MissE

Thanks for the advice! I will keep that in mind going forward! We're going back and forth on when the wedding will be so things are moving slowly now, but it helps to know all of this information so when we really get it together I won't have so much research to do.

MD Lady, thanks for posting such a great review on the Hyatt and your wedding in general. Your gift bags were awesome, please don't be upset if I steal some ideas. I'm also in the DC area, but our guests will be coming from all over the country. As I looked at flights from the west coast and midwest, I've started to get a little worried, wondering if my guests will be able to afford it. But I'm hoping it will work out...

Hi Aruba Ladies! I've been on and off the board for a while because we've had to postpone our wedding. I think we've settled on late 2011 or early 2012. We've been to Aruba before and LOVED it so I think we'll be doing it there given that Mexico is a bit dangerous right now. In my opinion the Marriot resort or the Renaissance were the nicest resorts. The Marriott is down on a strip with a number of other resorts that is further from the main city/cruise ship dock, and the Renaissance is in the middle of the main city near more shops and restaurants. My problem is that I don't want my ceremony on a beach, but rather on some type of garden or patio. Im considering Renaissance Island, but I've also seen a location through a wedding planner, E2 Weddings and Events, that seems beautiful, so I'm waiting to hear back from them. We're also considering doing a boat cruise with our guests the day before in place of a rehearsal dinner or welcome reception. I look forward to talking with everyone as I get things rolling! E

Hi Aruba Brides! We're considering a wedding either in the Bahamas or Aruba in the fall of next year. We've been to Aruba before and it was AMAZING, but I'm not sure if it will be affordable enough for a DW. I was hoping to find an all-inclusive resort to hold the wedding and for our guests (last time he and I stayed at his timeshare at the Marriot), but from what I have seen and heard through this forum, I like the Renaissance and the Aruba Surfside Marina for a wedding. We're looking for a location off the beach but with a great atmosphere,but something we can afford! I'm hoping to have around 40 guests. Does anyone have any idea if the Renaissance has an all-inclusive option? It's not clear from the website. And I'm not sure what my budget for the wedding and reception should be REALISTICALLY. Thanks for your help! Erica

Nathanial Thompson, beautiful photos! If end up choosing the Bahamas, I really want to use this photographer.

I'd like to say Thank You to those of you who wrote long reviews! I am looking into the Bahamas for a Fall 2011 wedding and now I have another great location option! Thanks again! Erica

Amanda, First, can I just say thanks for caring at all?? People (outside of this forum) just don't understand how ridiculously difficult this is. I think I've realized I'm going to have to go up in my budget, because I'm darn-near getting laughed at all over the island. And I don't know how to convince Lloyd that we cannot get what we want for the budget we originally set. (We set the budget before we did the research, mind you). What's funny, is that my dream wedding sounds like yours!! Originally I wanted a beach ceremony, but Lloyd doesn't want that (sigh). So now I'd like the ceremony on grass near a beach, or in a garden, gazebo, or with scenery. He doesn't like Villa Botanica, we love St Peter's Greathouse but its above our budget and the # of people (we'll only have 30-35), we don't think we want to rent out another Villa for a full week, we liked Mafolie's for a reception after a ceremony at Lime Tree Beach Grassy area, but not sure if we can afford to buy out the restaurant because we, too, MUST have a DJ!! Other parts of my dream wedding (that I don't think is too extravagant) is an arch (if no gazebo), basic flowers, live instrument for the ceremony, maybe a few petals on the aisle, covered chairs. For the reception, as I mentioned, DJ, plus a buffet dinner and open bar for an hour or two. That's it!! We have so few people, but just enough to make a buffet at the Marriott WAY too expensive. I've actually just stopped looking. I can't take it anymore, I'm so frustrated. Thanks, Erica

Hi Petunia- My fiance and I are also considering Limetree because they have a nice grassy area for those people in my party who aren't too keen on the sand. Haha. Where will your reception be? Are you working with Janelle? Thanks! Erica

Thank you SO MUCH Anaiah! Frenchman's Reef was gorgeous, just wasn't sure if it would be tacky to have wedding there and the reception at Mafolie's (small restaurant we like). Marriott reception food prices are crazy expensive. Do you think that would be tacky? We LOVE St Peter's greathouse but we don't have enough people to have the reception there. We are considering it for just the ceremony though. Thank you so much!! Will your wedding and reception be at your in laws'?

Islandlover- Isn't my fiance ridiculous? He doesn't think our families and friends will like being on the sand. Our parents are kind of picky and old school-sigh. So I've been talking to Janelle about other grassy or solid locations. So sad...

Hi All! I am also considering Compass Pointe. I've contacted a few wedding planners to help me with the details. Is anyone else using a wedding planner in the bahamas?

I am also interested to know about Pelican Bay. It looks really nice!

Hi Bahamian Brides! My fiance and I are considering having a wedding in the bahamas and I am looking for a wedding coordinator. Does anyone have any suggestions or recommendations? Thanks in advance for your help! Erica

Oh My Goodness!! Using your suggestions I looked up a bunch of other wedding coordinators' private sites, and I've found some beautiful locations! Thanks for your ideas! Now, I have a question for you veterans: If you choose for the wedding to be at a resort that charges some extras for guests who don't stay there, how do you word this delicately to your guests? "Stay at ___ or I'll pay extra" doesn't sound right, ha.

Thanks Justustwo!! On St Thomas I found one great resort that has the whole garden gazebo thing, but their reception prices are astronomical (sp?). Arghh...

Hi Ashley! I'm hoping to be a St Thomas Bride, if I can find a venue! My Fiance decided he didn't want a beach wedding (sad). I don't know what to do now!

Angela has been great, but now my fiance has decided he doesn't want a beach wedding! I have to start all over... But take a look at Mafolie's for a reception...

Hi Kelly! I'm also a frustrated and overwhelmed Newbie so I have no advice for you, I just wanted you to know that you are not alone. My fiance and I have done so much research and I feel like we still can't find a good option for us. Take a deep breath, and when things get stressful, SHUT DOWN the computer and go do something else. Return to it later with a fresh pair of eyes. Feel free to vent!

Good Morning Everyone! 1. My name is Erica 2. February 2010 (exact date unknown) 3. Carribbean (narrowing down between St Thomas, Dominican Republic, and Bahamas) First, let me say THANK YOU to everyone who has ever posted info in the St Thomas, DR and Bahamas threads. You all have already helped my fiance and I go in the right direction with certain WCs and resorts. Unfortunately, we can't seem to find a place that will create a wedding within our budget that our guests can also afford! I had been working with Angela from paradise in St Thomas and she is AWESOME. But now my fiance decided he doesn't want to be married on the beach!! (sigh) So now I don't know what to do... That's where I am for now! Thanks for just being here! The fact that this forum exists already helps a ton! Take Care! E