Hospitality Jamaica : Breezes Rio Bueno - wedding destination favoured by many

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Sheryll McKoy Thompson

Breezes Rio Bueno - wedding destination favoured by many

Carl Gilchrist, Hospitality Jamaica Writer

Despite limited marketing, Breezes Rio Bueno in Trelawny was the venue for over 200 weddings and renewal of vows last year. This is around four ceremonies per week, making the property a favourite wedding destination among visitors to the island.

This represents an upswing in weddings and, according to guest relations and weddings manager, Sheryll McKoy Thompson, Jamaicans are catching on too.

She anticipates a higher figure for 2010, as the resort increases in popularity for Canadians, who have added the resort to their list of favourites.

"Here at Breezes Rio Bueno we have our own market; our major market is the United States and gradually we're seeing an increase out of Canada; and even with what's going on, the changes in the tourism industry, we see more growth coming our way for weddings," McKoy Thompson said.

picturesque landscape

All this, despite limited marketing for the wedding product. But with a picturesque landscape and environment, Breezes Rio Bueno is an obvious choice for persons wanting to get married.

For guests, the weddings are more or less, free.

"Once you spend a minimum of three nights, there is an administrative fee of US$250 that has to be paid. With that you get the minister, we look about your documents, your cake, your champagne, your boutonnière, the bouquet, we decorate the location with flowers from the garden - all at no additional cost."

And while Jamaicans are catching on, it is on a small scale. With the hotel being adults only and with Jamaican weddings traditionally inclusive of children, one way or the other, it presents a conflict.

room for growth

"And I think we have this traditional culture where we need a church ceremony, but there are those who are branching out and going with the trend, maybe one per cent that are getting into the resort, so there is room for growth.

"We are, in fact, looking at doing more promotion on the island; and we have to look at the 16 and over stipulation," McKoy Thompson said.

And, for her, what's the best thing about weddings at Breezes Rio Bueno?

"At the end of the day, the couple can tell you, you made their day!"