Newb: Hawaii (Kauai) Vs. Mexico (Playa Del Carmen)?

[lillypaddd]

So relatively recent engagement that went down in Kauai, HI. Definitely decided on a beach destination wedding but we're having trouble deciding between going back to where the magic happened in Kauai or going to an all inclusive resort-- specifically Iberostar Grand Paraiso Hotel in Playa del Carmen. Mexico would ease a bit of stress in terms of planning but Hawaii is also amazing & holds sentimental value.

 

Anyone have any thoughts?

[tracyannhoward]

Where are you flying from?  And how many people do you really want at the wedding?  I went to a friends wedding in Hawaii and it was beautiful!!!  We stayed for a week.  I would love to get married there, but we live in Texas and most of my family is on the east coast - the amount of time it takes to fly to Hawaii was just too much for me to pick it for the wedding.  I want as many of our family to be there as can.  We chose Playa del carmen because it's doable for a long weekend trip.  Just a thought to consider in your decision making.  Good luck!  And congrats!  

[TAkathy]

Do you know if your guests have passports?  If they don't, will they be willing to get them? That will be required for Mexico.

Hawaii is magical and many people have had it on their "to go" lists but have not made it yet, so you could be helping them have that "dreamed about" vacation at the same time as celebrating your wedding.

Nothing beats the spirit of Aloha.

An All Inclusive experience can be fine if it's the right All Inclusive but they are not all the same and the Mexican experience will be very different from that in Hawaii.

A wedding in Mexico comes with other decisions and possibly some requirements (for ex: if you are having a legally binding ceremony, some states in Mexico require the bride and groom and sometimes the attendants, to be there several days in advance of the event.)  There also could be additional costs for translation of documents, etc so there are many things to consider in your decision.

It may be easiest to decide by determining what kind of event and experience you really want to have because any destination wedding will require things that wouldn't need to be done at if it were happening at home.

Make it what you want it to be and enjoy the journey.

[iWeddingMexico]

Congratulations!!

 

I think either location would be very romantic for a wedding however I do agree with tracyannhoward when mentioning how many people would you like at your wedding. Mexico generally is a bit more accessible in terms flight time, cost for hotel stays as well for the wedding due to the lower cost of suppliers. 

 

What could be romantic is a wedding in Mexico and a Honeymoon in Hawaii, man talk about a few weeks of paradise! *sigh*

 

If you decide to go with Mexico me and my team are always available to assist with any questions you may have, as well before your choice if you have any questions how things work down here I am more than happy to help.

[Moments That Matter]

Congrats lillypaddd on your magical Hawaiian engagement!!! and upcoming dw we're definitely biased toward Playa del Carmen (as we've demonstrated by choosing it as our home base however you would have amazing photo backdrops at whichever destination you choose - so Big Exhale - it's All Good!!!

 

For more inspiration, here are some magical wedding "moments that matter" Linc caught at our beautiful Iberostar Grand Paraiso Maya Hotel & Resort......with more at the album link here: Iberostar Grand Paraiso Hotel Wedding

 

happy research, and planning decisions - cheers! team MTM

Edited June 9, 2014 by Moments That Matter

[dreamweddings]

So relatively recent engagement that went down in Kauai, HI. Definitely decided on a beach destination wedding but we're having trouble deciding between going back to where the magic happened in Kauai or going to an all inclusive resort-- specifically Iberostar Grand Paraiso Hotel in Playa del Carmen. Mexico would ease a bit of stress in terms of planning but Hawaii is also amazing & holds sentimental value.

 

Anyone have any thoughts?

Hello lilypaddd,

 

As a wedding planner in the Rivera Maya, my advice is to see which destination will work best for you, by checking out costs for flights from both location, in most cases Riviera Maya, or playa del carmen gets to be cheaper than many destination. especially because its so central. 

 

A good start would be to talk to a TA, the owners of the forum can help for sure.