jamaica wedding guide vol: iii, issue 2

1 www.jamaicaweddingguide.com I Wedding Guide

Let’s discuss the options, services and rates with you or your Event Planner!

The Marketing and Events Department Nature Preservation Foundation, Hope Gardens, Kingston 6.

Phone: 876- 970-3505; 876-927-1257; 876-788-0042; Fax: 876-970-3504

Email: [email protected] [email protected] Facebook: Hope Gardens & Zoo, Kingston Jamaica

LOOKING FOR AN IDEAL OUTDOOR LOCATION…

… FOR YOUR SPECIAL EVENT?

For Weddings, Parties for all ages and occasions, Fun days, Video shoot etc. Think natural setting… think Garden… think…

The Beauty of nature in the city


JWRG i 3

• OpenyouraccountatanyVMBS locationislandwidewitha minimumofJ$1,000

• FlexibilitytodepositinJ$,UK£, US$,CDN$

• ElegantBridal Registry Cards foryourweddinginvitations

• Guestscandepositfundsto yourBridal Registry Account atANYVMBSlocationandreceive aVMBSGiftCertificatetopresent atyourwedding

BBridal RegistryAccount

Tel: (876)754-VMBS(8627)

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.vmbs.com

We are very proud to bring you the 6th issue of the Jamaica Wedding Resources Guide and no engaged couple should be without it.

We have sections breaking down the differences in choices avail-able, and have showcased several vendors for your perusal. We have provided you with some abso-lutely stunning photography of the trending bridal attire. So jump in, get your pen and pad ready and start your planning utilizing our Wedding Checklist and Budget on page 20!

Take a look through our website for ideas but be sure to pick up your copy of The Jamaica Wedding Resources Guide at any of the ad-vertisers locations. Be sure to get your copy today!

Happy Planning!

Address:Jamaica Wedding Resources Guide

c/o Ultimate EventsSuite 46 Princeville Commercial Centre

95-97 Constant Spring RoadKingston 10, Jamaica W.I,

Phone: (876) 969-0218 (876) 568-6754

The Jamaica Wedding Resources Guide is published every 9 months by Ultimate Events.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The information contained in this publication is believed to be accurate. However, Jamaica Wedding Resources Guide cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided

by the advertisers in this publication.

©Copyright 2012 by Ultimate Events. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Publisher: Ultimate EventsEditor-in-Chief: Carla Stewart

Design Graphics: [email protected]: [email protected]

Website:www.jamaicaweddingguide.com

Carla StewartPublisher/Editor-in-Chief

ON THE COVERBride: Mrs. Stephanie Nelson - Campbell

Welcome MessageContentsWelcome Message

Beauty, Hair & Make-up

Bridal Attire

2012-13 Wedding Cake Trends

Wedding Planning Steps

Perfect Wedding Ceremony

& Reception Venue

Wedding Checklist & Budget

Flowers & Decor

Wedding Favors (Souvenirs)

Transportation & Music

Photography & Videography

Officiant (minister) & Counselling

Legal Requirements

Smart Planning Tips

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25-27

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4 Wedding Guide I www.jamaicaweddingguide.com

*Makeup/Hair Stylist *Dining/Social/Business Etiquette & Deportment Trainer

*Image Consultant

WOWfactor cathy stephenson Website: wowfactorja.com

Tel: 876-861-1967 (digicel) 876-312-1510(lime) Email: [email protected]

before after before after

Beau

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pYou Are The Star Of The Show ...walk, breathe and live the part with a fabulous hairstyle and flawless makeup.

Please make every effort to do consultations prior to your wedding day. Time goes by quickly, especially on wedding days, so prior consultations will ensure that your hair and makeup consultants attend to you quickly. Plus, you don’t want to be rude to your guests by arriving outside of the fashionably - late time slot.

TO VEIL OR NOT TO VEIL?—this depends on the type of wedding you are having, your personality, style of your gown and hairstyle.

Birdcage veils and fascinators are trending but if it does not suit you as per the criteria above, a traditional veil is still fashionable. You do not want to be uncomfortable on your special day, so follow your heart and wear what you desire and will make you feel confident !


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1. Forgetting to waterproof your eye makeup Choose waterproof finishes on any makeup worn on or around your eyes -particularly liners and mascaras.

2. Overdoing the dew, too much shine on key areas Keep the highlighting products on the high planes of your face only - think cheekbones and brow bones. Also, choose products that have shimmer, not sparkle or glitter. And don’t forget to powder your forehead, nose, and chin regularly.

3. Getting a facial a day or two be-fore your wedding Getting a facial too close to your wed-ding day can be a disaster of epic proportions. Start seeing a derma-tologist 8 to 12 weeks before your nuptials, if you have any serious skin conditions or aggressive flareups. If you are suffering from just a blem-ish or two, skip the facial pampering all together. Trust yourself to your makeup artist to cover any small spots on your wedding day.

Airbrush and Traditional Applications for your Wedding & Special occasions

Remember, we live in a world where there is now re-touching of photos. A spot or blem-ish that is particularly troublesome, will be a breeze to get rid of in your photos!!

4. Makeup that datesOn your wedding day, remember that your make-up, hairstyle and choice of dress will date you. The only thing that hasn’t dated on Princess Diana is the make-up, which was done 30 years ago. The dewy complexion and neutral shades on the eyes and lips could still work for a bride this summer. It’s not a day to venture into dramatic eye make-up!


Biggest Bridal Makeup Mistakes

Qritique It ArtistryAirbrush and Traditional Applications for

your Wedding & Special Occasions 841-0940


Brid

al A

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The style of your dress is the single most impor-tant factor in creating your overall look on your wedding day. The dress you choose speaks vol-umes about your tastes, likes, dislikes, and aspi-rations. The silhouette of your wedding dress is the first image that your groom will see when you begin your walk down the aisle.

What will your dream wedding dress say about you?

1. You need to have a clear idea of what type of styles will suit your body type. This will let you have a better idea of what style gown you should be shopping for and saving yourself and the bridal assistant a lot of headaches.

2. Set a Budget on how much you want to spend on either purchasing or renting a gown. Typi-cally, a wedding ensemble, includes veil, under-garments, shoes, accessories, alterations, pro-fessional pressing or steaming and shipping fees (if applicable).

3. Focus on Fit, Not Size. Bridal wear often runs smaller than regular wear; if you normally buy an 8, you may need a 12 depending on the de-signer. Can you lift your arms easily? Do the straps stay up? Do any seams pucker? Select the gown that fits now. A gown is easy to take in, but difficult or impossible and costly to let out.

4. Keep an Open Mind. The bridal assistant may urge you to try on a gown that may not seem to be your style. Some dresses don’t look like much on the hanger but look great when tried on. How-ever, never let yourself be talked into purchasing or renting a gown you’re not in love with.

5. You will need the advice of a few trusted con-fidantes, but not too many: An opinionated en-tourage can be confusing and frustrating. Invite one or two people who know your taste, will be honest with you, and whose judgment you trust!

What is Your Style?


Island Love


2012 / 2013 Wedding Cake TrendsLACE - Mimicking the bride’s gown lace by using an applique of the lace (to save money) – or using a lace pattern on the fondant.

BLACK ACCENTS - from satin rib-bons to colored fondants and other ac-cessories in black, they are all finding their “cake-way” for the most discerning brides.

TALLER CAKES - height is back wheth-er it is in a stacked design or a floating, the more common use of taller than av-erage tiers with individual cake heights of 6″ to 8”.

COLOUR ON CAKES - is super popular and is here to stay.

CLASSICAL WHITE CAKE - A beautiful white or ivory cake is still the choice for more formal weddings and the wedding color is brought in with the linens or pale

colors in the flowers. Less is more for a beautiful, ethereal wedding cake.

BLING & SHIMMER - from the ribbons to the flowers and etchings, crystals, rhinestones and decorated foil are being represented.

SUGAR FLOWERS - these are getting more and more popular, but for those on a budget, you can always opt for fresh but remember to have the stems wrapped and the flowers washed as fresh flowers have pesticides.

PAINTED CAKES - the inspiration can be anything; a bride’s or a groom’s tat-too, lovely tropical flowers, a monogram which is a part of the invitation or created for the couple. Just remember when you paint on a cake your canvas is fondant, so be prepared for a higher budget for your cake.

The one trend that never goes out of style is simply choosing a cake that tastes great and makes YOU happy and your guests talking about how good the cake was.

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Phone: 876- 970-3505; 876-927-1257; 876-788-0042; Fax: 876-970-3504









Phone: 876- 970-3505; 876-927-1257; 876-788-0042; Fax: 876-970-3504






Hope Gardens – the perfect location for making your special event an unforgettable, magical

experience.

The Marketing and Events Department Nature Preservation Foundation,

Hope Gardens, Kingston 6.Phone: 876- 970-3505; 876-927-1257

876-788-0042; Fax: 876-970-3504

Email: [email protected]@gmail.com

Facebook: Hope Gardens & Zoo, Kingston Jamaica


ONCE THE ENGAGEMENT iS OFFiCiAl:Set at least 3 tentative dates and time Book a professional wedding plannerDraw up a guest list Reserve venue for the ceremony/recep-tion and/ or a tentConsult your priest / minister Set budget for reception, clothes, hon-eymoon, flowers, music, photographer, limousine, wedding cake, etc.

4-6 MONTHS PriOr:Reserve caterer, photographer, videog-rapher, discotheque or a bandChoose wedding partyShop for bridal gown and headpiece Groom to make rental arrangements for himself and groomsmen Finalize invitation list Consult with hairdresser, makeup artist and manicurist, and make wedding day appointments Order invitations, favors, engraved cake knife set, personalized champagne glasses and other accessories Consult a travel agent and make honey-moon reservations Reserve MC for reception

3 MONTHS PriOr:Obtain marriage license Plan ceremony and select music Mail out/distribute invitations Register at bridal registry Shop for wedding ringsOrder wedding cake & make depositDecide on menu and beverages Consult florist for floral arrangements Book limousine and other transportationBest man to begin organizing bachelor party Maid of honor to begin organizing bridal shower

1 TO 2 MONTHS PriOr:If honeymooning overseas, verify that passports are still validFinalize arrangements with priest / min-ister and musicians

Finalize arrangements with photographer, disc-jockey, videographer, and MC Finalize arrangements with floristFinalize limousine arrangements and other transportationSubmit leave forms to your employer

1-2 WEEKS PriOr:Begin packing for your honeymoonConfirm final number of guests to reception venue and catererFinalize wedding cake arrangements Final fitting for bride’s dress, bridesmaids’ dresses, groom’s and groomsmen’s suitsPrepare envelopes with all final payments

1-2 DAYS PriOr:Pickup Wedding dresses and suitsMake final payments or hand over final payments to wedding planner or best man Get a massageDo your nails

NiGHT BEFOrE:Finish packingAttend ceremony rehearsalProceed to place where you will be spend-ing the nightTake a warm bathGo to bed early.

WEDDiNG DAY:Hairdresser and makeup artistPicture taking prior to ceremony accord-ing to the arrangements made with your photographer. The bride should transfer her en-gagement ring to her right hand

Relax and enjoy your big day!

Wedding Planning StepsBelow is a basic list of wedding planning steps that will help you organize the perfect wedding (or close to it).

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lOCATiON, lOCATiON, lOCATiON… lOCATiON is of utmost importance for your wedding day. Choose venues which reflect your tastes as a couple and where your friends and relatives can relax and enjoy your wedding.

SiZE It is important to decide how many peo-ple will attend. Are you having a large wedding with your friends and extended family or a small intimate wedding? Is the venue convenient to get to? Will you have to cover travel expenses?

STYlE How do you want your wedding to be? The style is important...Will you want to be outside or inside? Will you have the ceremony and reception in the same place? Whether you want a traditional church wedding and formal reception or

a relaxed ceremony outdoors, followed by a huge party, then it is best to visit various locations to see which meet your desires.

BuDGET How much of your wedding budget would you like to spend on the venues?

FACiliTiESHow well equipped are the potential loca-tions for you and your guests. Will there be enough parking? If you want to make a grand entrance will it be convenient? How much decorating will you have to do?

The best way to decide on the perfect location is to do a site visit and famil-iarize yourself with the facilities and what they have to offer.

The Perfect Wedding Venue

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DRINGSCEREMONY:Minister FeesVenue FeesMarriage License

WEDDING ATTIREBridal GownTuxedoHeadpiece/Veil/TiaraUndergarmentsAccessoriesAlterations

RECEPTIONVenue RentalFoodLiquorCake

FLOWERS & DÉCORBridal BouquetBridesmaids BouquetsBoutonnieresCorsagesCeremony FlowersCenterpiecesLinenRentals

HAIRMAKEUP MANI/PEDICUREFACIAL

WEDDING PLANNER

STATIONERYInvitationsEnvelopesProgrammesMenu CardsPlace CardsCake BoxesThank You NotesPostage & Mailing

PHOTOGRAPHYExtra Prints

VIDEOGRAPHYExtra DVD

MC MUSICSystemDisc JockeyEntertainers

ACCOMMODATIONNight before weddingWedding Night

TRANSPORTATIONLimousineLuxury CarBus

PARTIESRehearsal DinnerBridesmaids LuncheonHONEYMOON

TOTAL

BuDGeT BuDGeTITEm ITEmACTuAL ACTuAL

Checklist & Budget


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orDecor GuideYour wedding flowers and décor play a significant role in the overall look and feel of your wedding day. Take into careful consideration who you choose to work with, as they must be able to bring to life your idealistic picture.

Take the following tips into account for your flowers and décor consultation:

• Know what you want in terms of co-lour scheme, estimated amount of guests and venue.

• establish the style or feel of your wedding before the meeting.

• Gather images of decorations that appeal to you from websites, bridal magazines and wedding planning books.

• Include a fabric swatch of your bridesmaids’ dresses and a photo of your wedding dress.

• Make sure your personalities do not clash as this will make the process more difficult.

• Tell your consultants what your es-timated budget is. This will ensure that you get quotes on what you can afford.

• Get the specifications from the ven-ue as to what is available regarding tables and chairs and their sizes. This will assist with accurate quota-tions.

• Book your florist/decorator at least six months to a year in advance.

• The decorator should be familiar with your ceremony and reception venue(s).

• Avoid dates close to holidays, Valen-tines Day or Mother’s Day as prices will be higher due to demand.

• If you want a Floral Mock Setup, there will be a charge for this, but it may well be worth it.

Allow us To Exceed Your Expectations!

Ceremony & Reception Decor

BouquetsBackdrops

Budget Packages

Tel: 876-891-6652/969-0218Email: [email protected]

web: www.ultimateeventsja.com


If you are completely in the dark about how wedding invitations are traditionally worded, you may make a mistake that can confuse or even offend relatives and other guests! Fa-miliarize yourself with the traditional modes so that you can make an informed decision whether or not to follow them.

Here are four quick tips:• Basics - an invitation tells who is doing the

inviting, what the event is, where and when it will be held.

• Inviting - traditionally the bride’s parents issue the wedding invitations, however the bride and groom or the groom’s parents may issue the invitations. It does not matter who is paying for the wedding, the invitation would still come from either the bridal couple or both sets of parents.

• Wording - traditionally, weddings at a church are worded to “ Request the honour of your presence”. For other locations, the invita-

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tion line generally reads, “Request the pleasure of your company”.

• Traditions - invitations from parents who are di-vorced will mention each parents name on a sepa-rate line with no “and” between the lines. If both parents have remarried, only the original parents’ names are mentioned. However, if the bride or groom has a close rela-tionship with the steppar-ent, it would be appropri-ate to include their name.


Make sure you book a re-liable music system and a professional disc jockey. Nothing can be more ir-ritating, than a sound system that is screeching and a disc jockey that is late, who plays distaste-ful songs and who is to-tally unprepared for your special day!

Call: 414-9300 / 884-8123 / 574-7900

Email: [email protected] Taking care of all your transportation needs for your families, bridal party and bridal couple on your Wedding day.

Ronald Wallace

876-375-8537

Email: [email protected]

Music Systems Disc Jockey Powered Monitors Speakers Projectors Screens Plasmas Microphones Tents

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You want to re-live your wedding day anytime you wish! Years after your guests have forgotten your special day, you and your spouse will have your wedding photogra-phy or videography to look at when you want to re-live the joyous oc-casion!

When it comes to planning your wed-ding photography or videography, the most important aspect is to have an idea of the wedding memories you want to capture. The right persons must have the experience and per-sonality you can work with. This will require more than scanning the phone book or Internet to find the least ex-pensive package deal.

It is true that you get what you pay for and if you’re willing to pay the mini-mum amount, you might just end up with minimum wedding photography/videography services.

Wedding photography and videogra-phy services will consume a signifi-cant portion of your wedding budget. It is an absolute must to book this type of talent at least 6 months to a full year before the wedding date, especially if you’re planning the wedding during the summer or holiday season.

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Affordable wedding photography & videogra-phy. Portraits, wedding photojournalism and docu-mentary wedding photogra-phy in Jamaica (islandwide).

NASWeddingPhotography

(876) 382-2489 (516) 422-1424

email: [email protected]

Discuss what you will be getting in your photography and videography-package, whether the pictures will be assembled in a wedding album or if you’ll just be getting a CD and how many wedding DVDs. Ask for costs on additional photos and dvd’s.

Select someone (family or friend who knows most of your guests) to coor-dinate your wedding photography and videography. Take time to discuss with them, the pictures you want tak-en of and with whom. Make a list so they can use it as their day of wedding guide.

Advance planning is crucial. You want to enjoy your wedding day knowing that reliable and informed persons are there, capturing your memories that will last a lifetime!

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Bridal Registry 3 VMBSBeauty, Hair & Makeup 05 Face forwardBeauty, Hair & Makeup 06 Shannett’s Hair SpaBeauty, Hair & Makeup 06 Wow FactorBeauty, Hair & Makeup 07 Beautiful Face for Beautiful PeopleBeauty, Hair & Makeup 07 Qritique It Artistry Bridal Attire 8 Lori-Ann’s BridesBridal Attire 9-14 Petals & PromisesCakes 15 ultimate eventsCeremony & Reception Venues 16-17 Hope GardensCeremony & Reception Venues 19 Caymanas Golf & Country ClubFlowers & Decor 21 ultimate eventsWedding Favors(Souvenirs) 22 Banyan Creations Invitations 23 Island NoveltiesMusic & entertainment 24 Dj KevinMusic & entertainment 24 Pro Audio SystemsPhotography & Videography 25 MastersPhotography & Videography 25 Trudy MorrisonPhotography & Videography 26 DagPro ImagesPhotography & Videography 26 Nas Wedding PhotographyPhotography & Videography 27 ZulusPro PhotographyOfficiant & Counselling 29 Rev. Dr. eral LewisWedding Planner / Bridal Attire 31 Beautiful Brides & Mr. TuxWedding Planners & Coordinators 30&32 ultimate events

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A Wedding in Jamaica can be per-formed ANY DAY including weekends and holidays.

Provided that you have applied for and have been granted a marriage license by the Ministry of National Security, a couple can be married just 24 hours after arriving in the island.

Some ceremony officiant will apply for the marriage license on your behalf, however if they do not offer that ser-vice, below is a guide on how to se-cure it for yourselves.

Jamaica Wedding Requirements are as fol-lows:

1. Proof of citizenship - certified copy of birth certificate, which includes father’s name.

2. Parental permission in the form of par-ent’s written consent, if under 18.

3. Proof of divorce (if applicable) - certified copy or original Certificate of Divorce.

4. Copy of Death Certificate for widow or widower (if applicable)

5. Certified translation of documents to english where originals are in another language.

6. Certified copies of name changes or le-gal adoption papers if applicable

7. Photocopy of photo ID (Driver’s License or Passport)

8. Job Titles of Bride and Groom

The Marriage CeremonyThe ceremony must be performed by 6:00 PM or nightfall. Two witnesses must be present at the ceremony and for the signing of the mar-riage certificate. Witnesses must be at least 18 years or older.

Where to Apply:The Ministry of Justice2 Oxford Rd., Kingston 5, Jamaica W.I.

Office hours:9:00am - 4pm, Mon-Thurs9:00am - 3pm, Fri.Phone: (876)906-4923-31

legal requirementsTo get married legally in Jamaica, no blood tests are required.

MINISTER/OFFICIANTRev. Dr. Eral Lewis

Tel: (876)441-1056Email: [email protected]

Standard Package includes:• Application for marriage license• 2 marriage counselling sessions• Performance of marriage ceremony• Filing of marriage certificate as a legal document• Application for certified copies of marriage certificate

OFFICIANT (Minister) & COUNSELLING

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1. This Is Your Day and It Is All About YouYour ceremony should reflect who you are as individuals and who you are as a couple. use music, readings, vows and other personal stories and selections to achieve this. Don’t let anyone deter you from what you want to do.

2. Be Positive Not Perfectexpectations should be realistic and not about having everything perfect. This is a joyful celebration of love, so use posi-tive language even when saying NO. Minor mishaps oftentimes give the most memorable memories.

3. Choose Your Team WiselyChoose bridesmaids that know you well. So delegate tasks to them and make sure that they live close to you. Your best friend from High School that you have not seen in 10 years and who lives overseas or far away may not be the best choice for Maid/Matron of Honour.

5. Consult with a Wedding Planner/CoordinatorBook a wedding planner! You will get professional experienced experts trained in the art of multitasking, list making, budget planning, contract ne-gotiating, and people controlling. You should be the Guest of Honor at your wedding, not the person working it.

6. The More Time the BetterPlan your wedding 6-16 months in ad-vance. Take the time to make good decisions, especially when it comes to choosing professionals, such as photog-raphers and caterers.

7. Don’t ProcrastinateIf you put things off for the last minute there is bound to be disaster the day before and the day of the wedding. Del-egating and being organized will allow you to participate in and enjoy your wedding day.

8. Include Your GroomPlanning your wedding should be a joint venture between bride and groom. You will be doing this for the rest of your lives and this is a good place to start.

9. Stay Healthyuse safe and reliable products to get that healthy glow on your wedding day. exercise eliminates and helps fight off stress. Get enough sleep and do not skip meals on the wedding day, espe-cially breakfast.

10. Thank You NotesShow your appreciation immediately after your wedding. Be prompt when sending out thank-you notes. Sign them in your own handwriting and not elec-tronically.

5+5 Smart Planning Tips for a Successful Wedding


• Ceremony&ReceptionVenue• Brunch/DinnerReception• Gown(Rental)• Tuxedo(Rental)• MarriageOfficer&Marriage

License• Photo&Video• Cake(1, 2 or 3-tiered with token

pieces in boxes for guests) • Invitations• Programs

• Hair&Makeup• Bouquets• Boutonnieres• Corsages• Ceremonydécor• Receptiondécor• MC• MusicSystem&DJ• Day-of-WeddingCoordination• WeddingPlanning

Your One-Stop Wedding Planner & Decorator

BUDGET PACKAGESavailablefor50to100persons

Tel: 876-891-6652/969-0218Suite # 46 Princeville Commercial Centre95-97 Constant Spring Road, Kingston 8

Email: [email protected]: www.ultimateeventsja.com

Contact us for further details:

Small BudgetBig Dreams

jamaica wedding guide vol: iii, issue 2

Documents

wedding guide

kingston jamaica

happy planning

ultimate eventseditor

hope gardens zoo

beauty of nature

special event

event planner