I'm from Miami and my fiance is from NYC. By the time we get married we'll be in a different state because he's in the army. So no matter where we get married familiy is going to have to commute. We came up with the idea of getting married in Cancun to make it "fair" for both sides of the fam. The problem is that I know it'll be expensive for the guests (just like it would be for them to have to fly to any other state), should we pay for airfare or rooms? One of the pluses for a destination wedding was the price - we're only going to end up paying about $9,000 at an all-inclusive resort, w/our stay, ceremony, reception, etc. I guess we can afford to help the guests about but that would add on another minimum of $5,000 easily. Getting married in Miami or NY would easily cost $30,000 - $40,000. Any advice?
2006-12-29 02:03:42 · 13 answers · asked by stephyrose87 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
The entire cost includes : Our honeymoon suite for 8 nights, the ceremony and recption which costs about $2,800 (it's only free for under 4 people), spending money, sight-seeing, transportation, airfare, everything needed for the wedding (invitations, etc.) and the photography. So I'm not getting ripped off. However, for the guests to fly from NYC and stay 3 nights it's going to cost them $750pp. And $650pp from Miami.
2006-12-29 08:01:49 · update #1
I got married in September and we were in a similar predicament -- I'm from the east coast, my husband is from the mid-west, and we currently live in San Francisco... so any way we did it, our friends / family would have to travel. Paying for people is a very generous offer, but not expected and not required. I guess I would suggest that you only do that if you're afraid people who you really want to be part of your day won't come because it's cost prohibitive... in which case you might want to think about it. Otherwise, you'd be surprised -- we still had about 75% of our attendees from out of town, and they made it into a vacation for themselves, too. It might turn out ok... just see what people think. Good luck and have FUN!
2006-12-29 02:14:33 · answer #1 · answered by JoAnna A 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Destination Weddings are great for those having a small wedding and don't mind if many show up. You have to give your guests enough time (AT LEAST 6 months) notice to have a destination wedding. If you are inviting 50 people expect about 25% to not be able to attend (probably higher because it is a destination wedding). Also do NOT do a place like Hawaii if you want a low cost destination wedding. Hawaii does not offer all-inclusive pricing which means your guests will have to pay for flight, hotel, and food. My suggestion is to only look into all-inclusive places. That way you can get an estimate from a vacation provider and offer to pay a percentage of the sum. They will then summarize the remaining cost per person for your guests. Also remember you don't have to go far to get a destination feel. Canada offers a lot of quaint location that are quite beautiful and would be perfect for a small wedding. I am from Toronto and there is a great bed and breakfast in the area where you are able to rent a full house (fits about 30 guests) or two and have your ceremony and reception there. They provide food and your guests will have what feels like a mini vacation not far from home. The cost for this is actually quite reasonable ($10000 range everything included for two houses) and there is no need for extra costs like decor because it is quite beautiful already. Maybe that is something you can check out in your area. Either way it is up to you. You know the people you will include as guests on a personal level so it will be much easier for you to decide whether or not they will find a destination wedding too inconvenient. Weddings away from home can be joyous and exciting for all included so don't let anyone discourage you.
2016-03-28 23:36:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can afford, help your guests. It is a nice thing to do, it's still cheaper than the local wedding and you should have a better turn out. But again, that is not necesary or expected. People who want to be with you will have to put out some money anyway, and I bet they will enjoy Cancun. So don't feel obligated. You may choose to pay for the room even if only for a couple of nights (come guests might want to stay longer), and guests take care of their own airfare. But shop around for the best deals. I heard some airlines will give you a group discount for events like that. Hotels also vary greatly in prices. I've heard of hotels that do you whole wedding for free, you pay only for your stay.
2006-12-29 02:50:51 · answer #3 · answered by dahfna 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Work with a travel agent to find an inexpensive package for your guests, I had friends get married in Playa Del Carmen and it costs their guests only $500 each for a 4-day stay. I am surprised to hear that your wedding is $9000 at an all-inclusive resort, maybe you should look at a different resort that is not as costly.
2006-12-29 03:53:31 · answer #4 · answered by Jenny 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
talk to the resort...most give you a deal where if you invite so many people you get cheaper rates for them. dont offer to help anyone at first...if someone comes to you and cant afford it then offer to help out. that way those who can afford it arent taking advantage of to opportunity. there are also some resorts in mexico that offer free weddings. you shouldnt be paying extra for the ceremony if you go to the right places. I looked to get married there too and I found a nice resort with free wedding for under $5000 so your kinda getting ripped off with this $9000 unless its the reception your paying all the extra for. Like I said...shop around and see what kind of deals you can get. a memeber of my husband family was getting married in Dominican and they got a couples deal of $2000 all inclusive for 2 people for 1 week if they had like 20 people going.
2006-12-29 02:24:24 · answer #5 · answered by Jenn ♥Cadence Jade's mum♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vegas. Save your money from the wedding and put the money down on a house or pay off your car. Start your marriage off with no debt. It's one day. You're going to drop that kind of money on one day? That's like buying a car and smashing it into a wall "because I'm only going to do it once." Besides, how many weddings do you really remember 10 years later? None. Nobody cares what the brides looks like. Nobody cares how pretty things look. They want free food and free booze. You won't look at your wedding pictures until your 25th anniversary anyway.
2006-12-29 02:09:15 · answer #6 · answered by Joe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually, for destination weddings, the guests pay for themselves. This usually means that a lot of people don't go. And if one side is "richer" than the other, those are usually who will show up.
Have the wedding wherever you're living, is my advice. People will travel if they can. It's fair. Besides, you can't always have everything be "fair" in life or in marriage...might as well get used to this now.
2006-12-29 03:39:13 · answer #7 · answered by Pink Denial 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The $14,000 is still considerably less that the $30-$40,000 it may easily cost you in either one of those cities.
Talk to the place that you intend to have your wedding. Most times if you get a block of rooms, they will give you a break in the price. See what other ammenities they will offer you if all your guests stay with them.
2006-12-29 02:25:48 · answer #8 · answered by weddrev 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Often, the bride and groom do help pay for transportation and lodging. You can often get great discounts when booking airfare and hotels in large groups as well. Perhaps, since they would have to travel either way, offer to pay for their lodging and let themn take care of the travel arrangements. Talk to your hotel or one close to the location about getting a substantial discount if you book all your guests with them.
2006-12-29 04:16:19 · answer #9 · answered by Chrys 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the justice of the peace. Have someone record the ceremony. Send the tapes to family and bank the cash for your future.
2006-12-29 02:08:12 · answer #10 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋