HELP......Cannot come to a decision on a resort.....

[tweetybride]

Hi there....I am really tied looking for the right resort on the internet.....I have been through so many web sites that I am now frustrated....I am currently looking for a resort in the Carribbean......All inclusive 4-5 star resort that I can have my beach wedding......Nunber of guest would probally be 30-40 people. HELP!!!!!

[saradenise]

Have you chosen the island yet? How about the date?

If I were you, I would choose the island and the date first.

Then email or call the 4-5 star hotels to determine if they are even available the day you want to get married.

Then have all the hotels put together a quote with all the things you want (photographer, decorations, dinner for 40, daypasses for guests not staying at the resort, etc).

Then you will be able to compare quotes and make an informed decision instead of looking at glossy photos and websites.

[mobride]

There are many options out there to have your wedding in the Caribbean. If you want to go AI and all of your guests are adults then Sandals Resorts are the experts in the area of weddingmoons. There are several Sandals Resorts in Jamaica and 3 in St. Lucia. Other than that the islands that are known for having many AI resorts are Jamaica and DR. There are a few AI resorts in Aruba and the Bahamas as well. I stayed at the Occidental Grand Aruba this past September and loved it. I highly recommend upgrading to the Royal Club there. I am planning a wedding at the Club Hotel Riu Ocho Rios Jamaica for Nov. 9, 2007. the resort is new (just reopned as a Riu Resort in 2005). Riu is a good chain of hotels and offer several wedding packages and options. According to my research Jamaica is the easiest island to get married in;no blood tests like Mexico and DR require just have to send your docs. 30 days prior to wedding and arrive at resort 2 days prior. Aruba requires you marry at their town hall first then you can have a ceremony on the beach. DR requires an affidavit of celibacy which I find an invasion! So my suggestion is Jamaica if you're looking for no hassle and moderate prices for AI resorts or Aruba if you have more money to spend and don't mind getting married in the town hall first and sending your docs 3 months in advance.

Also as a side note, I was a travel agent for 2 years for a large travel compnay and Ijust left that job in '06 so I would be happy to help with any questions you have if I can.

[sunshineshan]

Hi,
I totally understand where you are coming from. It is totally overwhelming. I am working with a representative from destinationweddings.com and she is helpful but it is still really tough. I hav looked at many places as well.
Can you give a little more info on what you are looking for? Do you want to have a variety of activities? Is the beach really important to you? Do you want all inclusive or a le carte? How much in advance to the wedding are you thinking of arriving?
I have been to the One and Only in Los Cabos and it is fabulous! There is one in the Bahamas. It is in the range you are looking at. Beautiful resort, well kept in everyway, attentive staff. A bit pricey but it depends on what you are looking for. Also Grace Bay Club on Turks and Caicos is also beautiful. And similar in style to One and Only. There the beaches are some of the best in the world from what I have heard and read. Riviera Maya is beautiful by reports I have heard from first hand travelers. We are consididering going there. Azul Beach is a botique style resort.
Keep looking. Don't get frusted. You will find the place and you will feel so much better once that decision is made. At least that's what I am telling myself. Give some more details on what your vision/ expectations are and that will help offer other suggestions.