Clearwater Beach, Florida

susanv66 · 08-17-2008, 09:22 PM

Hi ladies! Any Clearwater Beach brides out there?

I am having my wedding at the Hilton Clearwater Beach resort. My FI and I have vacationed in Clearwater Beach several times, so I am kind of familiar with the area, but I am looking for any good suggestions for vendors, hair and make up, restaurants for the welcome dinner, etc. Also, if anyone knows of any cheaper hotels near the Hilton that I could block off rooms at for my guests, please let me know.

TIA!

J.Monet Studios · 08-20-2008, 08:18 PM

Good choice! We have a lot of really beautiful beaches here in our area, and the Hilton Beach Resort is going to be gorgeous.

I have worked with some really great vendors in the area and know a fantastic make-up artist. She also does hair, but I know that she did make-up on the sets of HSN for many, many years. She specializes in make-up that can withstand the beach heat, sweat, tears, etc., but that also looks especially great on camera. Her name is Donna Camposecco, and I believe her email address is camposecco@gmail.com. If you want her cell number, PM me and I can give you that as well.

For flowers, I know that Redman Steele is fabulous.

Cakes ... I've heard really great things about A Better Cheesecake - .:: A Better Cheesecake ::.

Best of luck in your planning and CONGRATS!

futuremrsO · 08-21-2008, 03:04 PM

Hi! I'm a Clearwater bride and planning from afar. Only 2 months to go! Some suggestions that may be of help to you. I know how tough it is to plan from states away. I was lucky that my FI's family is not to far from Clearwater. Anyways, for hotels, there is the Quality Hotel on the Beach just down Gulfview Blvd. It's newly renovated and looks nice. Their prices were $100-$150 a night. There is also the Holiday Inn as well. I looked into the Holiday Inn in Indian Rocks which is 7miles south of clearwater and it was $100 a night for a block of rooms. Unfortunately they had 2 weddings already going on the same weekend as mine. It used to be a privately owned hotel before Holiday Inn bought it so it's not the same chain type hotel.

For a rehearsal dinner, I recommend Columbia's restaurant. They have really good food. They also can accomadate a party and make it semi-private for you. They are not badly priced either. It is right next to the Marriott across from Sand Key Beach.

For hair and makeup, I've heard great reviews of Darla Stafford. She comes to your location and apparently isn't too pricey. If you google her you'll see many reviews on her and her makeup assistant. I'm a no frills kind of girl, i never wear makeup, so we are just going to a local salon.

For cake, a lot of brides in florida go to thier local Publix. My future sister in law used them for her wedding and her cake came out great and tasted really good too. They have their standard designs on their website but you can also bring in a picture and have them make it for you. Best part is they are not super expensive like most cake decorators.

I think that's all I have. If you want more info feel free to PM me. Good luck with the wedding planning!

susanv66 · 08-22-2008, 10:23 AM

Thanks for all of the great information! I love this forum-everyone is so helpful!

Raeka · 08-25-2008, 07:36 AM

Don't know much about Clearwater but me and DH are thinking about taking a trip there for our first anniversary in October. If we decide to go I can PM you and I can check out some things for you.

lovethehandbag · 08-25-2008, 11:46 AM

Hi there!

Sorry for the late posting. I am getting married at the Sandpearl in December - just right down the road from the Hilton. The Hilton is a good choice btw! Anyway if you still need someone for hair and makeup. Try Elena from Epoch Salon. I've gotten several ppl referring me to her so I would say she's worth checking out! She also comes to you which is also good!

As for restaurants, Frenchy's Rockaway Grill has a nice laid back vibe and its right on the beach! For the rehearsal dinner we are having ours at Island Way Grill. Again, another referral with good food and nice rooms for private parties!

HTH! Good luck!!

susanv66 · 08-25-2008, 02:35 PM

I never thought of Frenchy's- I love that place! Great suggestion.