Calling all St. John Brides...

[Bridget810]

Hello! I'm new here, and completely lost on planning a destination wedding. My first choice is St. Johns, but now I'm not sure if it is affordable for me. I want to have a "real" wedding--a ceremony and a reception with food, music, alcohol & dancing, but everywhere I've seen is $100/pp for a reception. Any advice would be awesome!

[K&Rwedding]

Hey ladies my best friend is getting married in St. Johns on Oct 17th. I will post some pictures and get some info from her when I get back. I hope it will be helpful.

 

Here is her site and wedding location: might give you some ideas.

 

Saylor+Stacy

 

Kismet, St. John, US Virgin Islands, Caribbean Villa Rental - Home Kismet is the villa she is staying in and getting married in.

 

Most guest are staying at the Westin we got our rooms for $136 a night when we booked in May. Yahoo!!!

 

I will find out her coordinator and caterer info. I believe she is doing most of the plannign to save money.

 

Best of luck

[TheTomato]

How did you get your rooms at the Westin so cheap!?! They wouldn't budge on price for me and every room is well over $300. Ha! Hey Bridget... are you the same bridget from TripAdvisor? I think I just recommended this site to you :-)

[Bridget810]

Hi Kate! Yup, same Bridget! Thanks again; you have been incredibly helpful!!!!

[K&Rwedding]

I checked with my fiance and we are getting a special gov't rate, since he works for the gov't. But it is so cheap because Oct is hurricane season, so I believe that is why.

 

I do know that the other guests staying there for this wedding are paying around $280.

 

There is also a place called Ghallagers, or something like that were other guests are staying for cheaper.

 

 

The cost of food is really high there. A gallon of milk is $8.... OMG

[IslandLover]

Wow, crazy cheap for the Westin. Does anyone have any advice for honeymoon either at the Westin vs Caneel Bay after our wedding in St. Thomas?

[Bridget810]

Definitely Caneel. They are around the same price, but Caneel has 7 beautiful beaches (considered some of the best on St. John), while the Westin has only a man-made beach. Also, the Westin is oriented more towards families, so there will be lots of children. So, unless you're bringing kids, I'd pick the romantic Caneel Bay!

PS I asked my Wedding planner about that low price at the Westin--they got that rate only because it is smackdab in the middle of hurricane season combined with a group rate. I was quoted a group rate of $346 in June.

[BeachBride1317]

Can you give me advice on Hotels in USVI. How is the Westin st. john compared to Ritz Carlton Saint Thomas. I am just starting to plan a DW and I am so confused. I have never been to either location and do not think I will have time to visit before I plan to marry..

 

Thank You

Sandy

[BeachBride1317]

Looking forward to your input, advice and pictures on the October trip to USVI!

[IslandLover]

Hey there,

 

Ive never been to the Westin in St. John, but I have been to MANY westins and they are some of my favorite hotels. On St. John, the beach is man made, so that is a downfall, AND there are a lot of families. So very popular but not overly romantic as from what I hear Caneel Bay is on St. John, which is were we may end up staying for our Honeymoon.....Im still torn b/c I LOVE the MODERN look of the Westin, would like to know more about Caneel Bay which is MUCH larger, with some of the most beautiful beaches on St. John....7 beaches actually!!

 

The Ritz on St. Thomas ROCKS....we love it there...if you email me I can pull up some pics for you. This is where we are staying for the wedding. Mostly St. Thomas b/c it is easier for our guests....it is amazing! They have their own catamaran, beach activities, and well, it is the Ritz....I cannot wait to stay here!!

 

Problem with Ritz...$$$$$ if you want a wedding there. Now my FI and I are both doctors, and cannot pay what they want for a reception. Minimum of $5000 on reception ONLY and IF it is not sold out to another huge corporate event first, then if not, you wont get the spot until 3 mo b/f the wedding....I cant wait that long. Now this is for a spot where you can have dinner/dancing, ect. You can always just have dinner there and it will be cheaper....just depends on what you want...you have to call and talk to them.

 

Hope this helps

Amanda