Obxbrides.com Live Chat with with Wendy Coulson Murray & Jessica Chapman from The Sanderling Resort and Spa
Question: How many ceremony locations do you have? I am not sure I want to get married in the sand.
Do you have other options?
Sanderling/Wendy: Yes, we have the Main Inn Deck which holds 150 people and we have the Oceanside Lawn which can hold 225 people.
Question: Do most of the brides stay at the resort? Is a room to get ready in included in a package?
Sanderling/Wendy: Most of the brides do stay at the resort however some will stay locally at one of the homes. The Sanderling also has vacation homes.
Question: You do... are they close to the resort? Tell me more?
Sanderling/Wendy: There are 5 homes. Three 3-bedroom, One 4-bedroom and One 6-bedroom. They are located right next to the resort and get all the same amenities and services as the guest rooms. The best part is they are only a 2 night minimum and not a required week long as is the case on most of the Outer Banks
Comment: Perfect. A home might be our best option. Thank you.
Sanderling/Wendy: Regarding your question on a room to get ready....if your group confirms 20 room nights (10 nights x 2 nights), then your honeymoon night is complimentary. All weekend room blocks are two night minimums
Comment: Thank you. You have been so helpful. We LOVE your resort!
Question: We are thinking of your place and one other one, but want a place that has sort of a private beach. Is your beach public?
Sanderling/Wendy: All of the Outer Banks is public beach however there is no public beach access
near us, so you really have to be a guest to gain access close to our location. We have beach bellman that help us the day of a beach wedding to place guests away from where the wedding will be later that day.
Question: Is there enough room on the beach for 120 guests?
Sanderling/Wendy: Yes there is plenty of room on the beach for 120ppl. It's a beautiful stretch of beach
Question: Do I need to get a permit to use the beach?
Sanderling/Wendy: You do not need a permit to use the beach. Duck does ask that you register your event if it's at an event house. We take care of that for you. There are no fees.
Question: It is my understanding that there is a 10 pm curfew in Duck. Where do most people go for an after party? I know my guests and they will need a place to go.
Sanderling/Jessica: We offer the use of our Swan Bar for "after-parties". It's right across the street from the reception site and large enough to accommodate up to 40 people. We also can serve "midnight” snacks there.
Question: Do you all do room blocks?
Sanderling/Wendy: Yes we do room blocks. It's just a call in rate as long as that room type is available. It's available up until 60 days prior to arrival
Question: I have several bridesmaids that want to have their hair and makeup done that day. Will the girls from the spa come to our room or do we take over the spa? How does that work?
Sanderling/Jessica: Our Spa can accommodate quite a few bridesmaids for services, so we ask you to come to the Spa for the hair/makeup. This way they have all the equipment handy. We advise you to reserve the services in advance to ensure all ladies can be accommodated for the times you prefer.
Question: I am just exploring my options, can another hairdresser or makeup artist come to your location to do hair?
Sanderling/Jessica: Yes, other hair and makeup people are allowed in your hotel room.
Question: What about trial runs for hair and makeup? Are those costs included or ala carte?
Sanderling/Wendy: We do free consultations but for a consultation it would be at the cost of the services.
Question: I have seen sparklers at a few of the weddings I have been to lately... are these an option at your location?
Sanderling/Wendy: Unfortunately the Town of Duck will not allow sparklers. We can work with you on other cool ideas though.
Question: Do you have to stay at the resort to use the spa?
Sanderling/Wendy: The spa is open to the public and we do a lot of bridal parties that are not hosting their event here. We would love to have you.
Question: How far out do I have to look into making a booking for a Saturday in May? I'm assuming this year is pretty full, but 2011?
Sanderling/Wendy: We still have Memorial Day Saturday available in 2010, otherwise we currently have 2011 Saturdays available. They will book fast as we get into season.
Question: Where does my ceremony take place if it's raining. I really want to be on the beach.
Sanderling/Jessica: Whatever space you reserve for your reception would become your back up space for the ceremony.
Question: Now I have a few questions on food. Do you have a set menu for your brides to pick from? Are stations or sit down dinners more costly?
Sanderling/Jessica: We are very creative with our menus. You can choose from plated menus where you are in charge of selecting how many courses you would like served and we give you a list of options to choose from for each course. We also offer reception station and here again, we give you a list of items you can select from and you get to create your own experience. Menus range from $75 to $125 per person.
Question: We are out of town and not sure when we will have a chance to do a tasting. What do most brides do if this is the situation?
Sanderling/Jessica: We offer one large tasting each January, but if you are unable to make it that weekend, we invite you for a private tasting.
Question: That sounds great. We have some really picky eaters. Do you have veggie options?
Sanderling/Jessica: We do offer veggie options. The Chef is always prepared for a few vegetarians that announce themselves during dinner. Of course, if you know how many you have in advance, we are in great shape!
Question: Where is plan B for a rainy day if the ceremony is on the back deck?
Sanderling/Wendy: The ceremony is backed up in the reception location...most of the time that is the Pavilion, which works nicely because we can do seating on the dance floor and just remove it afterwards. The backdrop for photos is the Sound and Gazebo, so it’s still nice for the photos. Luckily, we have rehearsed but did not have to actually do this in 2009.
Question: I stayed at the Sanderling about ten years ago and fell in love with it as a teenager. Now I'm planning on a very intimate wedding with about 6 people. Is that possible or do you only allow large weddings?
Sanderling/Jessica: For a smaller affair like yours, we recommend a restaurant reservation for dinner and maybe a beach ceremony. You will not have to pay a fee if no chairs will be required. If you check out our website, www.thesanderling.com, we offer a small elopement package for weddings that are 20 people or smaller.
Question: I'll check that out. Do you still have the gazebo on the sound for a sunset wedding?
Sanderling/Wendy: We do have the Sound Gazebo, however since it's connected to the Pavilion, it can only be used if there is no other function over there...usually not a problem earlier in the day. We also have the two Gazebos on the Oceanside that would be options.
Question: Do the gazebos on the Oceanside overlook the ocean?
Sanderling/Wendy: They do not see the ocean...however for a small wedding there is a nice area overlooking the beach on the landing of the staircase at the North Inn.
Heidi says What about a champagne toast? Are these still popular or do most people just toast with the drink in their hand? If we go the champagne route are there a few to choose from. Also, are we allowed to bring our own?
Sanderling/Jessica: Champagne toasts are still popular and classy. We offer champagnes that range from $24 to $120 a bottle. We do not allow any outside food or beverages to be brought in. If you are on a tighter budget, toasting with existing drinks is certainly an option.
Comment: I'll take two of those $120 ones please!
Sanderling/Jessica: I will have a glass with you.
Question: I was wondering about outside vendors, suggested and mandatory ones.
Sanderling/Wendy: We have preferred vendors that we recommend, however you can use others. We do ask that especially with musical entertainment that we are just aware of whom they are.
Question: I have a question about the rehearsal dinner. Do most brides have the dinner at the Sanderling or go off site?
Sanderling/Wendy: We probably do 50% of the rehearsal dinners when the ceremony/reception is being hosted here. We can do rehearsal dinners too even if you are not doing your event here. We also can do Farewell Brunches.
Question: Can you recommend any good djs or bands?
Sanderling/Jessica: We do recommend Soundwavz.com and djobxweddings.com for DJs
Comment: Thanks. I'll check them out...
Sanderling/Wendy: The Crowd Band is local and excellent. Melon Belly is out of Charlotte and also a great option.
Question: What is a farewell brunch?
Sanderling/Wendy: A Farewell Brunch is usually the last day and just a time for family and friends to drop in as they leave to say goodbye. It's probably done more at destination weddings when people have traveled far distances. We have the Left Bank which is available for that with outstanding views of the sound.
Question: What is served at a farewell brunch? Is it a sit down or drop by kind of thing?
Sanderling/Wendy: It is usually a flow for people to come and go as they like. Chef attended omelet stations, etc.
Comment: Sounds like fun. I never thought of a farewell brunch. Great Idea! With everyone spending so much $$ to get here, it would be a nice gesture to send them off with food. Thanks!
Sanderling/Wendy: Has anyone already confirmed their Outer Banks location?
Answer: Still undecided. Looking at either late 2010 or spring of 2011.
Answer: We are looking at Sept or Oct 2010, if we are not too late to get our #1 vendors.
Sanderling/Wendy: October 16th is our only Saturday still available for fall 2010. It just opened up. Other days of the week are available too.
Comment: Wow! Thank you for checking. I will run that date by everyone tonight. This chat has been awesome. Thank you!
Sanderling/Wendy: It's our pleasure. Please email or call us with any other questions you think of after talking to everyone.
Question: I like the northern beaches but my fiancée likes Nags Head so we are still in limbo.
Sanderling/Wendy: They are definitely different...not so much the beaches but just the surroundings. Either is a good choice. It's quieter up in Duck/Corolla.
Question: Do you offer any limo services?
Sanderling/Wendy: We can help you arrange that or offer options, but it's going to be through a 3rd party vendor.
Question: Can you talk a little about the facility fees and what it includes?
Sanderling/Wendy: The facility fees for the reception depend on the day of the week. The Pavilion is $5000 on Saturday and includes the 30 x 70 tent, china, glass, silver, white linens, all tables including four cocktail tables and crossing guard. The ceremony fee on the beach is just the cost of the chairs or benches. (Chairs are $5.00 each; Benches between $30- $50). The ceremony fee on the Main Inn Deck or Ocean Lawn is $1000 and includes the chairs.
Question: How far is the Currituck Lighthouse from your place? We are thinking 'pictures' after the ceremony.
Sanderling/Jessica: The lighthouse is about 25 minutes up the road.
Sanderling/Wendy: We are about 15 miles from Currituck Lighthouse. We have a lot of folks that will do engagement photos the day before or after there.
Question: Is there a lighthouse closer?
Sanderling/Wendy: That is the closest lighthouse to us. :-(
Question: Is there any nightlife for my guests in Duck?
Sanderling/Wendy: We recommend our Swan Bar after 10pm. We can do an after-party up there and not bother any guests or neighbors.
Question: How late is the Swan Bar open?
Sanderling/Wendy: The Swan Bar can be open until....NC Law says no alcohol served after 2 AM though.
Sanderling/Jessica: After the 10pm noise ordinance goes into effect, we offer "after parties" in our Swan Bar.
Comment: Thanks. I also was hoping to go later than 10pm since most of our guests will be together. So that’s great info.
Question: I was mainly thinking of having my brides luncheon at the Sanderling before my wedding at our beach house. Do I just make a reservation at the Swan Bar or go through catering? There will be about 20 women.
Sanderling/Jessica: Depending on season and day of week this might be a catered function or become a restaurant function. Do you have a specific date in mind?
Comment: We are still up in the air. I don't know if we want to do the bridal luncheon on Wednesday or Thursday before our Saturday wedding or maybe Friday before the rehearsal. It will depend on our final guest count and when everyone is coming to the OBX. So much to think about!
Sanderling/Jessica: That sure is! Between Memorial Day and Labor Day, your event will likely be a restaurant function. Outside those dates I am able to give you a private room and cater it.
Question: If the noise ordinance is 10 PM, what time can I start my ceremony and reception?
Sanderling/Wendy: We normally do 4:30 PM ceremony with 5pm - 10pm reception. That's just a suggestion.
Question: What is your website?
Sanderling/Jessica: www.thesanderling.com
Question: I've been reading articles on liability insurance and event insurance. Does Sanderling offer this for their brides, or what should I do to make sure I am covered?
Sanderling/Jessica: The Sanderling does not offer Event insurance, this would have to go through a third party. We do have a force majeure clause in the contract to protect you from hurricanes and such.
Question: But what about liability insurance since I am the one buying the alcohol?
Sanderling/Jessica: We do not allow outside food and beverage. This makes us (The Sanderling) liable for the serving of the liquor.
Question: If we want to schedule a beach ceremony, do the tides become a factor?
Sanderling/Wendy: Depending on the number of guests or the formation you prefer it could be, but nothing that would not make us be able to have it on the beach unless there were EXTREME circumstances.
Question: Do you have a list of brides that I could email and get their take on how their Sanderling wedding went?
Sanderling/Wendy: Of course. You can also go read 11 reviews, mostly from last fall, on www.weddingwire.com and go to Sanderling Resort. If you want to, email me at wmurray@thesanderling.com. I'm happy to provide you with references.
Comment: I'll check out the wedding wire first. Appreciate that.
Question: What is your pet policy if we want to have our little dog part of the ceremony?
Sanderling/Jessica: We unfortunately do not have pet friendly rooms quite yet, but they are certainly allowed during the ceremony.
Question: Do you guys book more than one wedding at day?
Sanderling/Wendy: Definitely not two big weddings because we would not have the space for the reception. We might do a small intimate morning beach wedding and then a larger afternoon or evening wedding. It's really important to us that it's your special day. You are also getting our services and we will only commit to one
Comment: Well that's a great relief!
Question: Do you ever do private events, like luncheons, in the Left Bank restaurant?
Sanderling/Jessica: We offer the Left Bank as a Brunch option (we cannot use it in the evenings as it is open for dinner service)
Comment: Gotta go, here comes my boss, thanks all!
Question: I wish I could have joined in sooner cause I'm just thinking of questions, but I can email them where later?
Sanderling/Wendy: wmurray@thesanderling.com and jchapman@thesanderling.com
Question: Awesome. Thanks so much. My other question is regarding alcohol. My Dad wants a full bar but we were thinking just beer and wine. How can I not have a full bar, but have what he wants for he and his friends?
Sanderling/Jessica: That is really tricky...You can do a beer and wine bar and offer "signature drinks". Pick two of your favorites (one girly and one manly drink) and offer those throughout the evening. You can certainly ask the bartender to keep your dad's favorite secretly under the bar, but once someone else sees it...trouble...
Comment: That might work. I just don't want people trying out new liquor drinks at our expense, but I want my Dad to get his drink (Manhattan).
Sanderling/Jessica: Another idea is to do a full bar only during cocktail hour and then go to beer/wine only.
Sanderling/Wendy: Definitely keep dad happy!
Question: Could I ask that nobody did shots at the bar? I went to a wedding last year and the whole focus became the shots at the bar instead of on the wedding itself. Not that I have to have all the attention on me, but I just don't want a frat party atmosphere on the wedding day.
Sanderling/Jessica: We actually do not allow shots...the liability is just too much and we have the same sentiments here, the atmosphere changes to something that we do not thinks reflects the Sanderling.
Comment: Yippee, I like you guys already. Well, I know your time is supposed to be up, so I'm going to study the website info and then hopefully will have some dates to consider for 2011 if you are booking already? Thanks so much.
Sanderling/Jessica: You are so welcome, if you have any further questions, you can e-mail me at jchapman@thesanderling.com
Sanderling/Wendy: Hope to hear from you again soon. We are always here to answer any questions. Good luck with the planning!
