Many times we get asked about the etiquette relating to vendor’s meals: which vendors should be fed, what and when? It’s certainly nice to feed your wedding professionals if they’re going to be working the ceremony plus a 4-6 hour reception; or any other vendor that will be there the entire day, such as the photographer.

Your wedding venue or caterers can provide vendor meals at a discounted price. The meal does not have to be the exact same meal that your guests are eating, but can be done if you wish. Arrange a special area for your vendors to eat or if you are going to be seating them at the reception, remember to include your vendor in your headcount. You also have the option of ordering individually boxed meals that they can eat at a time that’s convenient for them.

When you and all your guests are eating and conversing is a great time for your vendor to have a quick break to eat their meal because there isn’t anything major going on at that point during the wedding reception.

Ahhh, the oh so touchy subject of the family feuds. Your family. His family. Your family and his family in the same place at the time….together??

So many times our brides come to us for personal advice, most frequently about family issues: “Both my parents and my fiancé’s parents are divorced and remarried. None of them get along”,
“My future mother-in-law is driving me crazy and I can’t say anything”, “Do I have to make my step-sister a bridesmaid, can I leave her out?”, “Can I tell them to that I don’t want their screaming 2 month old baby at the wedding?”…. and the list of scenarios can go on.

Think you’re going to get through issues likes these without an argument here and there, well you can hope, right? Actually you can, if you follow these tips:

1. You deal with your family and let your fiancé deal with theirs’.
2. Be patient. Try to understand others’ perspectives.
3. Sometimes you’ve got to just give in. Let the little issues remain just that. Be accommodative and just avoid the argument.
4. Prepare and accept that there will be some disagreements in the planning process.
5. Grooms, get involved with the planning. Act interested in your wedding, it’ll help take the stress off the bride. While you’re at it assure feuding family members that their input is important to you both.
6. Make sure that feuding family are seated apart at the wedding and reception.
7. Always remember this is not the time to get back at family members.

With all this recent rain upon us I thought I’d reiterate a very important factor when planning an outdoor wedding. The rains got me thinking of all those brides who has plans for an outdoor in all this rain!

I’m sure most brides make their final wedding venue decision on a clear sunny day and when everything outside looked perfect and the sky was blue but what does that venue look like when it rains?

Brides, you must ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS have a backup plan for your outdoor wedding. Even though the Caribbean is warm and tropical, you really never know what the weather will bring. Having a backup plan not only helps you relax but will save time in making the necessary changes to your wedding plans when that need arises.

Tips:
• Prepare a budget to rent a tent or have a back-up indoor location reserved
• Find out from the venue managers what the ground saturation is usually like
• Know where to get umbrellas and have a plan for your guests’ arrival and departure
• Discuss the backup plan with your wedding planner, décor team, and food & beverage providers. Its best everyone knows the Plan B way ahead of time
• Prepare for some scheduling delays

What’s your wedding plan B??

Recently, the whole world is caught up in the excitement surrounding The Royal Wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton. I’m quite sure that every bride to be around the world had “Royal Wedding Fever”, wishing their wedding day could be just as spectacular.

Every girl wants to feel like a princess. You may not become a real Royal Princess after marrying your Prince Charming, but you can sure feel like one while having your wedding in Jamaica. So that leads to the all-important question here: What would be the equivalent of having a “Royal Wedding” in Jamaica?

Here are a few simple tips and ideas that will certainly enable to have your very own royal wedding.

If you prefer, go for one of the many old historic churches across the island such as the Falmouth Parish Church, one of the islands’ oldest.

When you mention the word wedding tent, the first thing that may come to mind is your traditional white tents. Not anymore!

Clear tents are an alternative option to staying dry and protecting your guest from unruly weather. However, you won’t have to worry that your skyline is obstructed; this helps to preserve the romantic atmosphere for enjoying your wedding under open skies. Just imagine your dancing to your first dance while gazing at the moon.


Couples are opting for clear tents as an alternative to a traditional tent as it gives them the airy feeling that is loved about outdoors venues. Don’t worry, just like your traditional tents your clear tents can be dressed up or down. It all depends on your wedding décor and theme.


So are you still undecided about your wedding budget? Not sure what to do? A budget is an essential part of your wedding planning. Even a fairy tale wedding must have a budget. Everyone’s wedding and budget and needs are different.

Your wedding budget will give you perspective, a realistic assessment and will be a peace of mind when you know where you stand financially. Be realistic about your budget, don’t fool yourself with a budget that know is not practical based on your needs or number of guests… you’ll end up going over budget.

A wedding planner will work within the parameters of the budget you set, trust them and decide on a realistic figure so your wedding planner can recommend the vendors who will deliver the best work within your budget. You know better than anyone else how much you’re willing to spend on your wedding.


Every now and then when a new trend pops up that is not just a fad but also practical it makes you excited. Let me share what the excitement’s all about: Wedding Dresses with pockets! You heard correct, or should I say read correctly, wedding dresses with pockets! Pockets are an added feature popping up on all lengths of dresses too, from short cocktail-style dresses to long elegant gowns.
Having a pocket on a wedding dress allows the bride to stash away her “must haves” and “just in case I need items” such as a tiny mirror, lipstick, phones for the social media junkie, and of course tissues for an unexpected tearful moment. One of the best things about pockets is it does not compromise the design of the gown. Putting pockets in wedding dresses are trendy and practical.
Check out this video of a dress with pockets below:
Priscilla of Boston | Style Maeve | Vineyard, Ball Gown, Sweetheart, Strapless, Natural Waist, Silk, Taffeta | Priscilla of Boston.

Thinking about customized weddings vs. wedding packages is really like comparing a couture fashion to off-the-rack fashion. They both are great options it just depends on the type of bride you are.

The Wedding Package can be compared to off-the-rack fashion. It’s pre-designed, already done for you with little or no work involved. You just have to find the right fit for you. Wedding packages have all the standard elements you want for your wedding, however it may not be unique to you, there’ll most likely be many other brides who have already had the exact same wedding as you, but hey, it’s easy and all you need to do is show up after choosing the right wedding package “fit” for you.

The Customized Wedding is like couture fashion. It’s unique and is filled with personal touches that reflect the style and personality of the person it was made for. Customized weddings are created just for you, no replication and no duplication. It entails everything you want without the added frills. A customize wedding It’s pretty much perfect…. Customized for you!


The Ian Fleming International Airport, Jamaica’s third international airport is now open. The small airport, formerly called the Boscobel Aerodrome, was created to accommodate private jets and small commercial aircrafts. Located just outside the coastal town of Orcabessa just a few minutes from Ocho Rios.
The recently upgraded airport is capable of handling private jets and other small commercial aircrafts, with a domestic shuttle service between Jamaica’s other airports set to launch at a future date.

We have great news! I’m pleased to announce that our blog was awarded a Jamaica Blog Award. It’s nice to be recognized!
The winners of the first annual Jamaica Blog Awards were announced at the award show held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston and Island Bride Jamaica took the prize in the “Best Company Blog” category!


We are so honored! It keeps us inspired to be a better blog and to keep our reader’s coming back. Congrats to all other winners and THANK YOU to all our loyal readers and supporters!