If I am havng a destination wedding should I pay for the hotel rooms of guests?

Question

Also, I am sending out information packets about the area we are getting married. Should I send these before or after the invitations?

Answer 1

This information is an excerpt from the following website:
http://www.weddingchannel.com/ui/buildArticle.action?frmSection=articles&assetPath=%2Ftemplates%2FArticles%2FNonContentSet%2FExperts%2FPeggyPost%2Farticle_destination_etiquette.html

"Accommodation expenses for attendants are a traditional financial responsible of the bride and groom -- and a few are even able to foot the bill for travel costs, as well. All other costs over and above those of a place to stay are the responsibility of the attendants. It's especially important that you make these details clear to potential attendants in your initial invitation. They will need to know the basic costs ahead of time before they can make a decision. Don't begrudge anyone who can't afford to accompany you -- whether due to financial restrictions or limited time off."

Although this is "ettiquete", I would still say NO to your question. A destination wedding is the same as a any other wedding with the obvious, you will be in paradise! :) You will still be inviting out of town guests just as any other bride who is asking her family to travel and you don't pay for those hotel rooms then.

When I was married my family was from Iowa and we getting married in Ohio. My Husband has a much, much larger family and we had made our home in Ohio so it didn't make sense to ask all of his family to travel. We invited our guests and they paid for their own hotel rooms.

They have several forums and articles about every wedding topic and I am sure that you will find some information to help you out.

You can send out the packets with the invitations if you like. This will give your guests clear cut information about your destination wedding to help them decide if they are going or not.

Here are some websites/wedding planners for destination weddings that will hopefully also help you out:
http://www.weddingchannel.com/travel/buildArticle.action?assetUID=3896&c=1194&s=1124&t=10&p=11&l=49599

http://www.destinationweddingsbywyndham.com/shared/wedding_planner.pdf

http://www.whollymatrimony.com/Webrings/destination.html

http://www.theweddingexperience.com/planner.html

At the end of the day, everyone will be in paradise. If you want to do something special for them, offer a service at the hotel/resort on your and your new Hubbie ... room service, massage (nothing extravagant), salon service, etc. This will be more cost efficient for your and your new Husband and you can still give your guests a great treat!

Congratulations and good luck!

Answer 2

If you can afford to pay for the hotel rooms you should. That will make the guests feel more comfortable about going.

You should send out "Save the Date" card now. They should say who is getting married, when, & Where, and the phrase, "Invitation to Follow". In this mailing you can include your information packets.

Answer 3

I would send the packets after the invitations and I would pay for only some guests (like parents, grandparents, etc.) and the people actually in the wedding. Good Luck and Crongrats!

Answer 4

You are not obligated to pay for the hotel rooms for your guests, that is an expense they are responsible for. You may be able to negotiate a reduced price for a group rate with your hotel, that way your guests will not have to pay as much. I would send the info packets after the invitations, not too long after though.

Answer 5

I don't think you should, just imagine how much the wedding is going to cost you alone. I actually just went to my best friends wedding in Florida and I'm from Illinois. Trust me, I don't have a lot of money at all. I was her maid of honor and my daughter her flower girl. I had to reserve rooms and pay for everything. It wasn't cheap, but I managed. I would send the information packets out before , because so they will now if they want to go or not. Good luck in what decision you choose. Congrats to you .

Answer 6

I would say yes you should pay for the hotel rooms if you want the people to come. As for the info packets send them out with the invites

Answer 7

No you don't have to pay for the rooms. Send the packets out after the invites so you know who is going. have extras on hand the day of.

Answer 8

I would suggest you send the info packet with invitations. If you can afford to pay for your guests hotel rooms then so be it...if not then I would suggest you clearly highlight the prices for the rooms so that there isn't any confusion on who pays for what.

Answer 9

You are only responsible to pay for the lodging of your bridal party. If you are sending save the date cards you can include the information packets with those or as an insert with the actual invitation.

Answer 10

My sister is getting married in Las Vegas and is only paying for the rooms of my mother and her fiance's mother. I would send out the information packets with your invitations. Congratulations!