Weddingbee Blog

Our wedding coordinator in Jamaica, that is… when she gets a peek at all the questions I have for her! Since I am an overly-organized and a type A personality, and the fact that our wedding is taking place in another country, I need to know what’s going on! I like to be prepared with no surprises. When we met in April, I brought my handy dandy list of questions! If I am going to be sending 30 of my closest family and friends, and spending thousands of dollars, I want to know what to expect. Wouldn’t you?

SO without further ado… these were my questions…

• What private indoor and outdoor areas of the resort are available for a wedding? Are indoor spaces air-conditioned? (I LOVE the aqueduct, but want to see all options.)
• How many people can each of them accommodate?
• Can you email me a layout and images of these places?
• Do you have an online photo gallery or can you email me pictures of other destination weddings that have taken place at your property (aqueduct)?
• What do you offer in the way of decorations? Linens, plates, décor, etc.
• We would like an evening ceremony as the sun sets, is this possible?
• We would like our photos taken before the wedding, is this possible?
• Will there be other weddings taking place during the same time as ours?
• What is the cost of a destination wedding at your resort, or is it included in the price of our stay?
• Do you offer a set destination wedding package, or can we choose the elements individually?
• Do you have a price list? Do you expect those prices to change by the date of my wedding?
• We are bringing approximately 30 friends and family members; do you offer a discount on the price of rooms? If so do they book with you or our travel agent? Can the rooms be all together (same hall)?
• Do you require a down payment? How much? When is the balance due?
• What is your cancellation policy?
• Who performs the ceremony at the destination weddings at your resort?
• What if we want a ceremony that does not bring in religion?
• Will someone be available to iron/steam the bridal party outfits?
• What do you do if we schedule an outside ceremony and reception — and it rains?
• What types of flowers are available locally? Is there a florist onsite?
• Is live music available? Can you email me an mp3 file of your house musicians?
• Will music be available for ceremony?
• If we bring a CD of music, how will it be played?
• Can you email me suggested menus for the reception?
• What can you supply in the way of wedding cupcakes instead of a cake?
• We were thinking of creating a candy buffet? Is this possible?
• Do you provide photography/videography services? What is the cost and what do we get for that amount, what about rights for the entire CD?
• What are the requirements to get a marriage license in your destination?
• Do we need proof of any medical tests?
• Is there someone who can handle the details for us and will guide us through the process?
• If we have to travel offsite to get the license, does your resort provide transportation?
• How long will it take to get our pictures back, and can they be quickly posted on an online album?
• What type of Internet access is available at your property?
• Do you have a dedicated honeymoon suite? Can you show me what it looks like?
• Is there a private terrace or outdoor area where we can hold a rehearsal dinner?
• Is there a charge for guests to participate in sports at the resort?
• Can you arrange a special tour or activity for our guests?
• Is a hair trial offered before the wedding, if so is it extra? What about for bridal party? Prices?
• What spa packages do you have for the bridal party and/or bride and groom?
• We would like to make OOT bags, if we ship them pre made can you distribute into our guests rooms before they arrive?
• Do you have a wedding website we can create for our guests to keep them informed?
• Do we have access to the guest list manager?
• We were looking to do a black and ivory wedding. Would you be able to produce black vases and reception décor or can I purchase things and send them to you?
• Am I able to send anything to you regarding the wedding and we can set them up when we get there? For example: reception décor, OOT bags, ceremony items, bridal party items? Sending through baggage can be expensive.
• Would we be able to request a map of the resort and a list of activities for our guests?
• What type of weather can we expect next April? Same as this?
• If we don’t want to go to the restaurants, do you offer room service? Breakfast, lunch and/or dinner?
• Will you be there on the wedding day, troubleshooting and setting things up?
• How do we get from the hotel to the wedding area? Is it walking distance or by bus?
• If we give you a set budget, will you help us stay in it?
• Are the reception tables round or square? How many do they seat? What are their dimensions?  Am I able to purchase linens or do you supply them?

Any destination brides out there and using a resort? What additional questions did you have for your wedding coordinator?