Anyone having trouble with guests wanting to book at other resorts?

[mmb1117]

  Hi Ladies! Is anyone else having trouble with guests wanting to book at resorts other than Beaches/Sandals to save money? I am not sure how to handle this because $100 day passes will really add up but I don't want to force people to stay at Beaches/Sandals Negril either! Thanks

[TATrisha]

Hi!

I photographed a wedding at Sandals Negril, but to save money the bride had me stay in a different hotel.  It was the first (and last) time I've ever allowed it.  Not just because of the day pass, but it was a total pain in the butt.  I had no where to store my stuff, I felt out of place and I wasn't able to enjoy the resort.

If your guests know that ahead of time, and know the cost of the day pass, then that's their decision.  I personally (and I know people disagree with this), but I really don't think it should be your extra cost when people are coming to Jamaica for your wedding but choosing to stay elsewhere.  Now, if they LIVE in Jamaica, then that's another story.

[Chestnutblonde]

Have you given your guest the option to stay at Beaches Sandy Bay as well? That appears to the the least expensive out of the bunch (Sandals Negril, Beaches Negril, and Beaches Sandy Bay). Im getting married at Beaches Negil, but the guest have the option at staying at any of the 3 resorts (based on what fits their price point). We also have guests that are staying at other resorts, and while we are taking on the costs associated with the day passes, I am willing to do so being that I know some people have financial constraints, but are making the journey to our wedding. However, I will say that the majority of our guests will be staying at a Sandals/Beaches resort, but approximately 10 will be off the resort (not inclusive of my family in JA who I will also have to purchase day passes for). 

[Sheesh19]

The problem with Beaches Sandy Bay (for anyone getting married after November) is that Beaches/Sandals is no longer renewing their contract with the property owner.  So, basically anyone with children on your guest list is going to have to stay at Beaches Negril or somewhere else.  It's making me re-think my venue!

[AmberDragon]

I'm getting married in Turks and Caicos at the Beaches Resort.  A few of my guests want to stay at Club Med cause it's not nearly as expensive.  I'm not paying for their day passes and I doubt I will see them much.  We really don't want our guests to stay elsewhere, but it's their money.  Good luck.