Cdrolz

Kimmy- I used Floral Arts for my wedding January of 2010. I thought they were fantastic. I had some very specific requests and I felt that they followed through very well on all of them, and was pleased with the outcome. I requested peonies which are out of season and must get flown in, they were perfect and they even added in extra peonies in my bridesmaid bouquets for free. I had a chuppah picture which they replicated beautifully. For my reception I had chiavari chairs, chargers, linens etc. The only thing was that they must have forgotten my napkins which were suppoed to match my turqoise table cloth underlay. However they added nice ivory hemstick napkins with a turqouise ribbon. I hardly noticed they were gone. Overall, I would recommend them. I thought they were professional, reliable and I was very happy. Best of luck with your planning!

Hi Ladies, I haven't checked this board since I got married back in January 2010! I am so excited for everyone getting married at the Atlantis- it was an amazing wedding and you'll be so glad you had your wedding there! SLM- I used Mandara for my hair and makeup. I'd have to check the exact prices- but it was pretty expensive. They try to upcharge you for EVERYTHING. I had extensions for my updo and they wanted to charge me $10 to "apply" each piece (I had 8 pieces)- even though they were the clip in kind. They wanted to charge $50 to apply fake eye lashes... I had the woman come to my room, and I want to say they wanted to apply the $75 room charge to both me and my bridesmaid.... Needless to say I argued with them for a lot of those charges, but overall I felt like it was too expensive for what they charge. However, in the end, she did know what she was doing and I was fine with the way I looked... On another note- I saw the recent post about the cake.... I had the "yellow" which I think is just vanilla pound cake with chocolate filling. It was hands down the best cake I have ever had in my whole entire life- I salivate just looking at my photograph of the cake. Worth every penny!

Quote: Originally Posted by classadiva Hi ladies, I know that you are out there...let's liven this forum up!! LOL How is it going?!! I know that one Bahamian bride is getting married next month. Do we have any new Bahamas brides? If so...when and where are you getting married and how is the planning going? Any recent brides that had weddings in the Bahamas? Would love to hear how it went. BTW...the last issue of Martha Stewart's Destination Wedding Mag had a bride that was married at the Cloisters in the Bahamas and whom had their reception at the One and Only Ocean Club...just lovely!! So I got the Martha Stewart Destination wedding mag- It had some good advice! I never would have thought to have brought a portable steamer to steam my dress! But I must have missed the Cloister wedding? Is it the wedding of Susan and James? (tall blond lady). If so, they were on a TV special a few years ago- AMAZING

That's awesome! Congrats. Which locations did you decide on??

classadiva- yeah isn't it's beautiful isn't it! O&O catered menus are $150+pp just for food. If you are having a really small wedding you could just have a normal dinner at the O&O though. Having the reception off Atlantis grounds is actually a great idea too, one that I didn't even think off until I had signed w/ Atlantis. Check out Luciano's of Chicago, we're having a rehersal dinner there, and I have heard nothing but great things (would be a good alternative to Atlantis reception). Not sure if Atlantis would give you a group rate if you didn't hold a reception there, but it's worth a shot to ask! I think you should not have a problem wandering around the O&O grounds to take photo's during your time slot (2 hours) based on my discussions with Dinah. Winter Cloisters time slots are 11AM-1PM for non O&O guests, and 3-5PM for O&O guests UNLESS no one from O&O books that, in which case you can move up to the later slot:). In the summer months the time slots start 1 hour later. Buses-... We haven't hired a bus company, though I might look into it. We are expecting ~ 60 guest, so I figured we'll be filling up the shuttle and they can hopefully just drop the guests off right at the cloisters on the way there. Haven't quite figured out the way back though! Oh, and that is correct about having the ceremony on the beach. The only place the O&O lets a non guest have their ceremony is the cloisters. If you want to leave your email I can send you all the PDF's from Atlantis, O&O, Luciano's, etc. I have a ton of info.

Quote: Originally Posted by ashly87 Cdrolz, thanks for sharing. Would you mind also sharing how much you'll be charged for the reception at Atlantis? ashly87- Atlantis receptions can vary quite a bit. There is no site fee, however food & bev minimums are $150/pp (can be applied over 2 events) though it's pretty easy to get to $150. Other than that there is all the other normal reception stuff to factor in- decor, DJ etc which is not cheap.

Quote: Originally Posted by classadiva Hi, Has anyone booked the Cloisters for their wedding? If so, what was the cost to rent the location? Does that cost include the set-up fees, costs of chairs, etc? Can you bring in your own chairs, flowers, minister, etc? Also, did anyone have their wedding at the Clositers and reception outdoors at the Atlantis? Thanks. I am having my ceremony at the Cloisters & reception at the Atlantis (Cave Bar) in January. The fee for the Cloisters is $3,500 which includes chairs (standard picnic chairs), waiter passed water, champagne, and cold towels I believe. Dinah Knowles of the O&O handles bookings for the Cloisters. Also-if you are not having a reception at the O&O you will be limited to the earliest time slot of the day for your ceremony, as they reserve the later time slot for their guests.

Hi Ultimateme143, thanks so much for posting your info! Sorry to hear Floral Arts didn't live up. We're you able to get some of your $$ back or rectify the situation at all? I'm going to be using them for my wedding in 6 months, and I hope I don't have any problems with them. What was the name of your DJ?

Hazel- How was your visit to the Bahamas? Did you figure out your vendors? My wedding is not until January, but I am looking into places to have my other events, florists, music etc now. My Floral Arts Quote is getting insane, as with every thing else, so any good ideas would help!

Hi, Thanks! They do offer a meal plan. The 2008 prices were $59/day for the casual dining plan & $89/day for the gourmet dining plan. However, this price doesn't include any drinks (that I am aware of), only covers breakfast and dinner, and you have to buy the plan for the entirety of your stay. We're going to already be providing a couple dinners for our wedding guests and didn't feel like this would be a good decision, so we passed.

I looked through the reception contract and it doesn't state anywhere that ALL guests have to stay at the Atlantis; just the min 10 rooms. But I really want the wedding to be there so the price of the guest rooms is not going to sway me one way or another. Plus I am sure Comfort Suites can't be thaaaat much less. Brittany @ the Atlantis and Dinah @ the Ocean club have been pretty good about getting back to me, hopefully that doesn't change!

Quote: Originally Posted by ultimateme143 Panning our wedding at Atlantis has been so easy. To be honest I am nervous that it is too easy. They have all the vendors available for you to contact so there is no need to search all over the place plus they come recomended. Floral Arts is the florist. That are wonderful. The website is www.floralartsbahama.com . There are about 5 different photographers and videographers to choose from. I am going with Kevin Williams. He sent me sample books free of charge along with online books. He worked with my budget and is very professional. Atlantis has there own wedding coordinators. However they only that care of the lagistics with the resort. They supply the DJ and offer a load of entertainment idea. Which includes a 'carnival' like parade, fire dancers etc... All you have to say is I want it and they can do it. But it is for a price. It is cheap? NO!! But I always say that you get what you pay for. I originally wanted to get married in Disney. But they doubled there prices and I did not feel that it was worth it. Feel free to contact me if you have any other questions. Hi Hazel. I'm planning my wedding for the Cloisters & reception at Atlantis for Jan 2010. I'm probably going to sign my contracts this week so any advice would be greatly appreciated before I do so! So if I have my reception outside (I'm thinking the cave bar) all the guests don't have to stay at the Atlantis? They say everywhere in their brochures etc that you all have to stay at the Atlantis. What a relief! Have you heard anything about the Cave Bar?

We're getting married in the Bahamas January 2010. I'm looking forward to hearing everyone's advice. Thanks!