How did you decide on a DW..

[babestaaa]

Hi everyone,

 

Ever since I was younger I knew I didn't want a traditional wedding..local, local church, everyone and your parents friends invited..200+..so and so. We always joked in the family saying I'd get married on a mountain.

 

So now we're engaged and planning a site visit to Mexico and I just came to wondering..what lead me toward Mexico? I looked at other islands and places and just didn't "feel" anything. But I feel very comfortable with Mexico as in stress free and looks gorgeous and laid back.

 

Two yrs ago I had a nightmare that everything went wrong at my "beach" wedding, I was in the DR and saw an awful set up and everything looked tacky..

 

Did anyone ever feel like this? My wedding is only 2 yrs away lol and I know I have time, but does anyone ever regret a destination wedding? Is what I'm feeling common? Somewhat like 2nd thoughts? (Although, I def know I don't want a local wedding..)

 

Thanks in advance!

[Smidge]

Most brides second guess themselves on everything until the wedding is over!  Select your date and location, find your dress, and you'll be surprised how everything else falls in order.  Once you know how you want to look on the day of the wedding, you'll be surprised how easy everything else becomes!

 

The Yucatan Peninsula is a great place for a destination wedding because it wraps toward the middle of the US, and unlike Hawaii and the Caribbean, it is within a reasonable flight time from just about anywhere in the US.  Today, guests usually need to travel no matter where a wedding is held, and I know my daughter's guests were happy that they were spending their travel dollars in a lovely resort on the Riviera Maya!

 

For your ceremony and reception decor, remember that you will be in a lovely, natural setting where less is usually best.  Add texture and definition to compliment the environment, but you don't have to do all the frills you might need in a venue at home.  Make sure you choose a resort where you can make your wedding your own, and it will be lovely. 

[babestaaa]

Smidge,

 

I really appreciate your response. My family and close friends are supportive..everyone else I share details with are like "why?" "that seems costly" and blah blah..but everyone else is fine with it So I think I'll definitely know once I go down to Mexico and see personally

Thanks again!

[Smidge]

Aside from our travel expenses, I don't think the wedding was any more expensive than a similar event would have cost at home.  Additionally, our guests traveled to a lovely resort, and most extended their stay to enjoy a vacation as well.

 

Here is a link to my reviews of the vendors and venue we used.  There are lots of ways to stage a wedding, and perhaps this can help you get started:

 

http://www.weddingmapper.com/plan_wedding/quintana_roo/cancun/0rkrb0

[alison15]

I think either way you go there are advantage and disadvantages.  Obviously not everyone can make it to the destination which can be a huge disadvantage.  What decided it for me, was going to another destination wedding (NaM) and seeing her 2 days before her wedding just relaxing by the pool and having fun her with friends.  I have been a bridesmaid  in 7 weddings and never seen a bride that relaxed and hassle-free so close to their wedding.  I want a truly enjoyable day and this seemed the best way to do it.  Also you get to spend more time with everyone at your wedding since they will be there for several days.  Some weddings you barely get to say hello to the bride and groom so it makes it much more personal.  Plus who can argue with the beautiful setting? 

 

We chose Mexico due to the cheap flights, many of the islands cost much more to fly to.  Our resort was narrowed down by the ones that offer a Catholic wedding along with affordability.  We also liked Cancun's proximity to the airport.  I sort of wish we had a smaller resort but there are both advantages and disadvantages to that as well.

[Smidge]

Ditto on allison15's comments about the bride being able to relax and spend more time with her guests.  Unlike "at home" wedings where everyone is together mostly at the events only, a destination wedding is much more intimate.  You have breakfast, lunch and dinner with your family and friends, spend time at the pool and beach with them, and just hang out for the entire weekend, not just the events. 

 

When you are searching for your resort, don't be put off by online room rates.  Your guests will receive a block rate that will be as much as half the going rate.  If you like a resort, contact the events department and see what you can negotiate.