for each individual guest if they don't all drink. I anticipate at least 30-40 guests won't drink (some can't as they're underage and others don't drink). Wonder if I will get a break because of that.

I too, was looking at the lanterns as an option. I may look at trying to buy them online and bring them myself -- do u know if they'll charge a fee for that? It seems they have a fee for everything.

I also didn't see a surf and turf menu in my list -- unless I have older copies of the menu pdfs.

My sister in law told me to stay away from fresh flowers as a centerpiece if I'm trying to save money.

I may also just go with one dance floor as not all 90 guests will be dancing at once (some ppl sit and others are at the bar).

 

Are you doing gift baskets upon arrival for your guests? I saw in the resort's package list that those start at $43 (no idea what they include though) and that's not a price I can afford.

I contacted Helen G events to inquire about her wedding gift baskets and she pointed me to her pinterest page if anyone is interested :

 

www.pinterest.com/jamaicaweddings

 

[pamelas21]

Morning Bee!

 

I’d be curious to know if we have to pay for each adult even though they don’t drink! I have a few non-drinkers in my group as well!

 

I did ask Laura if they charge for setting up décor we bring from home and she said generally they don’t – but if they did, it wouldn’t be more than $250.

 

I would suggest getting quotes for everything! That’s what I’m doing (including flowers) and once I have pricing I’ll decide! Doesn’t hurt to get a quote so that at least you know! I’m getting quotes on roses and hydrangeas – I sent pictures and a detailed list of what I was looking for - should hear back next week!

 

I wish that 90 page document came with pricing! I think it’s silly not to have at least approx. prices on each page – just means EVERY bride is going to inquire!

 

You could also do buffet style – Chris and I are still considering this! The cost for some of the buffet options is much more economical! Chris really wants a served dinner BUT who doesn’t like a buffet? LOL

 

We’re put down for surf and turf but that’s not 100% yet PLUS Laura told me she can’t guarantee the lobster until we’re closer to the date….so much to think about!

 

That’s crazy about the welcome bags! $43!! What does it include??? Geez!! Not sure what I’m doing yet for welcome bags…probably bringing them from home though!

 

Every week I get prices on different things and add them to my excel file…as I get closer I’ll be dropping things for sure! But I can’t make a decision on everything until I have prices on everything! At least that’s how I’m planning this wedding!

 

We have a strict budget and I don’t want to go over it!

 

I just got revised docs from Laura last week – what’s your email address again? I can send them to you!

 

Keep me posted on your plans!

 

Pam <3

[Bridetobe771]

Thank you so much for all the updates pamelas21! Wow your really n the ball! I've sent out my invites, I didn't bother with Save the dates. We have a small invite list and most people were already aware of our plans. I'm now looking forward to taking a little break from the planning for a few weeks

 

The only pressing issues for me are choosing a photographer and going dress shopping I'm having a hard time with the photographer. Almost everyone I've received quotes from are available for my date so I need to make that decision very soon before they book other events. Have you ladies chosen a photographer yet?

And Merrick Clousey sent me his packages. They are going up in 2015 because the prices he gave you are way lower than the price list I received

[CherJK]

@@pamelas21, have you guys considered the Jamaican Experience Package? For 53 guests with 6 hours of open bar, it works out to $85 per person.

 

$1799 base for 20 guests

+ $50*(53-20)

+ $20*53 for an additional 2 hours of open bar (cocktail hour + 3 hours during reception are included)

divided by 53 = $85.08 per person

 

I know it's about the same as your $82 per person rate you already have, but the package comes with other perks (steel drum band, raggae band, rum tasting) so this could potentially help you save on other areas of the budget (like you could potentially shorten the time the DJ has to be there). Although you are sacrificing food quality (it's no surf and turf!), I just thought it might be an option for you guys to consider if you haven't already.

 

Regarding welcome bags, there are some great posts on this site about them. People have all types of great suggestions on things to put in them, from medicine/first aid kits to sodoku/crossword books to decks of cards. Most things can be purchased online in bulk for pretty cheap or at stores like Target, the Dollar Store, and Michaels.

 

@@Bridetobe771, have you looked into the WPAJ (Wedding Photographers Association of Jamaica)? The photographers are more up-and-coming so it is a little riskier, but based on the portfolios, some of them do really nice work! Because there are more options to choose from, it's more likely someone will be available on your day (however, just ensure that someone has a style that you like). Additionally, they're less expensive. The rate is below:

• 3 hours for $1175
• 5 hours for $1675
• 8 hours with 2 photographers + 2 hours for honeymoon, rehearsal, or TTD for $2175

Also, in regards to Merrick Clousey, if you are seriously considering him, you should ask for the lower rate. Say you were referred by a friend, that you would really like to choose him, but you had only budgeted the other rate. Worst case, he'll say no (which is what happened when we tried to negotiate with our photographer), but at least you know you'll be getting the best price you could have gotten!

Edited May 16, 2014 by CherJK

[Dimps]

Pamelas21, when is your wedding again? You are killing it. I'm impressed. You'll be lounging in the spa the week of at this rate.

Has anyone seen table cloth options? I did not see them in the 90 page doc. I really wish price ranges were listed in the document.

Awesome! Sounds like we chose the right venue ladies.

I saw a few wedding pics on the RWS Facebook page. Looks good, but can't wait to see more.

$30 each! Good gosh. What about the paper lanterns pamalas21

We are thinking about the poolside reception as that would eliminate the cost of the dance floor. It is also quite beautiful.

[pamelas21]

Thank you so much for all the updates pamelas21! Wow your really n the ball! I've sent out my invites, I didn't bother with Save the dates. We have a small invite list and most people were already aware of our plans. I'm now looking forward to taking a little break from the planning for a few weeks

 

The only pressing issues for me are choosing a photographer and going dress shopping I'm having a hard time with the photographer. Almost everyone I've received quotes from are available for my date so I need to make that decision very soon before they book other events. Have you ladies chosen a photographer yet?

And Merrick Clousey sent me his packages. They are going up in 2015 because the prices he gave you are way lower than the price list I received

 

No worries! I'll be posting anything and everything I think you ladies might find useful over the next few months!

 

Congrats on sending out your invites! That's awesome! I'm sure your guests are super excited to book the vacation!

 

I'm having a hard time with picking a photographer as well....I keep saying 'ok, this one' but then 10 minutes later I'm like 'wait, am I sure?' LOL It honestly is one of the biggest decisions! Are you leaning towards Merrick? Sorry about his prices

 

When are you going dress shopping? YAY have fun! <3 I just went on May 3rd and purchased the first dress I tried on <3

@@pamelas21, have you guys considered the Jamaican Experience Package? For 53 guests with 6 hours of open bar, it works out to $85 per person.

 

$1799 base for 20 guests

+ $50*(53-20)

+ $20*53 for an additional 2 hours of open bar (cocktail hour + 3 hours during reception are included)

divided by 53 = $85.08 per person

 

I know it's about the same as your $82 per person rate you already have, but the package comes with other perks (steel drum band, raggae band, rum tasting) so this could potentially help you save on other areas of the budget (like you could potentially shorten the time the DJ has to be there). Although you are sacrificing food quality (it's no surf and turf!), I just thought it might be an option for you guys to consider if you haven't already.

 

Regarding welcome bags, there are some great posts on this site about them. People have all types of great suggestions on things to put in them, from medicine/first aid kits to sodoku/crossword books to decks of cards. Most things can be purchased online in bulk for pretty cheap or at stores like Target, the Dollar Store, and Michaels.

 

@@Bridetobe771, have you looked into the WPAJ (Wedding Photographers Association of Jamaica)? The photographers are more up-and-coming so it is a little riskier, but based on the portfolios, some of them do really nice work! Because there are more options to choose from, it's more likely someone will be available on your day (however, just ensure that someone has a style that you like). Additionally, they're less expensive. The rate is below:

• 3 hours for $1175
• 5 hours for $1675
• 8 hours with 2 photographers + 2 hours for honeymoon, rehearsal, or TTD for $2175

Also, in regards to Merrick Clousey, if you are seriously considering him, you should ask for the lower rate. Say you were referred by a friend, that you would really like to choose him, but you had only budgeted the other rate. Worst case, he'll say no (which is what happened when we tried to negotiate with our photographer), but at least you know you'll be getting the best price you could have gotten!

 

Hey CherJK! Do you know if we can add it to the Free Package? It says location to be determined in location - does that mean they can't guarantee the location we want? Like the beach or the pool? Do you know what the traditional Jamaican dinner includes?

 

Sorry for all the questions!

 

Thanks for the photographer suggestion - do you know what photographer you're going with?

[SoEze]

Good morning Brides!!!

 

My wedding is next June so I'm going to my first bridal gown shop in June 21st. Yay!!! I have a dress or two in mind but we'll see what the outcome is once I get there:-).

 

Just out of curiosity, what are the expected cost for you guest to attend and how long are you asking them to stay? I'm trying to keep their cost for hotel and flight around $1200 for 5 days/4nights from JFK. Of course no one has to stay for 5 days though

 

Pam, do you mind emailing me that packet that you have? Soewedding@@gmail.com

 

Thanks!

[pamelas21]

Pamelas21, when is your wedding again? You are killing it. I'm impressed. You'll be lounging in the spa the week of at this rate.

Has anyone seen table cloth options? I did not see them in the 90 page doc. I really wish price ranges were listed in the document.

Awesome! Sounds like we chose the right venue ladies.

I saw a few wedding pics on the RWS Facebook page. Looks good, but can't wait to see more.

$30 each! Good gosh. What about the paper lanterns pamalas21

We are thinking about the poolside reception as that would eliminate the cost of the dance floor. It is also quite beautiful.

 

Aww thanks Dimps!

 

Honestly, I was totally relaxed until the issue with my date changing...Now I'm like ok lets get this stuff finalized ASAP lol

 

I'm getting married in November 2014 hope you're right and i am lounging when I get there!

 

That 90 page doc is frustrating! I mean it should really have at least approx pricing! I sent her 4 tablecloth options I'm interested in and she said she would find out if Tai Flora has them and how much they would be! Not sure about the paper lanterns....

Good morning Brides!!!

 

My wedding is next June so I'm going to my first bridal gown shop in June 21st. Yay!!! I have a dress or two in mind but we'll see what the outcome is once I get there:-).

 

Just out of curiosity, what are the expected cost for you guest to attend and how long are you asking them to stay? I'm trying to keep their cost for hotel and flight around $1200 for 5 days/4nights from JFK. Of course no one has to stay for 5 days though

 

Pam, do you mind emailing me that packet that you have? Soewedding@@gmail.com

 

Thanks!

 

Hey SoEze!

 

Yay! Dress shopping rocks! Enjoy every moment!

 

I'm out of Toronto and so are all of my guests...I got them $1,478 total for 7 nights. Sunwing was having a deal off the tax - normally Jamaica tax is $425 but I got it for $230 which is huge! Makes the different from $1,500 or $1,800 you know?

 

Just emailed it to you!

 

Pam