Cruise Wedding or Sandal's Resort?

Question

Does anyone have any experience with a cruise wedding or Sandal's resort wedding? If so could you fill me in with details. If you liked it or not?

-What Cruise line/ Sandal's Resort was it on?
-Who all did you invite? (family, friends, etc.)
-How did it turn out?
-Do you regret not having a bigger wedding at home?
-Was it really expensive?
- What time of year did you have it?

Any details would be appriciated!

Serious Answers only please! THANKS!

Answer 1

The big difference between a wedding at home and a destination wedding is that you have to accept that if you have a destination wedding, not as many people will come. Now that being said, if you were having a small wedding to begin with, everyone close to you will still probably come to the wedding.

My sister is getting married at Sandals (more than likely). She has been very pleased with the event planners offered by Sandals. It is rather inexpensive and casual--which was the atmosphere she wanted. And she's having roughly 40 people. She has always wanted a beach wedding and Sandals does fabulous beach weddings. I think its a good deal cheaper than having a beach wedding at home b/c they are used to it. The set up is provided for you. Where as if she had a beach wedding here she would have to get a permit, rent the tables, rent the chairs, build some type of arbor/center focus point. You are starting with nothing so everything you use has to be specially brought in. Sandals has all that for every wedding, so its much cheaper.

She is getting married next spring. It's wonderful b/c down there it is so much warmer and unlike here, spring is not as rainy. Our springs you never know what the temperature will be--cold, warm already. Whereas in the tropics, the temperature is almost the same yearround.

I have also been on cruises when they were having a wedding. It was great as well. They take care of EVERYTHING. great for low maintence brides who really want someone to just take charge.

However I think Sandals is better b/c you can have a honeymoon cottage thats quite a long ways from the headquarters of the rest of your family.

It depends on what you have in mind for the ideal wedding. I think a cruise can do more expensive, more elegant and sophisticated. But a Sandals can do better casual, "destination style" weddings. I would think you get more alone time at Sandals than on a cruise b/c they dont know where you are. I have seen several cruise weddings but I dont believe any of the ones I've seen are less than 50K weddings though. Not to say you couldn't have one--but the ones I've seen looked very expensive.

Answer 2

I've known 2 couples to do the Sandal's Resort deal. They both loved it. It actually ends up a bit cheaper than a separate wedding and honeymoon, because they have all inclusive packages. When they came home, they had a reception for family and friends that couldn't fly down there. Both were in May.

I, personally, would never even take a cruise. Too much food poisoning. Good luck!

Answer 3

I had a friend do his wedding at Sandal's and he and his bride loved it! Service and details all came together for a perfect sea side wedding.
Now, My wife and I were married 14 Feb 1997 @ 0800. It was absolutely fantastic! We picked the Chaplain,if you don't know anyone in Orlando they have a list. Same with the photo's,and music. We even had our picture taken with Mickey Mouse! The fun thing is you work with coordinators and put your personal wedding together. I the bride is very much into Cinderella,she can arrive in the 'pumpkin tuned stage coach' with prince charming giving aid.Want vintage cars, or Mickey mouse walking you down the Grand Stairs in the Floridan Hotel all is possible !It is easy for guest to attend your wedding without buying a ticket to get in. I would do it again! We chose this over Sandal's because my wife loves Disney and while it was all inclusive,we put it to gather from an al'ecarte menue.

Answer 4

I would say a biggert wedding at home. My reasoning is simply that you need not entertain everyone for the entire time after the wedding. Also you do not have people upset that will not fly, or will not cruise, or who cannot afford it. Make the family get involved in the wedding at home. Offer a buffet meal where the family all chips in with the meal. It is inexpensive, and everyone gets to help. There would be a wide variety, and most importantly LESS SRTESS ON YOU!
Hope this helps!
P.S. When all is said and done, take a cruise, and relax ALONE!!!

Answer 5

cruise line much simpler and easier . check out Carnival Cruise Lines and see what they have