Hey there everyone, I am getting married at Sunset Beach Resorts on October 26, 2012. I really enjoy reading everyone's comments about the resort. We have never been there before and I have really been freaking out about all the planning being done by email because different people are quoting us different prices. So here's the story: We have 40 ppl, 22 rooms coming to the resort. We purchased the $699 wedding package. We were told we have to pay a $25 fee for everyone in our party over 6 ppl for cake& champagne. Then they told me my wedding package comes with a two tier cake that will only serve 20 ppl and I would have to pay extra to have more cake. Hello, you're trying to charge me $25 per person. So what is the extra money for then??? I will pay $850 and still not be able to feed half of my guests, ridiculous! This was just one of the issues. I am planning on doing my wedding at an all inclusive because, well, it's all inclusive- save money on paying per person for dinner and paying for open bar. But the resort will try to nickel and dime you for every little thing. Here's my advice: just say NO! I was getting tired of waiting so long for responses to my emails and then the responses never really answered the questions that I asked. So finally, I called the resort and spoke to Lashaun. she is actually a very pleasant person to talk to and was very accomodating to our needs. I am so happy I called because now I feel like we are getting everything that we want at a good price! Here's what we booked: Wedding: our wedding is in the afternoon, my nephew is going to tie all of the chair sashes i purchased online (they were trying to charge $2 per sash but it is free if you do it yourself) We did splurge a little to do bridesmaid flowers and a butterfly release Cocktail Hour: This is free! If you have a party of more than 10 rooms, you can get a free cocktail hour w/ hors d'ourves. Of course, alcohol is extra but i asked them if there was a space close to a bar where we could have it rather than on the beach right next to where we were married. They said yes! The cocktail hour will be at the gazebo with a bar only feet away! Free food & drinks, can't beat that- and it will please our guests! Cake/champagne toast: I purchased 4 bottles of sparkling wine ($15/pc) and an extra tier of cake for $175 to accomodate all 40 guests. Since I purchased these myself, I don't have to pay the $25 per person fee! That is $235 compared to the $850 fee they were trying to charge me for cake/champagne. Please don't pay this. Buy the things you need instead of paying them for nothing! Photo Shoot: we have our hour long photo shoot following the cocktail hour, we probably will get a CD package for $300 Dinner: They want to charge you per person for a private dinner. My Fiance and I want to have a laid back, casual, cheap wedding without looking like we were too cheap to have dinner for everyone. I just don't agree with paying $30 per person for a buffet dinner at an all inclusive resort when you have already paid to eat for free! On their website, it says they will reserve a spot in the dining hall for the entire party. So after talking to Lashaun, we have section of the buffet dinner hall reserved for my entire group. Yay! everyone can eat! Sure there will be other people around but at least everyone can eat together, eat what they want, and it's free! Bonfire: we did splurge on the bonfire as well to have something more private w/ open bar and DJ. Now I feel like we are getting a good amount of things and will have a full night planned for about $2500. Much more reasonable than the $5000 they were trying to get us to pay with their fees and reception costs! I think I can finally relax!
Thanks! That makes me feel a lot better. I wanted to do the Italian restaurant but I guess our group is too big. Was the bonfire worth the money?