Sandals Wedding/Reception Only Questions

[classadiva]

Hi,

 

Is it possible to have a Sandals wedding/reception but not have all or any of your guests booked to stay there? If so, do the costs dramatically increase? Is there a minimum of guests that you have to book at Sandals? If booking at Sandals, what if any discount does the bride/groom recieve on their honeymoon and is it dependent upong the number of guests staying at the resort?

 

I ask because I am thinking of having my wedding in the Bahamas but many of my guests would like to stay at the Atlantis. Thanks.

[classadiva]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TA Maureen The bride and groom have to be staying at the resort. Everyone would have to purchase a day pass to come onto the property. Plus you would have to pay per head for whatever type of reception you were having. Full dinner reception could be $75.00 per person. Yes, the discount depends on the number of guests booked to stay at the resort. Wedding Groups 2009/2010 Amenities 5 to 9 rooms Complimentary one room category upgrade for Bride & Groom. (Excluding Butler Service Rooms) 10 rooms or more Carefree Wedding Package Rehearsal Group Dinner 30 Minute Cocktail Wedding Reception (Valued at $15.00 per person) Manicure & Pedicure for Bride 35 Minute massage for the groom 1 complimentary person for every 12 paid rooms based on double occupancy Have you checked out their wedding website? How to Get Married & Choose a Caribbean Wedding Location at Sandals Resorts

Thank you so much for the information...on my way to check out the website now. So...if I were to have say 100 people at a reception at $75 per person, I would still have to pay for day passes for everyone?

[islandbride317]

You wouldn't necessarily have to pay for "everyone", but you would have to pay the "Day Pass" rate for those NOT staying at a Sandals or Beaches resort....am I right, TA Maureen?

 

P.S. I am getting married at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios in Jamaica, and we have already been told by the Sandals coordinators that those staying at a nearby Beaches resort will not have to pay the fee. I think it more applies to guests you have staying at a non Sandals/Beaches-owned resort.

[*Meagan*]

NOw when I booked I was told I got the care free wedding package for staying more than 6 days, when you stay more than 6 days you get the wedding package.

I was not told about rooms?

 

I have decided not to do an add reception I have heard from brides that have gotten married at beaches that they stuck with the free 30-60 min reception and they all went to dinner after and then out to the club at night. I think it is nuts to pay $75 per person at an all inclusive resort when the food and drinks are already included in the price you pay.

[classadiva]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TA Maureen Any guests not staying at Sandals will have to pay for a guest pass to come onto the property. At this time Sandals Royal Bahamian is the only Sandals property in the Bahamas but they are opening Emerald Bay this winter. It is going to be even more upscale and luxurious. I imagine guests staying there will be able to go to wedding without purchasing passes but that would be it. Your price per person for the recpetion will vary depending on what you are choosing to do (cocktail reception, dinner, etc.). It will be a per person price for all guests.

Thank you so much for the responses. I just don't get it though. If I am paying $75 per person for the reception, and my guests will not use the facilities other than to attend my wedding, WHY should I then be charged $85 or $130 for a day pass that is normally used to have full access to the resort? My guests would not need full access. I know that you are just reporting the facts It just seems a bit odd to me....

In any event...does anyone know when tours of Emeral Bay will become available? Can weddings be booked there for next summer? Also...is it on Paradise Island? Thanks.

[JenniferSS]

You will also need to get permission from the resort to have guests come onsite for the wedding.

 

Getting permission for an extra 100 ppl who are not staying on property may be difficult as it will strain the resources ( (bars, restrooms, staffing ect) and crowd out the paying guests.

 

What is the reasoning for so many wanting to stay at Atlantis as opposed to Sandals? If they are going for a week would they be willing to do a split stay- stay at sandals for the wedding for 3 nights and then move over to the Atlantis for the remainder of their time on the island?

[classadiva]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TA Jennifer You will also need to get permission from the resort to have guests come onsite for the wedding. Getting permission for an extra 100 ppl who are not staying on property may be difficult as it will strain the resources ( (bars, restrooms, staffing ect) and crowd out the paying guests. What is the reasoning for so many wanting to stay at Atlantis as opposed to Sandals? If they are going for a week would they be willing to do a split stay- stay at sandals for the wedding for 3 nights and then move over to the Atlantis for the remainder of their time on the island?

Hi,

Thank you for responding. As for the reasoning for staying at the Atlantis...one of the reasons I wanted my wedding in the Bahamas is because I wanted my friends and family to experience the place that I consider one of my favorite places in the world. Also, my VERY limited research on pricing seems to indicate to me that it would actually be cheaper per night to stay at the Atlantis during the during of the year that I would like to marry...this is particulary true as guests can opt to stay at the timeshare at the Atlantis which can hold several people in the two-bedroom units.

I am unsure at this point if I can afford the Atlantis and need to see just how many people MUST be invited. As such, I was looking into the possibility of doing my wedding and reception at Sandals. My guess is that while a few might stay the entire week, most would only come for a long weekend. I have no issue staying at Sandals and would certainly give my guests the option, but I just do not think that most would.

Either case..I'm still considering a Sandals resort for our honeymoon...looking into St. Lucia as of now.

[JenniferSS]

Not a problem!

 

You'll love St. Lucia - I just returned from there last week, such an amazingly beautiful island with the most gentle people!

 

The Atlantis per nightly rate will be lower but the Food & Beverage prices are extremly expensive- most of my clients that have been to both say that they would have saved $$ if they stayed at Sandals . Of course that depends on how much & what type of food & drink each person prefers!

 

Good luck planning!

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by classadiva Hi,   Thank you for responding. As for the reasoning for staying at the Atlantis...one of the reasons I wanted my wedding in the Bahamas is because I wanted my friends and family to experience the place that I consider one of my favorite places in the world. Also, my VERY limited research on pricing seems to indicate to me that it would actually be cheaper per night to stay at the Atlantis during the during of the year that I would like to marry...this is particulary true as guests can opt to stay at the timeshare at the Atlantis which can hold several people in the two-bedroom units.   I am unsure at this point if I can afford the Atlantis and need to see just how many people MUST be invited. As such, I was looking into the possibility of doing my wedding and reception at Sandals. My guess is that while a few might stay the entire week, most would only come for a long weekend. I have no issue staying at Sandals and would certainly give my guests the option, but I just do not think that most would.   Either case..I'm still considering a Sandals resort for our honeymoon...looking into St. Lucia as of now.

[classadiva]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TA Jennifer Not a problem! You'll love St. Lucia - I just returned from there last week, such an amazingly beautiful island with the most gentle people! The Atlantis per nightly rate will be lower but the Food & Beverage prices are extremly expensive- most of my clients that have been to both say that they would have saved $$ if they stayed at Sandals . Of course that depends on how much & what type of food & drink each person prefers! Good luck planning!

Thank you...do you book just honeymoons in addition to weddings? If so...I will certainly contact you when the time comes.

[JenniferSS]

Most definately! Please feel free to comntact me for your honeymoon- I'd love to assist!

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by classadiva Thank you...do you book just honeymoons in addition to weddings? If so...I will certainly contact you when the time comes.