22sizzle

thinking of planning a summer 2005 wedding in st john or st thomas. to assure that friends/family can attend, would like to lock-in some (very)attractive airfare/hotel rates. With good rates, could expect 100 guests (from the 300 who would be invited to a local wedding)
suggestions/thoughts appreciated.

dekinjack

u cant lock in airfare rates until 6 mo before in many cases...get a good reliable travel agent to assist you and your guests....Caneel Bay, St. John is an amazing place for a wedding.

mewmon

As far as I know, you can book airfare about a year in advance. As for wedding accomodations, the Westin St. John has a Gazebo on the beach and the complex is beautiful. Many of the St. Thomas hotels have equally nice accomodations. For a less traditional idea, consider getting married at a private villa or on the beach. Your guests can rent villas or hotel rooms. Check stjohnweddings.com or bobdavisweddings.com
Good luck and congratulations!

iankra

Hey, we are also planning a wedding in Saint Thomas in Summer 2005 for a large group (probably 50-70). After reading this and the other threads on USVI, it sounds like it won't be too hard for our guests to find good hotel deals and airfares from the east coast, but half of our guests will be travelling from the west coast (Seattle/Portland), and we have not been able to find any advice about what they might expect to pay--the cheapest fares we have found for summer 2004 have been $700+ and involve two (long) stopovers. Does anyone out there have any advice on finding affordable flights from the Pacific Northwest, or simply an idea of what we could tell our guests to expect? Thanks in advance.

Saint128

I am currently planning my wedding for next April in St. John...the only possible cost saving measure would be to have guests rent villas as this is what we are doing. There are many beautiful villas in St. John and the summer is considered "off season" so you will have some great rates. Renting villas will save money in the food department as well since they can cook if they want. Airfare is another story! We are finding it to be a very long trip from the west coast and the cost around $800. Most airlines will not price out fares this far in advance and the price is very high! Please note that there are specific villas that will hold large wedding receptions..something to consider! We are having our ceremony during a 2 hours sunset sail! Good luck!

newbride88

Just be sure NOT to use the Ritz Carlton. The wedding coordinator there is a disaster. Her incompetence almost ruined our wedding. For so many people consider renting one or two private villas, get married on a beach and have it catered at one of the villas. You will be far better off than at a hotel, they are all wedding factories and you will be just another bride. Best of luck.

Dianebridle

You may want to check out Frenchman's Reef. Located on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the views are incredible. Their wedding gazebo is on their beautifully landscaped grounds, but is removed from from general traffic to maintain privacy. Pictures would be outstanding. It also may be more affordable for your guests.

Your wedding will be lovely, no matter which choice you make.

az

my son and his wife were married at magen's bay, st. thomas, last december. they used "weddings the island way" for arrangements--for more info go to http://weddingstheislandway.com/locations.cfm
that is their picture up on the web site.
they are willing to answer specific questions; let me know if you want to contact them.
our family rented villas and i can put you in contact with the rental agency as well.
all in all, it was an exceptional experience for every one involved. hope yours is even better!

floridabound

St John, absolutely. We were married on Trunk Bay after 5:00pm. Gorgeou island. I agree with one of the posters re: renting villas. They are so much more private.

Go on the USVI forum and many people will help answer your questions.

It's where I got all my info and a memorable wedding. Again, St. John gets my vote.

22sizzle

Newbride 88 - we are seriously considering the Ritz - what was the problem/problems?