Sandals Brides-----Roll call

[Tennyt1]

Hello Sandals Brides.  I have been looking everywhere for recent reviews, and other post by Sandals Brides but there aren't many.  And I know there must be some out there.  Please list the Sandals location of your wedding along with your wedding date.  And maybe we can help each other out.

 

 

I am getting married at Sandals Grande Ocho Rios on April 2, 2011.  We are going with the BB theme.

[mrs*j*2011]

I'm getting married in 17 days at Sandals Royal Caribbean.  We're doing the BB package with a 1 hour cocktail hour followed by dinner at one of the restaurants since we have a small group. 

 

There aren't many Sandals reviews on here but there are some.  I plan to write a review when I get back.  In the meantime, I've found the Facebook page to be pretty helpful (Fans Who Love Sandals Weddingmoons).  It was started by a former Sandals bride and there are a few TA's who actively participate so it's a good place to go if you have questions. 

[futuremissbk]

Hi girls!

I am getting married at Sandals Emerald Bay on March 19th!  We are doing the Beautiful Beginnings theme with 3 hour private reception. 

[Tennyt1]

Thanks for joining.  Lea....How exciting?  When are you leaving?

[Tennyt1]

Both of you ladies are getting married before me what have you both done to prepare that you think would be helpful anyway?  Are you both using photography on site?

[mrs*j*2011]

I've been letting my TA handle most of the communication with the WC at Sandals.  She (the WC) has been less than helpful so I'm just waiting to get there to finalize some details with the people on-site.  I did make my appointments to have my hair and makeup done the morning of the wedding - I decided to book ahead of time so I could secure a decent time slot.  It also allowed me to pay in advance in case there were any price increases.

 

I purchased a photography package they were running over the summer.  We're getting 210 photos (in both print and on a CD) and a bunch of other random stuff for $1300.  It comes out to about $6 per photo versus $20 per photo, which is what it normally is.  I was worried about the quality but I've heard from enough brides who had good experiences so I'm crossing my fingers.  Don't rely on your WC to inform you of any kind of promos or specials though...I was the one who asked my WC and the information she had was way different that what I was told elsewhere (and I ended up being correct). 

 

It helps to talk to other Sandals brides and get their take.  The WC informed us we would not be able to have chairs on the pier for our ceremony but I saw a video of a wedding with just that, at the exact location I am getting married.  I was also informed the restaurants don't allow more than 4 per table and you can't push tables together.  I spoke with a bride who just returned from Sandals Royal Caribbean (where I'm getting married) and she said large groups were eating together all the time.

 

If there was one piece of advice, I'd say find a good TA and make use of him or her.  They have a lot more pull than we do as brides.  They know the questions to ask and as far as I've experienced, the WC's in Miami are just sales people pushing extras on you.  I never once got that "warm and fuzzy feeling" while dealing with my WC.  I just felt like yet another bride on a very long list.

 

I know I'm coming off as pessimistic but I really do have high hopes once we arrive that everything will be perfect.  I found it a little bit frustrating that there aren't a lot of Sandals brides on here, as compared to some of the other resorts.  I'm a total type A personality and need to always know what's going on and the details of everything I'm planning so I've done a TON of research and really learned a lot in these past 6 months. 

 

 

 

[Tennyt1]

Yes I have had similar experience.  I actually just spoke to a SGOR bride and she said every aspect of her wedding was phenomenal.  From Videography to hair/make up.  I was told to do more of the wheeling and dealing when we actually get to the resort.  And that they have more leeway to help with whatever we are looking for.  I def. want to write a planning and review for Sandals brides too. Cause I know there are brides out there they do like 5 weddings a day at each resort.

[JB321]

Hey Ladies!!

 

I've been trying to find mors Sandlas Brides myself and felt like I was the only one posting for a while lol. I'm getting married May 14, 2011 @ SGOR as well Tennyt1! I went with the Chic and Natural theme and have been adding on just about everything lol.  We plan on having 75-100 guests. Here are a couple things we added:

 

4 tier cake, ice scupltures, violins (for walk down aisle), band for first hour, and dj for last 2 hours of reception, rose petals down aisle, and candle light rose petal walk while for entrance for reception, custom lighting for reception and welcome/rehersal dinner, sand ceremony, cupcakes, I'm sure theres more prob. When I first heard about all of the "extras" we could add we went a little crazy and I wanted to make it my own as much as I could.

 

Photography package we did there biggest one with the videographers, and we're also trying to bring in an outside photgrapher as a back up since I wasn't wowed by their own. (Pulling the strings on that as we speak). Some photos were cute and then the others were to say the least. I felt like any of my friends could take those shots.

 

We've been to the resort before back in 2008 so we are familiar. We still have to pick rehersal/reception/  and ceremony locations. Even though we've been there, it doesn't make it any easier. I def do not want a beach wedding, thats the only thing I'm sure of since I know I'll get annoyed by the wind and sand in my face. I thnking more of a tropical garden setting, but we are def going to take pics on the beach.

 

MRS.J, you sound a lot like myself. I was a little like wth? Why arent there as many sandals brides? A ll I can tell you is that I've been there and loved my experience with Sandals, we had a great time. But the thing I hate is the restrictions that Sandals try to impose on such a special day. I want the ceremony to feel like us, and that obv means spending more money.. which is a bummer. Either way I know it will be a day to remember.

 

FYI: I didn't even think to use a TA. I've noticed that so many people have. I'm sort of a bridezilla so have been doing everything myself and did enough research to write a book lol. But I plan on using one when we book our honeymoon. Luckily I've had great WC's, but I know how to play the game as well. You can always get your way  

 

I can't wait to share info with you ladies. Congrats!

[Tennyt1]

Welcome aboard JB!!!!

[wilsonj2]

Hi Ladies,

 

I'm also a Sandals bride! Getting married July 15 at Grande St. Lucian.  We are going with the BB theme for around 30 people.  The only thing I will probably upgrade is my bouquet.  We are hiring a steel drum band for the ceremony and using an IPod/DJ (not sure which yet) for a 3 hour reception.  I've been planning with my TA, who is wonderful.  Can't wait!