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And for many Sandals guests, that package also includes a tropical wedding or, in Sandals terms, a WeddingMoon. During our stay, we witnessed many couples exchanging vows in this tropical paradise. The WeddingMoon is now part of the all-inclusive offerings, complimentary for couples who stay five nights or longer (at least until further notice). Just as the all-inclusive package had made our choices easy--snorkel or glass bottomed boat? piña colada or rum punch?--we learned that the WeddingMoon package made choices easier for brides and grooms as well. "The couple doesn't have to worry about anything," explained Cassandra McKenzie, one of three wedding coordinators at the seaside resort. "I arrange for everything! All couples do is show up, choose a location for the wedding, pick out flowers and cake and that's it. The options are helpful to personalize their wedding." The WeddingMoon package includes many of the details: preparation of documents, legal fees, minister or other officiating party, witnesses, wedding announcement cards, champagne reception, bouquet and boutonniere, Caribbean wedding cake, video of your ceremony, 5x7 photo, candlelight dinner for two, "just married" T-shirts, and professional NTSC/PAL video of the ceremony. Looking for more? Additional services can be purchased -- everything from hairstyling to a calypso band to a champagne cruise.
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We found that couples with something special in mind need only speak up before arrival. "Sandals can provide just about anything for the wedding, however, guests should keep in mind that we are on an island and that a lot of items are very difficult to obtain on short notice," points out Jennifer Knowles, sales manager. "If a bride and groom have something special and unique they require for their day, then it is best to contact the resort prior to arriving on property so that we can make the necessary arrangements." One detail that Sandals can't work around, however, are local regulations. "Bahamian law requires that couples must be married prior to sundown -- so unfortunately, we cannot do weddings at dusk or once the sun has set, typically around 6 pm." Some couples opt for a private wedding without guests, while other couples choose to bring a wedding party. "I feel another special thing about choosing to be married here at Sandals is that guests can still share their day with their nearest and dearest, if they so wish," points out Knowles. "These guests can either stay here at Sandals or at another resort on the island and still visit on a day pass."
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For all its watersports options, however, we found plenty of diversions on land as well. After our fun in the sun, we headed for the shade of the billiards room to challenge each other to a game and to consider the evening's choices. Sandals Royal Bahamian has eight gourmet restaurants and, although the Caribbean restaurant and the Mediterranean show kitchen each sounded tempting that night, we opted for the classical French eatery. Soon we were seated at the intimate restaurant that overlooked the pool, which was aglow with the moon's first beams. "Would you like to see our wine list?" asked our white-suited waiter. We looked at each other for a moment and habitual budget concerns came to mind. Then, remembering where we were, we quickly smiled across the table. "Yes, please, we would," answered John.
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The all-inclusive package made our Sandals trip easy, just as the WeddingMoon has made thousands of couples' weddings both easy and memorable. From our couples massage to our days on the beach to the chance to order from menus devoid of prices, the resort helped us relax. Similarly the WeddingMoon helps couples to take the tension out of a wedding day. "Have fun, take lots of pictures, don't stress," said wedding coordinator McKenzie. "We're stressing for you. Be prepared to have fun and a wonderful honeymoon."
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Husband and wife team Paris Permenter and John Bigley have authored over 20 guidebooks and also edit the FREE Lovetripper.com, a romantic travel magazine featuring worldwide destinations.
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