1st Timers! Heading in on 5/14 and getting married! Tips?

Hi everyone,

I've been scouring this board since finding it a few days ago, and thank you for all of the insight gained so far. This is giving us a much better idea of what to expect. As the title says, we're heading to Negril to get married and would love any advice you pros have to offer on life, love, oh yeah... and Negril! We'll be at Couples Swept Away and staying 9 days or so. We're a little nervous but extremely excited.

Any advice on what to do, what not to do, and what to avoid at all costs? Thank you in advance!

- T+L

Get out of the AI and enjoy Negril. Go on the one love bus pub crawl. Meet up for a webcast with the boardies. Negril is really chill. Have a great trip.

We were married at CSA in 1996, and I've done a zillion weddings after 20 years as a caterer. I'd be happy to talk with you -- PM me if you like with a number. (PS we've returned almost every year since -- you will love it!)

Congratulations!
Getting married on the beach in Negril is the only way to go.
We did it in November and it was better than I ever could have imagined.
Make sure you go out and about and explore what Negril has to offer, there is so much to see and do.
Enjoy your trip and be sure to tell us all about it afterwards, pics would be nice too :)

You asked for Tips in the subject line. The best Tip I can give is don't make your Fiancée mad before you leave or before the wedding :)
Kidding aside someone mentioned the One Love Bus Crawl and that would be an excellent way to get away from the AI and see more of what Negril has to offer.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...h_Jamaica.html

Have a great time

My first time to Negril was an AI (in the 90s). We were told how unsafe Negril was. We were afraid to leave the compound.
After many, many trips (and a wedding in the cliffs!), Negril is safer than most large cities. Be smart - do not flash tons of cash or expensive "stuff" as is the case in ANY foreign area.
Be respectful to the locals - they are 99% helpful and hardworking (I actually the locals are nicer/more helpful than in many US cities!).
Get a real taste of Negril and get out of your AI. Have jerk chicken at a stand. Have a dinner in the cliffs. Do not simply go to Rick's tourist trap and think you have been to the cliffs (imagine going to Niagara Falls and thinking that was "seeing the US").
Have fun, be safe, and enjoy. With an open mind, it is impossible not to fall in love with Negril!

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Originally Posted by Wisconsin gal

My first time to Negril was an AI (in the 90s). We were told how unsafe Negril was. We were afraid to leave the compound.
After many, many trips (and a wedding in the cliffs!), Negril is safer than most large cities. Be smart - do not flash tons of cash or expensive "stuff" as is the case in ANY foreign area.
Be respectful to the locals - they are 99% helpful and hardworking (I actually the locals are nicer/more helpful than in many US cities!).
Get a real taste of Negril and get out of your AI. Have jerk chicken at a stand. Have a dinner in the cliffs. Do not simply go to Rick's tourist trap and think you have been to the cliffs (imagine going to Niagara Falls and thinking that was "seeing the US").
Have fun, be safe, and enjoy. With an open mind, it is impossible not to fall in love with Negril!

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^ That is some really great advice right there...perfect in fact :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Wisconsin gal

My first time to Negril was an AI (in the 90s). We were told how unsafe Negril was. We were afraid to leave the compound.
After many, many trips (and a wedding in the cliffs!), Negril is safer than most large cities. Be smart - do not flash tons of cash or expensive "stuff" as is the case in ANY foreign area.
Be respectful to the locals - they are 99% helpful and hardworking (I actually the locals are nicer/more helpful than in many US cities!).
Get a real taste of Negril and get out of your AI. Have jerk chicken at a stand. Have a dinner in the cliffs. Do not simply go to Rick's tourist trap and think you have been to the cliffs (imagine going to Niagara Falls and thinking that was "seeing the US").
Have fun, be safe, and enjoy. With an open mind, it is impossible not to fall in love with Negril!

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This was a really good thing to hear. Reading up on some of these other sites was starting to get me a little worried. I really appreciate everyone's advice and we're definitely going to make a point of getting out and exploring. I've seen some solid recommendations for transportation/excursion services that several of you have used and swear by. Thanks again!

Congratulations!
Spend Sat. afternoon cliff-jumping into the beautiful water and chilling at one of the many cliff establishments (Xtabi or Catcha Falling Star, perhaps?) then stick around the cliffs area for Seastar's weekly Saturday night party.

Be sure to catch Rob & Lisa at one of the many webcasts that take place everywhere. Tell your friends back home to tune-in and say "Hey!" live and in living color!

Definitely do the "One Love Bus Pub Crawl."

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KCJazznBBQ

Definitely do the "One Love Bus Pub Crawl."

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I'm seeing a trend here. :cool:

Do the bar crawl early in your stay - because you'll probably find at least one place you want to go back to :) And don't forget to relax and enjoy your day!

My wife and I were also married at CSA and we return every couple of years, splitting our stay between CSA and Catcha for a bit of beach life and a bit of cliffs life. Don't be afraid to leave the reservation. That seems to be the primary fear of most visitors and it's completely unjustified. There are so many wonderful experiences to be had in Jamaica but you have to get out and explore. Beware of sand gravity!
Congratulations and enjoy your trip!