Posted by Sudbury Northern Life Reporter Liz Fleming
When brides say "I do" in island paradises like Jamaica, it's
not only their mothers who heave a huge sigh of satisfaction
and relief. Sometimes the people who've put the most work into
the wedding are the hotel planners.
According to the wedding experts at Breezes, Montego Bay,
Jamaica, during the busy time period between April and June,
there can be as many as 30-70 weddings on property each month.
At their busiest, the unflappable team of ladies can find
themselves organizing seven ceremonies a day.
Anyone who has ever been involved in the planning and execution
of even a single wedding can appreciate the nightmarish
responsibility of organizing multiple clergy, photographers,
videographers, floral pieces, bridal attendants and guests, all
on the same property.
Although there are several locations available, including a
small open-air chapel and a gazebo, most couples want to be
married near the ocean.
"We've even done a few underwater weddings," laughs one
planner, explaining that a local minister, Marvin Tracey, is
SCUBA certified. She notes that, although no additional cost is
involved, those wanting an undersea service need to book well
in advance to ensure that Mr. Tracey's tanks are topped up and
ready to go.
Being married on the beach can pose challenges - beginning with
the unfortunate tendency of bridal high heels to sink into sand
like golf tees. Flat sandals, ballet slippers or bare feet are
better choices. And it's important to keep a firm grip on the
ring.
"We had one groom drop his bride's ring in the sand. He didn't
realize it was gone until it was time to slip it on her finger.
All the guests got down on their hands and knees to look for
it, but it was gone for good. The bride forgave him and said
'No problem. When we get home, you can get me a bigger one,'"
recall the planners.
One of the most appealing aspects of a destination wedding is
the one-stop-shopping nature of the packages.
"All you need to do," explains the planners, "is bring the
rings and the clothes you're going to be married in. As long as
you book with us for at least three nights, we'll take care of
everything else - flowers, music, food, the minister -
everything. All the wedding couple needs to think about is
having fun."
The wedding planners are available to help with almost anything
- including the bachelor and bachelorette parties.
"One bride wanted exotic dancers for her groom's bachelor
party," the planner explains, laughing.
Instead, after a quick consultation, arrangements were made for
the entire wedding party to celebrate together at the nearby
Hedonism Montego Bay, a SuperClubs sister property.
Anything to make the bridal couple happy.
Often, couples opt to keep the guest list small for the wedding
itself and host their friends and relatives at a party when
they return home. Some couples, in fact, come alone.
That's when the wedding planners really get involved.
"We often serve as the witnesses at the weddings. In fact, I've
done it so many times, I've lost count - but I never stop being
teary," one planner laughs. "When I do, I'll know it's time to
quit."
The Beaches Montego Bay team is quick to point out that couples
who stay for the requisite three night have to pay a Jamaican
government fee of $200 US, but for those who stay longer, the
fee is waived. As well, it's important to note that couples
must send their travel itinerary by fax at least ten days prior
to their wedding. Complete details are available at
www.superclubs.com
.
