st. thomas hotel??

[TaraBinki]

Well I wonder if you just hire a DJ at Havana Blue that would solve the problem! I hope to god theres room enough for my guests to dance..I've had my heart set on it. I'm thinking if I design the tables in a way there will be enough space. I don't want a traditional sit down meal more like a lotta passed appetizers and open stations later on.

[Katiemac1082]

Where in St. Thomas are you ladies getting married?  I am heading down the next week to scope out a few places.  We are staying at Frenchman's reef, which is top on my list so far. any advise or suggestions?

[Willow188]

I'm getting married at the St. John Terrace at the Wyndham Sugar Bay, and then we're going to have dinner and dancing at Herve downtown. I liked the Frenchman's Reef, but I didn't find their staff to be helpful at all, and I've heard from several vendors that you have to work with only there's and they jack up the price. That being said, it is a very pretty hotel, and the gazeebo is gorgeous. I wished that I could have done my welcome party at the Rum Bar terrace, but unfortunately they don't rent that out.

 

Depending on what you're looking for, I'd check out the Wyndham and Bolongo Bay. I've also heard that Mafolie is beautiful, and if you're looking for a lush, tropical forest-type setting then definitely look at Villa Botanica.

[Gatorgirl]

Hi Ladies!!

 

We too are considering St Thomas and the Wyndham or Marriott Frenchmen's Reef for next Spring 2011.  We're going to visit next month to check them out! I've been communicating with both hotels over the last month or so and they've been pretty helpful. But they each told me that if we had a wedding there, that we'd be required to do a reception also. Or only receptions are allowed. But i'm reading in your posts that some of you are doing weddings only, and having your reception else where. So i'm wondering if they're trying to scam us and make us book both events, when we really dont have to????

 

We should share information and pricing to make sure they're being fair and we're all not getting ripped off!   I'm so glad I found some others who are considerating the same place. Yay!!

[Katiemac1082]

My fiance and I are going down August 30- Sept 2 and staying at frenchman's reef. So far that is our #1 choice but we have meetings with a few other hotels down there.  I am working with a destination wedding specialist who has been absolutely amazing with setting everything up.  I will be sure to report back everything I learn.  Do you guys have any particular questions I may be able to find out for you? They might just help me out too!

[Willow188]

GatorGirl - That's strange. I'm definitely only having my ceremony and a small cake and champagne reception on the terrace right after. Originally we were only going to do the ceremony, and whereas I"m sure the Wyndham would rather we had the whole thing there they never said it was required. We booked one of their terrace packages, and then made adjustments from there. I think it was just the St. John Terrace package. One tip, though: they charge you a $500 fee to have your wedding during sunset, but the sun sets on the other side of the island! They say it's because you still get the colors, but I think that's dumb. We opted to do it earlier and then have dinner at around 6:00 p.m. on the side of the island where the sun DOES set.

 

[TaraBinki]

KatieMac,

So funny we are leaving August 25-30th staying at Frenchmans to check it all out! Thats so funny!

 

GatorGirl,

I haven't gotten into too many details with the hotel just their standard pricing etc with them..I 100% want my reception at Havana Blue (hopefully its everything I pictured when I get there ) and will not be having the reception at either hotel however definately want the ceremony at either!

 

I've been working with Brian from the Wyndham and only mentioned the ceremony and blocked of rooms and he didn't seem to object so that seems kinda strange ya know? I can give you an update when I get back.

[Gatorgirl]

 

Hi there,

 

Yeah! I'm irritated that they're giving out inconsistent information. I too had been talking with Brian from the Wyndham and I specifically asked him that. My fiance and I are going over in Sept to check them out.

 

Willow188:

That's very helpful and good to know. How many guests is your package for?

 

TaraBinki:

Thanks for the heads up too on the ceremony and blocked rooms. Please keep us informed as to how it went once you get back

 

KatieMac

Would love to hear your take on the Marriott once you get back.

 

Forums are AWESOME!!!

[Willow188]

TaraBinki: How has it been for your working with Brian? I'm ultra paranoid that I'm going to come across as a Bridezilla, but I find him to be short at times.

[TaraBinki]

I Will definitely give you girls an update when I get back!

 

Willow - yes i have  found the same thing with Brian. I'm hoping when I meet him next week it will be different ya know ? when I look at pictures alone I tend to lean towards the St. John Terrace cause it looks more private and gorgeous than the Marriott's Terrace.

 

My thoughts are I'm sure Brian gets a tonnnn of emails and requests from Brides wondering things about a destination wedding but once he realizes we are the serious ones I'm hoping he will be more helpful! He better be if we give him a deposit anyways!

 

My worry is that we are now thinking of 2012 which is soooo farr awayyy haha like if I book out things now - what happens if communication stops etc? its not like I would need to really be detailed orientated till like a couple months before so I will turn into a Bridezilla ya know?