How to Choose between a Beaches and Sandals Destination Wedding
There are currently sixteen Sandals resorts on seven Caribbean islands and three Beaches resorts on two of the Caribbean islands, with more of both resorts on the drawing boards. The main difference between the two is that Sandals is for adults only and Beaches allows children. These deluxe resorts are my favorite venues for weddings and honeymoons. They're very elegant, with a high quality of service that make each couples' time together even more special! Both resorts are incredible and provide a unique venue for my couples to enjoy their wedding day with family, friends or just the two of them.
How Sandals and Beaches are alike
Sandals and Beaches are very similar in many ways. All the properties are located on some of the best and most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Both have the best inclusions, top-shelf alcohol and excellent dining options with delicious food and a variety of restaurants to choose from. The resorts have one of the top dive programs in the Western Hemisphere as well as wonderful snorkeling. They even haves designated rooms that come with personal butler service.
What makes Sandals different?
Sandals bills itself as the ‘luxury included vacation for two people in love’ and they do not disappoint. With many options that couples enjoy, such as couples massage, private pools, outdoor soaking tubs and showers, and candlelight dinners for two, their focus is on romance.
It is the perfect place for a destination wedding and honeymoon featuring gorgeous white-sand beaches, azure skies, palm trees, unforgettable sunsets, warm breezes, swimming pools, jacuzzis, beautiful tropical flowers and colorful birds.
What sets Beaches apart?
Beaches considers itself a place ‘bringing everyone closer together’. If you're looking for a kid-friendly destination wedding, this beautiful resort is the perfect place for you. You can still enjoy sunny beaches, delicious food at numerous restaurants, and drinks with the whole family in one convenient location! While adults will enjoy the convenience of all-inclusive, the children will love it too. Beaches strives to keep everyone in the family happy with special treats for all. For example, the restaurant menus include special selections that appeal to children. And there are always one or two restaurants on-site that are designated for adults only.
If you're worried about looking after your little ones while trying to enjoy the beach yourself, you're in luck! There are day-long programs, with planned activities and crafts, for children and teens. There are even certified nannies available for the little ones. Kids of all ages will enjoy the water parks, with several levels of slides. Whereas Sandals’ rooms are for two people, Beaches has more of a variety, extending up to some three or four bedroom suites, which can accommodate as many as ten people.
Both Sandals and Beaches are amazing places to get married and honeymoon all in one location
If it's an all-inclusive wedding package you're interested in, the wedding programs are identical between the two resorts. The planning starts with a phone conference with a Sandals or Beaches wedding planner who will take you through the various options available for your wedding and will arrange the preparation of your marriage documents. Basic weddings are complimentary, but you could add additional amenities if desired.
Complimentary Weddings offer a lot of value
If you choose one of the complimentary weddings at either Sandals or Beaches, it includes the following:
- Ceremony - Your choice of locations like a lush garden, right on the beach, or in a stunning over the water gazebo. You'll receive a lovely bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere of fuchsia Dendrobium orchids. Guests will be seated in comfortable, white cushioned chairs while listening to pre-recorded music of your choice while they await the start of the ceremony. You'll also get one professional 5 by 7 wedding photo.
- Reception – All tables will be set with white linens, silverware, and crystal glassware, and the guest seating will be white padded Chiavari chairs. The head table will include a beautiful centerpiece. Your cocktail reception includes sparkling wine and hors d’oeuvres, a 2-tiered white wedding cake decorated with orchids, and a bride and groom signature cocktail.
- Honeymoon – You'll be delighted by the romantic turndown service, including flower petals on the bed, on the first night of your honeymoon. Choose one morning on your honeymoon to lounge in bed with a refreshing mimosa while breakfast is brought to you. You'll also have a special honeymoon dinner in one of the specialty restaurants on the property.
Of course, if you want to upgrade your wedding package, many additional options are available!
Sandals or Beaches - it's your choice!
So, which is the best choice for you – Sandals or Beaches? Sandals is perfect for couples who would like to celebrate without children, and who want to have fun with their adult friends and family only. Beaches is perfect for the couple that wants everyone to be part of their special celebration. It is also ideal for couples having a second wedding who have blended families. Regardless of who you want to include, both are excellent choices, and your individual situation will determine which resort is best for your needs.
