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

[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!

[marley9808]

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!

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

[allworkbizness]

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!

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!