Jump to content

New and Desperately Seeking A Destination!


Stephen81

Recommended Posts

Hello All!

 

My fiance and I are recently engaged (I took her to Prague to propose two weeks ago...we're all about travel), but we're really beginning to stress over where to have our destination wedding.

 

I've been trying to get recommendations from a travel coordinator but he's really pushing some resorts that he's affiliated with and I don't think I'm getting unbiased information, so I'm searching for someone new. After browsing this forum I decided that this might be the best place to go for honest opinions from people with personal experience. Our projected wedding date is the 8th of January, 2011...I know it's close but we don't want to wait because of some immediate and unforeseen health concerns with my parents. In any case, our priorities are:

 

1) Classy Wedding Location - my fiance is opposed to the beach because we have some elderly relatives attending and they don't do well on loose sand...if we could find a "hard" beach that might work

2) Inexpensive rooms - we want as many guests as possible to attend! We're inviting 80...realistically I'm anticipating around 25 to attend.

3) Lowish airfare - under 500 if possible...again, trying to attract guests

 

Our budget is 15,000. Do these priorities seem realistic with that figure in mind? We do want a few frills (a violinist and a quality photographer).

 

Please help!

 

Stephen

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 22
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Welcome to the forum! Spend some time, read others reviews of various locations and I bet something will strike a chord with you.

Often the resorts on the beach will have an alternate location for a wedding, ie a gazebo, courtyard, or some even have small chapels on site.

Good luck!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Congrats on your recent engagement and welcome to the forum Stephen. There are tons of places around the globe that could potentially fit what you are looking for. But the airfare helps narrow it down a bit. Are you thinking of the Caribbean? Or were you thinking of Mexico? Somewhere still in the US? I think the more specific the region you can narrow it to the more suggestions you may get. Undeniably I think Mexico has probably the best bang for your buck, easy airfare, and you don't necessarily have to marry on the beach. You could try looking around in the Mexico thread. Most destinations in the Caribbean south of Jamaica will run your airfare over $500 in January (everyone escaping the cold). I'm sure as you browse the sight you will find some great suggestions. Good luck and happy planning!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephen81 View Post
Hello All!

1) Classy Wedding Location - my fiance is opposed to the beach because we have some elderly relatives attending and they don't do well on loose sand...if we could find a "hard" beach that might work
2) Inexpensive rooms - we want as many guests as possible to attend! We're inviting 80...realistically I'm anticipating around 25 to attend.
3) Lowish airfare - under 500 if possible...again, trying to attract guests

Our budget is 15,000. Do these priorities seem realistic with that figure in mind? We do want a few frills (a violinist and a quality photographer).

Please help!

Stephen
Welcome Stephen,

To answer your questions:

1: Some of the resorts have gazebos and reception locations that are not on the beach. Barcelo Maya Place for example has a Grecian gazebo and you can have your reception in one of the grills, so it is not necessary to go onto the beach at all. You still of course have the beach right there for all your guests to enjoy. The Royal in Playa has the same thing with the gazebo and different reception options. I will post some ceremony photos below so you can see.

2. You can negotiate on the room rates through your TA with the hotel. The all inclusive are wonderful because your guests know exactly what they are spending for lodging, food, and drink. We have stayed AI for as low as $173 per night and anywhere up to $280 on a negotiated rate. I am sure there are some that go higher, but that is a good range I think. Your guests can get some great deals going through Expedia or what have you too.

3. We can get to the Riviera Maya for about $390 per person, and that is all the way from Portland, OR. The east coast is going to be a bit more, but it is still pretty easy. Many flights are just a hop through Atlanta.

I think $15,000 is fairly realistic for 25 people. There are a number of threads where brides have listed their budgets on here to you can get a good idea of what others have spent. One of the great things about destinations such as Mexico is that a lot of decoration isn't required! :)

:) Michelle

Here are the gazebo shots:

Barcelo Maya Palace

Click the image to open in full size.

Royal Playa del Carmen

Click the image to open in full size.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Welcome to the forum Stephen! DH and I love to travel as well and picking a DW location was completely stressful. But once, you find the perfect place everything else will fall into place.

 

Your budget is reasonable and very close to what I had. We got married at Dreams Puerto Vallarta and my brother in law was married at Dreams Cancun. I just love the Dreams resorts and truly believe that AI for group travel is the best due to pricing and all of the options they offer. For both weddings, most of the guests flew from Dallas, San Antonio and Austin and fell within your price range.

 

Both of the weddings were not on the beach, the ceremonies were at the resort gazebos overlooking the ocean. And the receptions were at at restaurant on property and a pool terrace.

 

Congrats on your engagement and happy planning!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I got married in Akumal and had the most amazing welcome dinner at a private villa on a lagoon and then married on the beach. It's a small fabulous town and either location is PERFECT for a wedding. Our wedding involved 75 people and our budget was similar to yours, which included one week stay at the villa and our plane tix. Hit me up if you want more details!!!

 

Congrats by the way wink.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Best Destination Wedding Sponsors



    Facebook Pinterest Google+ Twitter
  • Posts

    • Hi everyone! I have been doing lots of research on various wedding venues all around Mexico, my fiance wants a destination wedding and I am happy to have a wedding wherever so long as the vibe is right and guests are happy!  I have been seriously looking at Cabo Azul and was trying to find potential costs for them, but only found a page about their wedding costs from 2010. Does anyone have any updated information on costs / reviews they would like to share of this venue? Or advice in general, anything helps. Thanks so much, happy wedding planning to all!
    • Hello everyone, I am dreaming of a wedding in Costa Rica and was wondering if I could get any help with venues and wedding planners. I am thinking Tamarindo because a close friend of mine lives there and I've been in town more than a couple of times, she's being helpful but is at a loss when it comes to this subject really so I was wondering if anyone here had recommendations. I am not closed to other town suggestions either, if I happen to find a good place and staff somewhere else. These are the places I have so far, has anyone had any experience with any of them?  Stay In Tamarindo Luxury Villas in Costa Rica Luxury Villas Pinilla Tropical Homes of Costa Rica The Point Luxury Villa Thank you so much for your help!
    • Have you ever considered having a wedding inside a bubble? With the current global situation, many couples are looking for unique and creative ways to celebrate their special day while keeping their guests safe. A wedding inside a bubble could provide a whimsical and intimate setting for your ceremony and reception. Imagine saying your vows surrounded by a beautiful bubble filled with twinkling lights and flowers, creating a magical atmosphere for you and your loved ones to enjoy.
    • Adult only resort or not? Let's discuss the pros and cons of choosing an adult-only resort for your honeymoon. While some couples may appreciate the peace and quiet that comes with an adults-only environment, others may prefer a more family-friendly atmosphere. What are your thoughts on this? Have you had any experiences at adult-only resorts that you'd like to share? Let's hear your opinions and recommendations!
    • When it comes to planning a wedding, one of the most exciting parts is choosing the perfect wedding favours for your guests. These small tokens of appreciation are a great way to thank your loved ones for being a part of your special day and to make them feel appreciated.
  • Topics

×
×
  • Create New...