Sandals Royal Bahamian - QUESTIONS!!

Erin1980 · January 28, 2009

I'm 4 months away from the big day at the SRB.

I'm in regular e-mail contact with my coordinator who seems friendly enough.

Here are my main concerns:

1. Onsite photographers. Are they awful? They don't have any sample pics and legally they can not email me pics of someone else's wedding for obvious reasons. I'm terrified they'll take hideous, cheesey photos and I'm more interested in editorials and creative B&W shots.

2. Day passes for guests. We will have approximately 18 guests. 5 of them are staying at Sandals, 13 of them are offsite. My coordinator has informed me that it will cost $150 for EACH GUEST for a full day pass to the resort to attend my wedding??

I understand a normal person coming to the resort, but this is my wedding. I'm already paying $3600 for the flowers and $75 per person for a cocktail and reception dinner. Why aren't they waiving (or at least REDUCING) the per-guest fee?? I'm p!ssed!! Can I ask for a compromise on this?

P.S. Anything anyone else can tell me about the Sandals Royal Bahamian would be MUCH APPRECIATED. I can't find anyone else who got married here and I'm dying for some PICTURES or first-hand feedback or general insider information!!

Flasong · February 4, 2009

Hi there...I can't offer much info but I will tell you what I know. I have stayed at Breezes Bahamas many times but since we knew we were getting married sometime this year, we toured Sandals last time we were in Bahamas (Sept 200. The resort is nice and has several places you can married. We really liked the pier. I guess normally it is used for massages but you can pay a little extra to use it for your wedding. They can also put chairs along the walkway to make it be like an "aisle." Also, my friend got married there a couple years ago and they loved their pics that Sandals provided. She got married in their garden gazebo. However, they may have changed photographers since then. We did go into the photoshop while we visited the property and looked at many beautiful pics.

It was only my friend and her hubby there when they got married, so I can't help with that extra cost question. They (Sandals) did tell me that my guests would have to pay $100 extra which I agree is a little pricey but most hotels do that. I spoke with Cara (wedding coordinator) while we were there and she was soo nice. We even watched (from a distance) a couple who had eloped get married on the pier:)

We also saw several rooms which looked very nice. Like I said, we didn't stay there and only toured so I am telling you what I saw and what my friend has told me.

I love the Bahamas but think I am going to get married in Jamaica since I have never been there before. Good luck with everything! Where are the rest of your guest staying?

Flasong · February 4, 2009

Hi there...I can't offer much info but I will tell you what I know. I have stayed at Breezes Bahamas many times but since we knew we were getting married sometime this year, we toured Sandals last time we were in Bahamas (Sept 200. The resort is nice and has several places you can married. We really liked the pier. I guess normally it is used for massages but you can pay a little extra to use it for your wedding. They can also put chairs along the walkway to make it be like an "aisle." Also, my friend got married there a couple years ago and they loved their pics that Sandals provided. She got married in their garden gazebo. However, they may have changed photographers since then. We did go into the photoshop while we visited the property and looked at many beautiful pics.

It was only my friend and her hubby there when they got married, so I can't help with that extra cost question. They (Sandals) did tell me that my guests would have to pay $100 extra which I agree is a little pricey but most hotels do that. I spoke with Cara (wedding coordinator) while we were there and she was soo nice. We even watched (from a distance) a couple who had eloped get married on the pier:)

We also saw several rooms which looked very nice. Like I said, we didn't stay there and only toured so I am telling you what I saw and what my friend has told me.

I love the Bahamas but think I am going to get married in Jamaica since I have never been there before. Good luck with everything! Where are the rest of your guest staying?

Erin1980 · February 4, 2009

Hey Flasong, thanks for the info!

At first I was crusty about the cost of the day passes, but technically that fee means my off-resort guests are Sandals guests from 10am-2am. They can use all the amenities, eat the food, drink the booze, so I guess it makes sense. Now I want everyone to come early so they make the most of their guest passes! It's just an annoying $1500 to tack onto the final cost...

We intend to book the pier but the resort is undergoing some changes at the moment and they told me I had to wait until 60 days before departure to book the pier because it might not BE THERE IN MAY. Wah! Fingers crossed.

My guests are pretty much divvied up between Sandals, the Riu on Paradise Island and the Sheraton/Wyndham/Casino complex.

Flasong · February 7, 2009

They might be getting rid of the pier? That stinks! I thought it was soo pretty. It'd be a shame if they do.

I heard the Sheraton on Cable Beach underwent some renovations so it should be pretty nice...

JC1114 · July 19, 2011

Hi Erin,

I know it's been a few years and you might not even get this...but on the off chance that you do, how was the wedding? I'm getting married there in about a month....nervous.

Thanks!
JC