marleydog

well said Viki. 
 

Originally Posted by viki6069 

OOT bags look great and fun!!!  

 

Sarah:  Here are my thoughts on the wedding and others opinions.  Sorry ahead of time for it being long-winded LOL. 

 

It is YOUR day!  You and your fiance should do exactly what you want and don't let others make you feel guilty about how you two have decided to get married.  Life is too short and everyone will get on board.  We were planning the whole wedding here and the cost was getting outrageous and then people that we weren't even really close to were inviting themselves and the stress was already bad and we were just in the beginning stages.  Back home you pay thousands of dollars to plan a 4 hour event which is really for everyone else and then you are too stressed to really enjoy it because you are so worried about everything going okay and EVERYONE ELSE having a good time.  Your wedding is not about everyone else it is about you and the man you are marrying.  I just got back from attending our friends' wedding and it was a fun time but she was stressed out the whole time and kept getting bar bills and other bills while she was suppose to be enjoying her wedding/reception.  It just made me thankful for our decision.

 

We got engaged this past Christmas Eve and immediately knew we wanted to go to Antigua for our honeymoon so when we were getting stressed with the planning we happened to see that our honeymoon spot does free weddings for a butler suite lol so here we are.  Those of us who have made this decision I think will be so greatful and thankful for a low-stress, beautiful wedding focused on love and enjoying the day.

 

Alex:  love the suit!!!  I will share pic with FI and see what he thinks.  I think black will be hot too. 

Hi All,

Sarah -   I'm just worrying way too much.  I so want them to feel appreciated & show that we're grateful that they've spent so much money to be with us.  FI  says I'm being silly.

.Yes, you're right.  Hen night is like a batchelorette party.  I got confused.  I'm really looking forward to it.  It should be a crazy night.    Not looking forward too much to the ineveitable hangover the next day though. 

Your OOT bags sound great.  Here's a list of what I've put in mine.

First aid kits

painkillers

immodium

scented candle tin

tinned sweets

US plug adapters

keycard  holders / lanyards

hand sanitizer

bath scrunchie

Pashmina's

I also got a small photo album & filled it with info for the week.  ie excursions, maps, return flight details, pick up points etc.

We're only having four guests coming.  They're staying for 7 days we're staying for 10 so we've arranged that when they return home there will be parcel wrapped champagne for them.

Viki, - I’m not sure about the cell phone service but I do believe they have wireless capabilities.  There are also PC’s which can be used at the resort.  I think they tend to be quite busy though.  I plan on updating  FB too while there so hoping I can get access via iphone.

Good idea about the photos, definitely don’t feel pushed into anything.  Take your time & make sure you get the right deal for you. We’ve gone with only 18 photos but we’ve asked for them to be on a CD so we can print as many copies as we want once we get home.

70 days....not long now....I’m wishing time away too.  I just want to be there NOW!!

We had the same debate about what colour.  FI was worried he’d be too hot in black & we struggled to get anything in beige here in the uk.  This is what he opted to go

For in the end.  The trousers are a little long at the moment so will be taken up prior to leaving.

Our arrangements were fairly quick too.  We got engaged on New Years Day & then booked everything on 2^nd January. 

We were lucky with our guests, we’ve only got 4 & they were great about travelling out there.  We had no complaints at all....Thankfully.  Has everyone been ok with you?

Sweetness – Loving your OOT bags.  They look great. OMG not long now.

As a bit of an afterthought, if anyone on here wants to add me to their FB, please feel free.  Alex Nichol.  (Same pic as on here)

Hope you all have a great day. 

Talk soon. xxx

Hey Sarah,

Not long to go now....WOOP WOOP!!! 

Like you, I dont have much to do now other than wait.  I've just arranged my hen night.  (Shower to you guys) for 24th June.  I have 16 coming at the moment but that may go up a little as I'm starting a new job in 2 weeks & there may be people from there that I'll want to invite.    What have you put in your OOT bags?  I'm worrying that mine are rubbish. 

Talk soon. xx
 

Originally Posted by SarahTD 

Thanks, Alex!  I am getting so excited.  4 weeks from yesterday we get married and we get to Antigua 3 weeks from today!  Yay!!!  I don't have much to do now but wait.  I have another dress fitting on Sunday so I'm looking forward to that.  She says my bodice is being difficult.  Other than that, I have my shower on the 21st and finally stopped ordering stuff for my OOT bags (now that I know what they're called).  How about you?  Still have lots to do?
 

 

Kimberly,

Congratulations & welcome to the forum.   If we can be of any help, give us a shout.  Hopefully one of us will be able to help with any questions. 

Alex
 

Originally Posted by KimberlyBeers 

I am also getting married there in November 2011!! I haven't booked yet, but we were thinking of Nov. 8-15th!!

Hey Sarah,

Your post made me smile.  I can relate exactly to what you're saying.  Oh & no need for apologies.  I know what it's like.  I feel like I haven't stopped in days. 

I've emailed you copies of the brochures that Dania sent me.  Hopefully they'll be useful to you. 

Do you have much left to do?  You must be getting excited....not long now. 

Talk soon. xx

Originally Posted by SarahTD 

Hey Alex...

  Sorry- busy weekend.  My reasons for choosing a destination wedding really center on my laziness .  I was never that girl who had everything planned out and the idea of planning a huge wedding just didn't appeal to me.  It always seems like the bride and groom spend a ton of money and are exhausted by the end of the day.  I live in a small town and know everyone so it would be a huge production.  We decided we wanted it to be about us and make it easy (well, easier).  We chose Antigua because it's a new place to scuba dive. 

   I saw that you have a brochure with prices on it?  Would you mind emailing that to me please?  It's [email protected].  That would take a lot of guesswork out. 

 

   Thank you so much!

 

   Sarah
 

 

CONGRATULATIONS.....!!!

So glad to hear that you had a fantastic day.  Your picture looks amazing.  I'll PM you with some questions, but looking forward to seeing your full review & pics. 

Thanks also for coming back & answering any questions we may have.   I cant speak for the other ladies, but like you, I've been a bit crazy with all the planning etc.

Your photos sound like a nightmare.  You must be gutted to have to discard 240 pictures.  Like you, I plan to do my own make up out there but thanks for the heads up about Ayanna.  It's definitely worth knowing.

Once again, Congratulations.  xx

Originally Posted by melodygayle 

Hi Ladies!  We just returned from Antigua last night.  Our wedding was last Tuesday.  We had a group of 22 people with the Chic and Natural theme and a few upgrades.  I have been a crazy bride with the details and planning and I don't think they were prepared for me when I had my first interview with the the on-site department.  In the end, it was beautiful!  Our guests loved the resort and we all had a fabulous time!  Please PM me if you have any questions regarding the wedding process.  I'll post a full review with pics over the next few days.  I highly recommend doing a phone call with the on-site department reviewing your details prior to arrival.  I also recommend using the spa for your services.  I did my own make-up, but Ayanna was amazing with hair. She also did my trial the day before.  My on-site planner was Nasasha, who was so much fun and easy to work with.  She made sure everything was the way I expected it or at least tried her best!  She was amazing!  My photographer was Sokoto, who was also great.  The major disappointment with the packages was that I had the package with 110 digital images on the CD.  I had my photographer all day so we had about 350 pictures.  So basically, I had to toss out 240 great pictures because the next upgrade only allowed me to get 90 more pics for $700!  They would not give me the rest of my photos even though it does not cost them anymore to put on the CD.  So let me know if you have any questions while you're still planning.  I would love to help! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi Viki,

Sorry for taking so long to get back to you.  Spent yesterday doing DIY stuff.  No idea what made me decide to have a rehaul of the lounge.  It's not that I dont have a million other things to think about.  haha.

Can you PM me & send me your email address.  I have the brochures but they're too large to put on the forum.

Ah thanks for the comments about the dress.  Glad you liked it.  I keep changing my mind about the trash the dress....and the veil!!!

Like you, I think I'm there but then decide there's something else I want to add / change.  Maybe I just dont like the easy life.

Hope you're having a good weekend.

xx
 

Originally Posted by viki6069 

I didn't get any brochure   that would be great if you have it.  Also, your dress is absolutely gorgeous!!!  Love it!!!  I am having a trash the dress moment.  Going this weekend to try on some more.  I loved it at first but not so much now.  Why is it that we think we have everything planned and the closer it gets to the day the more we doubt ourselves and our decisions.  I am now wondering if I shouldn't trash the veil too LOL.

No worries Viki,

Did you get sent a Sandals wedding brochure with all the prices in?  If not, let me know & I'll email you a copy over.  It's quite helpful as has one off prices for things like hair, make up, photography, flowers etc. Hhmmm not sure about the price for the negatives on a cd, I think that relates to a package rather than a one off.  (Does that make any sense?)

Originally Posted by viki6069 

Thanks Marley! That helps. Our wedding coordinator is Ebony and she is very sweet and helpful but the package prices she sent us for pictures was from $1,300 to $2,000.  I really don't want to pay that much and I wasn't sure if we would still get the photographer for two hours if we were just getting 24-48 shots then I worry about negatives because she said it was $300 more for the negatives on a CD.  Just confused and not sure.  Thanks so much for your help!!

Hi Caroline

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Thrilled to hear you had a great time & it all went to plan.  Like Sarah, I was also concerned about the beach & you've made me think that our decision to go with a gazebo is the right one.  Did you have a ceremony rehearsal?  You had the Beautiful Beginnings package didn't you, what was it like?  I'm a bit worried about flowers.  Would love to see you pics if you want to share.

Thanks for coming back & letting us know how it all went.

Originally Posted by carolinechc 

Hi everyone,

I just returned from Sandals Antigua, we got married on 4/20/11 and it was perfect!  Just wanted to say I'll be glad to answer any questions you may have!!  We originally were getting married on the beach, but just to warn you the beach is public.  When we went out the day before at 4 pm to see what it looked like, I was shocked.  Very loud, topless girls in the ocean, music from the next resort, and people and vendors everywhere!  I immediately went in and changed to a quieter location just inside the fence that separates Sandals from the public beach and it turned out great.  The beach was my biggest disappointment while we were there, but the pool was amazing and the ocean was still pretty to look at from our room, which was amazing.  Let me know if I can answer any questions!  You can add anything to the wedding once you get there, and we ended up buying more pictures than we originally paid for.  Everyone was awesome to work with and the day was stress free and just perfect. 

Hi Viki,

We've booked our photogtrapher in advance, but like you, I'm really worried about it.  Dania, (Wedding coordinator) is so vague regarding it all & just says we arrange it all once we get to the resort. We've gone with the 18 images on CD for $375.00.  We have the photographer for 2 hours & I believe he / she just snaps away for that period of time  & you can buy any additions you want.  My friend just got married there & she was saying that they give everyone an evening beach photography pass.  It's free in as much as you'll have photos taken (Not in wedding clothes) & you buy any you like.  Her's looked really good. 

Hope this helps. 
 

Originally Posted by viki6069 

Hi Ruth.  We are getting married July 23, 2011 at sandals antigua too   What time are you getting married?  We are getting married at 2 PM.  We are so worried about the photography.  Does anyone know if we have to book it in advance.  Can we book it when we arrive and if so, what packages would you recommend??  They are quite expensive and don't want to get too little but don't want to get too much either.  We are getting very excited !!!

Hey Sarah,

Ah thanks for the comment about the dress.  Good idea about the veil.  I'll look forward to hearing what you think about it & whether you think it's a good call or not.  We're going for a gazebo.  I had the exact same concerns as you about the beach not being private.  Like you, we also plan to take pics on the beach afterwards.

This is my second marraige but FI's first & neither one of us are big on being the centre of attention. The idea of a traditional church wedding & everthing that came with it really wasn't for us.  We went for Antigua because it looks so fantastic & also its not one of the rowdier islands.  From what I've heard its' quite quiet.  Don't get me wrong, we not boring but we didn't want anywhere where you felt you had to out clubbing most nights.  (I hope that makes sense).  How about you, what were your reasons?

It's only us guys, Mike's parents, his sister & husband.  I'm not in contact with my family.  Another good reason for a destination wedding.  How cool that your wedding is your MOH's honeymoon.  I love that.  Also good idea that you have time alone too.  We're looking forward to that part...!!!  Your plans sound ideal.  We haven't arranged a rehearsal dinner but it's something I think might be a good idea.  Are you have a ceremony rehearsal?

Your journey to Antigua sounds like a nightmare but I'm sure it'll be worth it once you get there.  I'm dreading the flight.  (Terrified) but plan on getting lots of drugs from the doctor beforehand.  haha

I love the idea of talking to other Antiguan brides so you ramble away.  Hope you have a good weekend.

Talk to you soon.

Alex.

Originally Posted by SarahTD 

Your dress is gorgeous!  Who's to say what is "too much"?  Well, the bride is to say so it must be perfect.  Maybe bring the veil with you and decide when you get there.  I'll scope it out when I'm there and let you know how windy it is.  Are you planning on the beach, garden or gazebo?  I had initially wanted to do the beach, but all the beaches being public makes me nervous.  Anyone could walk into your pictures or turn on a boom box right next to you.  It probably wouldn't happen, but I still seem to worry about it.  We'll go take pictures on the beach afterwards.

 

So what made you decide on a destination wedding in the first place and what made you choose Antigua?  I think six people is perfect.  Is it you guys and your parents?  I honestly was shocked that we ended up with 5 couples coming with us but everyone decided to come.  We've got both sets of parents, my best friend (and MOH) and her date, our friend who introduced us and her new husband (my wedding is her honeymoon) and my best friend from high school and her husband.  Should be a really good group.  We're going 6 days earlier than everyone else so we can have some time alone to hang out and scuba dive.  The Saturday that everyone else arrives, we plan to let everyone rest and get used to the place and then have a welcome "party" at the pub after dinner.  Then Sunday we'll all have a rehearsal dinner together and then Monday we get married.  I'm trying not to overplan everybody because it's their vacation too. 

 

I think I'm rambling now.  Just excited to talk to another Antigua bride, I guess.  Anyway, it's kind of a pain to get to Antigua from Texas.  We're actually driving 4 hours to Houston so we can do the flight in 1 day.  Everyone else is staying the night in Miami.  If I had given it any thought other than that I just wanted to get the flying over with, I would have wanted to stay the night in Miami also because I've never been there.

 

Talk to you soon! 

Hi Sarah,

Ah thanks for saying that.  I was a little worried at first that it may be a bit much for a destination wedding, but I love it so much, I'm not sure that I care.  Haha,

I'm definitely going to go for the underwear.  I love the idea & like you say, it'll be a nice suprise at the end of the day. 

You have exactly double people.... we have 6 including us.  We may book one of the cruises but not sure at the moment. Will probably wait til we get there & play it be ear.  Are you planning on doing anything?  

How long is your flight to Antigua?

Quote:

Originally Posted by SarahTD 

That is a gorgeous dress!!!  How exciting!  I think the personalized underwear is really cute.  Mine are pink and say "Mrs. Derousseau" across the back.  They'll be good for a laugh after a stressful day anyway.  How many people do you have going with you?  We have 12 including us so it should be a small but fun group.  Are you planning any group activities besides the wedding?
 

 

Hey Sarah,

No worries about the champagne info.  We only found out about it as someone we know got married at another Sandals resort.  Dania wasn't forthcoming with the info..!

Fair comment about the veil.   I hadnt thought about that before buying it but having seen a few Antiguan weddings on You Tube, I'm starting to think I may have a fight on my hands.   I had a look at what we can get personalised in the UK & found the below website.  Think I might go for some underwear as a suprise under my dress.   I quite like the bath robes too but think they may take up too much weight in the luggage   http://www.pure-treats.com/index.php

I've attached a pic of my dress.  (not the veil).  Would love to see how your getting on with yours. 

Talk soon,

Alex.

Originally Posted by SarahTD 

I think it's going to be very pretty.  I would love to see pictures of your dress.  I'd show you pictures of mine, but it is only a bodice at the moment.  Luckily, my friend works fast.  Thanks for the info on the champagne limit.  It makes much more sense now- I had no idea.  I'm not going to wear a veil.  If there is the least bit of wind, that thing will try to kill you.  I bet you guys have something like CafePress.  I also got Bride and Groom shirts with the dive flag.  You can even personalize underwear   .
 

 

Hi Sarah,

Your dress sounds stunning.  Mine is also strapless, quite simple with diamante on the front.  I can send you a pic if you want.  I’m not so good with trying to describe it.  Lol.  You’re so lucky having  a friend who can be so creative.  I struggle trying to sew on a button!!  I can understand why she’d kill you for trashing it.   Are you wearing a veil?  I am but not sure whether to wear it on the top of my head or at the back.  Does that make sense?

I like the sound of a welcome party in the room.  We’ve booked one of the villas which also comes with the butler service but our guests are staying in the hotel on the Mediterranean  Village side.   If you have the butler service I believe you get one bottle of champagne a day.  Maybe you could keep them til your last night & have a leaving / thank you party instead of the welcome party ..,.   

I'm going to have a look at some UK sites tonight & see if they do anything similar to your tops.  Maybe just get one for me & FI.  They are such a good idea.

Talk to you soon. 

Originally Posted by SarahTD 

MarleyDog-

I'm glad you liked the shirt.  That site allows you to personalize different things too, though I can't imagine how much shipping would be to the UK.  You might see if you have something like that there.  I know the moms are going to cry when they see their shirts .  I told Dania a little of what I wanted- like to have a little welcome party for everyone in our room.  Then she started telling me how much snacks and bottles of champagne were going to cost.  I'm in a butler level room and, as far as I can tell, can have as many bottles of champagne as I want.  Unless I say it's for a party.  Very confusing so I dropped the subject with her.  My dress is strapless silk chiffon sheath with very light panels on it as kind of an overskirt which will blow nicely in the wind.  I hope.  My friend is making it.  She makes beautiful clothes.  She would kill me if I Trashed the Dress- painfully! What is yours like?

Hi Sarah,

Had a look at your Maid of Honour T shirt......LOVE IT!!!  

Dania, she's certainly a strange one & I know exactly what you mean about her trying to constantly upsell.  She has never told me what's available to us. Everything I've asked for has come off the Sandals website. 

So what's your dress like & are you having a Trash the Dress session?  I would really like one, but not sure about finding an off site photographer. 

Hope you had a good day.  

I've heard really good things about Ebony.  Unfortunately Dania isn't quite so good.  I'll have to ask her about the rehearsal dinner.  Does your rehearsal dinner also include a rehearsal of the ceremony too?  They calypso band sounds fantastic.  I kinda wish we had more people going so we could go with the whole dance floor thing.  I'm worried about creating the right atmosphere.  It's really hard with only 6 of us.  

Sorry for the confusion about you not being in the UK.   
 

Originally Posted by sweetness 

My WC is Ebony and she is Great!!!! I don't get to pick out my reception area or rehearsal dinner area until we get there but it is in my proposal from my WC that the Wedding and reception is on the beach and rehearsal dinner is in the garden area. We went will the Calypso band for the 3 hours.  We also went with getting a dance floor as well as a few other options. I am not in the UK I am In Las Vegas Nevada =)

 

Couldnt agree more.   

We went with the Beautiful Beginnings package as there are only 6 of us in total going.  We went for the 2 hour reception.  I haven't heard or booked anything to do with a rehearsal dinner though.  Did you do this through your wedding coordinator.  Who is yours, I'm using Dania.   You say your reception is on the beach, have you picked your ceremony location yet? What are your plans for music?  I'm in two  minds between having the saxophonist for the 2 hour reception or whether to just go with the Ipod option.  Not sure.  

Looking forward to seeing all your pics.  Have you sorted your hen night out yet?  (where abouts in the UK are you?)

Originally Posted by sweetness 

I know there is not a lot of us on this thread, But we got to stick together =)

 

Sounds great Sarah.  I love the sound of the 'Bad Ass Maid of Honour'.  Have you got any pics? 
 

Originally Posted by SarahTD 

Oh, I have those!  I just didn't know what they were called.  One of the things I did was go to www.cafepress.com and have t-shirts made for the ladies and hats for the men.  It's a nice little commemorative personalized thing.  Our moms have "Mother of the Bride" and "Mother of the Groom", my best friend has "Bad Ass Maid of Honor", etc.  I'm also including packs of playing cards, sunblock and bug spray. 

Michelle,

Sounds & looks like you had a great time.  The memory book & necklace sound lovely, not surprised you got emotional.  Fair play to your mum & as for MIL - Well there's not much to say to that.  Glad you had a good time despite her. 

Hi Sweetness,

Not long left for you now.  I'm sure the time will fly by.  It's such a shame that there aren't many people on this thread.  Do you still hear from Vickytoria?  She got married at Sandals Antigua about a month ago. 

Out of curiosity what did you put in your OOT bags?  I'd never heard of them til this site & decided to do them.  I went with:

Baby wipes

Hand santizer

min pack baby wipes

smelly candle tin

large tin sweets

pashminas for ladies

bath / shower scruffer for ladies

mini first aid kit

panadol

immodium

tissues

welcome note / brochure

Originally Posted by sweetness 

Hi Fellow Antigua Brides, Just wanted to check in and say Hi!! Its been awhile since I posted on the "Sandals Antigua Thread"

I am also Just waiting, everything is pretty much planned, Just putting together my OOt bags. I realized today that it is 1 Month till my Wedding. WOW!! the time has flown by

 

Hi Sarah,

Not long for you now!.  OOT bags are out of town bags.  I'd never heard of them 'til this site.  It's not something we do in the UK, but I think it's quite popular in US.  They're normally filled with things like hand sanitizer, baby wipes, sun screen, chapstick & any other little thank you gifts you may want to add. 
 

Originally Posted by SarahTD 

Hi Sweetness...

  What dates are you going to be there?  We are there May 31-June 11 and we're getting married on the 6th.  Really all that I am waiting for now is my dress.  You guys are going to have to forgive my ignorance, but what is an OOT bag?

Wow, you all look amazing.  Thanks for posting.  It's given me a vision of what they would look like.  I think it could be a goer based on your pic. xx

Originally Posted by roo66 

We had parasols we used them as props for wedding pictures everyone wanted to have there piccie taken with them.

Hi Sam,

I hope you manage to sort things out.  It's never easy when families cause problems.  Try to keep your chin up.  This day is for you & Calv.

 

Originally Posted by samcalv1 

Thanx Kerry we were hoping to avoid all these arguments!!!! I just wish she could be happy for us that we are finally getting married after all these years but it is not the case it was really getting to us at one stage but we are now well this is what we want please just be happy for us..

Hello Ladies,

Has anyone decided to go for a parasol for their wedding day?  FIL mentioned it to me & the more I think of it, the more I quite like the idea.  I guess I would walk from the villa to the weddding location & then pass it to the Wedding Coordinator.  What does everyone else think?

Kerry,

good choice.  You'll look amazing in it. xx