You’ve asked such a good question (smart!) that I broke it down into several questions and sent them to the people of some top-selling Caribbean resorts. If the results seem weighted toward Jamaica, that’ssimply because so many North American couples choose that island’s resorts for their nuptials. Here’s what resort wedding planners had to say:
JAMAICA
Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall (Playa Hotels)
How large is your typical wedding party?
30 or 40 people, some of whom stay at sister resort Ziva Rose Hall.
What services does this typical wedding include?
The most popular wedding package would be the Lavish & Opulent, which features the ceremony, a 1-hour cocktail party, and a 3-hour reception, plus customizable inclusions such as a welcome reception, upgraded floral arrangements and decor, entertainment, photography, and a spa day with a bridal suite.
Approximately what is the price for this typical wedding?
About $21,000
What is the minimum number of rooms for a group discount?
Playa doesn’t offer group discounts; instead, it offers complimentary rooms. For most of the year comps start at one for every five rooms booked and maxes out at three comped rooms.
What would this cost the guests for June 2019?
The Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall starts at $445 per night dbl all-inclusive, in a Junior Suite King.
Do you pay commissions to travel agents on wedding arrangements?
Yes, 10 percent on the wedding excluding taxes and service fees.
For more information, visit agents.playaresorts.com/login.
Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall
How large is your typical wedding party?
Around 80 guests.
What services does this typical wedding include?
Hairstyling for the couple, the wedding bouquet and boutonniere, a ceremony (usually an afternoon event) with a minister at a gazebo on the beach, and a cocktail party and a private dinner with a DJ and centerpieces on the tables, often at the Port Maria Beach restaurant. Many couples choose a buffet dinner, but plated dinners are also available. (Some also opt for an evening party on the beach with a bonfire, perhaps the day before the wedding.)
Approximately what is the price for this typical wedding?
$6,629 plus tax, minister’s fee ($150), and certificate shipping ($50), for a total of $6,829.
What is the minimum number of rooms for a group discount?
Usually 10 rooms.
What would this cost the guests for June 2019?
From about $300 all-inclusive at Iberostar Rose Hall Beach, $400 at Suites, and $525 at adults-only Grand.
Do you pay commissions to travel agents on the wedding arrangements?
Yes, approximately 10 percent.
For more information, visit iberostaragentincentive.com.
Melia Braco Village
How large is your typical wedding party?
50 people.
What services does this typical wedding include?
The most popular wedding package, Tropical Allure, includes the ceremony, marriage certificate, use of the Bridal Suite on the day of the wedding, the ceremony location with decor, a musician during ceremony, a two-tier wedding cake and sparkling wine for a celebratory toast, a cocktail hour with hot and cold canapes and a premium bar, the dinner reception, and a room upgrade and spa discounts for the wedding couple.
Approximately what is the price of this typical wedding?
Tropical Allure costs $100 pp for 24 or more guests, so for 50 guests it would be $5,000.
What is the minimum number of rooms for a group discount?
10 rooms.
What would this costs the guests for June 2019?
Rates start at $292 per couple per night, all-inclusive.
Do you pay commissions to travel agents on the wedding arrangements?
Yes
For more information, visit https://www2.melia.com/meliapro/en/agencies.html
SAINT LUCIA
Serenity at Coconut Bay
How large is your typical wedding party?
From 20 to 50 guests. Guests can choose between the very private Serenity enclave and Coconut Bay’s more affordable adults-only or family wings.
What services does this typical wedding include?
The popular Pearl Wedding Package includes wedding planner services, a honeymoon registry, a welcome party or plated rehearsal dinner for up to 30 guests, a $300 spa credit, a decorated wedding location at Eternity Beach, bouquets for the bride and three bridesmaids, a boutonniere for the groom, private transportation to the beach, the ceremony (with clergy or marriage officer), a 1-hour cocktail hour on the beach with hors d’oeuvres and a steelpan band, a 3-course dinner (with centerpieces) on the beach with a DJ, a 3-tiered wedding cake and five bottles of sparkling wine, one private oceanside dinner for the bride and groom at La Luna, a catamaran sunset cruise for 30 guests, an invitation for the newlyweds to attend a couples-only Romance Dinner at Harmony, a tour of the Soufriere sights, two free nights for the couple to use on their first anniversary trip, and other perks.
Approximately what is the price of this typical wedding?
$7,999 for up to 30 guests; $125 pp for each additional guest. Add $275 for marriage documentation and license fees.
What is the minimum number of rooms for a group discount?
Five rooms at Coconut Bay. (There are no group rates for Serenity.)
What would this cost the guests for a June 2019 wedding?
2019 rates are not yet written in stone, so here are 2018 rates: $168 pp per night in the family-friendly Splash wing of Coconut Bay, $189 pp in the adults-only Harmony wing, and from about $800 per night per couple in a 1,250-sq.-ft. Serenity Suite. Rates are all-inclusive.
Do you pay commissions to travel agents on the wedding arrangements?
Yes, 10 percent. FYI, agents earn up to 15 percent when booking Coconut Bay; it’s the same for Serenity when agents book direct with the resort. They should also register
their bookings at cbayresortrewards.com for booking bonuses.
Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort
How large is your typical wedding party?
Typically 80-120 guests.
What services does this typical wedding include?
Wedding planning services, a rehearsal dinner or welcome reception the night before the wedding, the ceremony, a cocktail hour and reception after the ceremony, entertainment, a photographer/videographer, flowers and decor, and a fairewell brunch the day after the wedding.
Approximately what is the price of this typical wedding?
For 100 people, about $18-20,000.
What is the minimum number of rooms for a group discount?
The commission is the same (10 percent) regardless of the number of rooms booked.
What would this cost the guests for June 2019?
Weekday rates would start at $179; weekends, $199.
Do you pay commissions to travel agents on the wedding arrangements?
No, only on the rooms.
For more information, visit tryphotels.com/en/travel-agent-bookings.
