SOOO frustrated with my resort right now!

[DWbridetobe]

I'm so frustrated right now, that I'm not sure whether to cancel my booking at our resort and find something else, or try to salvage the planning I've done thus far and hope to God that something goes the way I envisioned.

 

My FI and I are currently booked at the Sandals Regency in St. Lucia for November. Before booking ANYTHING, I did my research as to what the wedding package included by talking to a CSR on their site. That was mistake #1. The wedding package we wanted only included a 'reception' for 2. We asked if we could include more people, as we knew that we would have a party of 10-20. Of course, he told me. No problem. He told me about the per person charge, and we figured the amount. We were ok with an extra couple hundred dollars. I specifically asked how long the reception lasted, and what events were included, such as dancing, dinner, etc. Dinner wasn't included (but hey, as an AI resort, that was fine since there's a LOT of restaurants on site), but cake and dancing and a "grand ole party". <-- His exact words.

 

Now, come to find out that it's a 30 minute reception! How in the WORLD do I get all the activities I want in 30 minutes. We can pay to extend the reception yes, but my FI and I are doing a DW to keep costs low... this isn't a 30,000 affair that it seems that DW usually turn into. For us, we're trying to keep it under 5 or 6 thousand due to the fact that we're both finishing up school and already have a lot of student debt to pay back. We're cheap, I know.

 

I asked if we could skip the so-called reception, and just have the cake. In which case, we will gather all of our guests at one of the restaurants. No... they reception includes the cake, and has to be on the reception site. Huh? So, now my guests have to shuffle back and forth if I even want a freakin' wedding cake.

 

I honestly don't know if I can do without the few traditions that we had decided upon. A wedding cake, father-daughter dance, even the first dance with my soon to be husband. However, none of that will happen if I stay at the resort we have booked. I've already made so many sacrifices to keep the wedding cheap, from not having my grandparents present (who are very important in my life) to giving up my "princess day" of a wedding I've always dreamed of. Until now, I've been able to come to terms with the sacrifices and compromises.

 

This is all in addition to the fact that we've been booked for weeks, and I still haven't been able to contact a WC. I've emailed the resort, my TA has emailed them, and I've made numerous phone calls. At this point, I'm willing to lose the $500 deposit we made to find another place that will work with us so I can have the wedding I want.

 

I'm just not sure what to do... I needed to let some steam off!

[McToasty]

Hey! You're a Toronto bride too!

 

Aww... that sounds so frustrating. Ugh, yeah, the added costs can make DWs so expensive. How much did he say would be to extend the reception beyond 30 minutes? wtf is a 30 minute reception anyway? I wouldn't even be able to eat a SALAD in 30 minutes. K, so it doesn't include dinner, so for the extra per person cost, you're paying for... reception-location space for 30 minutes?! That doesn't make sense at all... How much are they charging per person anyway? FI and I are getting married at PPC and it's $80US/extra person, but that includes food and... i don't believe there's a time limit, but your post makes me want to double-check that...

 

$500 is a lot to just drop. I wonder if there's any way you can get it back? I know ppl get a lot of perks through just... yelling... if being nice hasn't worked. I don't want you to give up the wedding cake, father-daughter dance, and first dance with hubby. I feel like those are so integral to an intimate wedding and make it that much more special. You don't want to look back on it with regret.... I've also heard of a lot of brides being super-negotiators and got a lot of stuff for free.. Any way Sandals will budge on this 30 minute thing?

 

I also feel your pain of not being able to contact the WC. I tried contacting mine for weeks just after we paid the deposit. I wanted to receive confirmation that they actually got the money. I don't know if they changed WCs at PPC, but the one there now, Miguilena or something, is amazing at responding quickly.

 

Ugh, I hope things work out for you!!! Keep us updated!

[JenniferSS]

If it's the same as the US wedding package then for the 30 minute reception it's 15.00 for cake, champagne and appetizers. For an extra 30 minutes its 25.00 per person-total 1 hr. keep in mind you'll have to supply your own music as that is not included for the reception.

 

Most brides that are on a budget will extend it to the hr reception- do everything in that time frame ( first dance, father daughter and cutting the cake) and then meet the guest at one of the bars for drinks and to continue the party!

[Emmers]

Wow, so sorry about your frustration.

[carolina24]

If you can't get anywhere with them soon, I say drop the resort. Yes its $500 but it's more importantly your WEDDING!!! Plus you will more than likely end up paying for whatever extras you really want anyway so you'd be loosing even more money. I know Mexico is a lot cheaper but your package doesnt add up at all. We are having the ceremony, cocktail hour, 3hour reception with food, cake and alcohol, DJ, dance floor, 2hour photog, and videographer for 5600 (for 50 people)! Good luck with everything!

[jenne]

You have to have what you want for your wedding day. Like you said, you have already sacrificed a lot by going away to get married to keep costs down, so you should make sure that you have the few things that were most important to you. If resort won't give it to you, try to get your money back and go somewhere else. I hope everything works out. Good luck!

[Cindy*]

I would have the wedding at a resort where you can have the things you want within your budget. There are lots of resorts that can give you what you want for your budget. However you would likely have to move your wedding from St. Lucia. Good luck, I hope it all works out so that you are happy!

[bikegirl]

I really fell in love with some of the Sandals resorts but I have crossed it off my list completely due to their restrictions. They seem to be the least customizable resort - so many restrictions with photography, packages, customizing, etc. I don't want to have that headache.

 

If you're willing to work with it, then stay. Otherwise, as the other girls suggested, swallow the $500 and go elsewhere. That $500 may seem like a good "investment" if you're able to find a resort that is willing to work with you.

[bikegirl]

I really fell in love with some of the Sandals resorts but I have crossed it off my list completely due to their restrictions. They seem to be the least customizable resort - so many restrictions with photography, packages, customizing, etc. I don't want to have that headache.

 

If you're willing to work with it, then stay. Otherwise, as the other girls suggested, swallow the $500 and go elsewhere. That $500 may seem like a good "investment" if you're able to find a resort that is willing to work with you.