Reassessing my destination... for Mexico instead of Jamaica over the New Year - Not so Newbie (4 months)

[sunnymylene]

Hi all,

My name is Mylene, we want to get married around the 3rd of January 2013, travelling over the New Year. We are pretty locked in these dates due to overseas guests, mainly my Fiance's parents and sister. We are also looking for kids' friendly resorts.

We were actively looking for Negril, Jamaica since February and getting quotes back. Prices are above 2500$. And don't feel comfortable to submit these prices to our family and friends.

So since mid-march, we are now looking into the Mayan Riviera area, and now getting quotes back. It's now hovering around 2100 to 2300$...which is still above the 2000$ mark. And more quotes are to come in.

I'm hoping to make a decision by the end next week.

If anyone has experience with these travel dates and prices in the Mayan Riviera/Playa Del Carmen/Tulum, please let me know. Is below 2000$ for my guests unrealistic ?

Thanks all

PS already thinking of going to Negril, Jamaica for our 1-year anniversary though 

 

[JayKay]

Welcome! 

I would say that below $2000 is not unrealistic for Mexico over the New Years, but it might be limited to certain resorts.  According to our travel agent Christmas and New Years are the most expensive time to travel to destinations.  If you are set on your dates then you may be expecting to pay $2000 and above.

 

Happy wedding planning!

Originally Posted by sunnymylene 

Hi all,

My name is Mylene, we want to get married around the 3rd of January 2013, travelling over the New Year. We are pretty locked in these dates due to overseas guests, mainly my Fiance's parents and sister. We are also looking for kids' friendly resorts.

We were actively looking for Negril, Jamaica since February and getting quotes back. Prices are above 2500$. And don't feel comfortable to submit these prices to our family and friends.

So since mid-march, we are now looking into the Mayan Riviera area, and now getting quotes back. It's now hovering around 2100 to 2300$...which is still above the 2000$ mark. And more quotes are to come in.

I'm hoping to make a decision by the end next week.

If anyone has experience with these travel dates and prices in the Mayan Riviera/Playa Del Carmen/Tulum, please let me know. Is below 2000$ for my guests unrealistic ?

Thanks all

PS already thinking of going to Negril, Jamaica for our 1-year anniversary though 

 

 

[QBlicious]

Hi there,

 

I have a friend that is a planner in Jamaica...give it one last look and see if their company is able to help you. Their page is www.facebook.com/ChicweddingsJamaica Let them know QB sent you...might help. Let me know.

[lkterry]

Congrats!  It is great to have a budget for your guests and the more reasonable...the more who can attend.  Find a great TA and go back and forth w/ her to find the right place.  You will find it.

[sunnymylene]

Thanks QB for this info. It is coming a bit late though. I've had my head in resort choosing since mid-january, and I'm getting over it soon. Actually, we have stopped our choice last night on Now Sapphire in Riviera Cancun. Just in the process to find out availability for our date, and from there, we should make our deposit in the next 48-72h. I'm really excited about finally finding a place we like, at a price we like. Mexico is a great option since we wanted to do some central america anyway for our honeymoon. 2058$ all taxes in from Quebec City over the New Year. So JayKay, I think I got the price I'm comfortable to bring up to my guests. I was concerned about a couple people, and that's why I wanted closer to 1800$ but it's our day after all, and not gonna go to a lesser beach, tinier resort or whatever...

Thanks for your input ladies.

 

[sunnymylene]

Today is the race deposit day !

I need to take the people by the hands ! It's crazy.

 

it turns out with my date being preceded by stat holidays in Mexico, my ceremony will have to be symbolic. Mexico requires 3-4 full business days prior to the wedding... Where as Jamaica with less hassles of blood test and that, only requires a stay of 24h... That's why I was looking at Jamaica in the first place...

Can't go back in time now (brother already booked online the deal of the century). And Mexico is still a great option for our guests, dave and I further travelling in central america... Also I will avoid the blood test fees and notarization fees... which altogether are quite substantial.

 

We are getting married in town where we live. On our anniversary date the 17 of May... ! Dave and I met here 11 years ago while travelling, did the long distance relationship between here, Quebec City, and London (Ont.) for like 3.5 years (including his overseas trip), lived in Montreal for 2 years together after his overseas trip, we went to Aus for 4 years, and decided to come back to mother land to be "closer" to friends and family... So having a legal ceremony here in Van makes too much sense...

 

I'll keep my ceremony being symbolic on the quiet side for my guests.

 

Any input on the symbolic ceremony is appreciated ! also what else am i avoiding by missing on the legal ceremony ? aside from the fees ? 

 

Cheers !

[joda]

Hi Mylene, I feel like I have a connection to you! haha, based on your story. My now DH and I married after 10.5 years, we also lived in Australia for four years, and have settled back in Montreal where he is from (I am from Saskatchewan). We also got married at the Now Sapphire, and I can tell you, it was amazing. Let me know if I can help you out in any way, i am happy to answer any questions. We can chat about Oz too!

[sunnymylene]

Wow Joda,

that's amazing how we have already so much in common !

I just felt the need to share how Dave and I met because, we've been around and through some time...

I will go check you pics out for sure. I used to live in cote-des-neiges. Loved it. Hope the frenchies are treating you well and giving you enough work...or do you speak french ? That's what in the end made us leave Montreal, dave couldn't get decent work...6 years ago. We lived in Bondi and Surfers Paradise...

Cheers

[joda]

Hey, when I as first in Montreal for school I lived downtown and Westmount, now I am out in the West Island. I understand a lot of french, but I am not so great at speaking. Right now I am a SAHM so it is ok, then I will either have to pick it up, or we do still talk about leaving. We shall see! In Australia we lived in Sydney the whole time, we were inner westies. Do you know Marrickville? That's where we were. I will PM you with the answers to your questions, if not tonight, then tomorrow.