My boyfriend and I were talking about them, because it sounds like something we'd want to do... do we pay for the guests to come or do the guest pay for themselves?
2007-01-04 06:05:13 · 11 answers · asked by Miss Shannon 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
It depends on what your motivations are. I just got married in Mexico this past December. We didn't pay for our friends and family to come. They came for the wedding and stayed to have a mini vacation (they didn't stay at the same resort).
It was cheaper than if I got married here in Chicago. If we had done it here it would have been around 100 people. Average catering bill without a hall rental here in Chicago is around 50/60 dollars a plate.
When planning a destination wedding the first thing you should do is pick a location.
Secondly, you should look at the hotels in the region that you would like to go to and see what kind of packages are offered. The hotel we chose had a FREE wedding package but we optted for one of the more detailed ones.
Third, you should give people travel options. Investigate travel agencies with payment plans, online booking services with payment plans, and plan the wedding with enough time for people to free up their schedules. Also, don't stress out if people start complaining, as some of our family and friends did. (It helped to weed out the bad seeds)
Sandals and Breezes have some nice packages.
Also we weren't in it for the gifts. We wanted to be together. If it is important for you to get gifts then this isn't the thing for you.
2007-01-04 06:28:51 · answer #1 · answered by Vernita B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are two different situations to consider:
1. Weddings were half the family is in one location, half are in a nother, and no matter were you have the wedding, one half will have to travel. In this case, were no matter what you do, guests will have to travel, you can expect guests to pay for their own travel but be reasonable. Don't pick the most expensive resort, etc - look for affordable options for your guests and also look into group discounts on hotels, etc if your guests all stay at the same one to help them save some money.
2. If most of your guests are from the same generally area and would not have to travel otherwise, they may expect you to pay for some or all of their expenses. What some couples do is pay for their parents and wedding party, and then let other friends/family know that they are welcome to come if they wish, on their own expense.
2007-01-04 10:29:51 · answer #2 · answered by Chrys 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I too am planning on doing this in the Dominican Republic.
My cousin got married their last year at a resort.
Usually guets pay for themselves. True, not everyone will be able to go or afford it, but that way you are saving more money instead of having it where you live with TONS of people.
Most resorts offer different wedding packages...some are even free! You just need to book a certain amount of rooms. They usually give you a good 'package deal' on that. And the resorts almost always give you a wedding coordinator/planner so you basically tell her/him what you want and everything is set up.
It's YOUR wedding and it's how YOU want it to be. Don't buy into the negative comments like, Oh that's selfish to do it far away. It will be such an amazing experience and how many people can say they got married on an island!!!?
2007-01-04 08:19:27 · answer #3 · answered by Mimi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually, the guests pay for all of the travel expenses. However, in order to reserve a block of rooms you will probably have to put some sort of deposit or guarantee that a certain # of rooms will be taken at the hotel. Otherwise, if you can't fill the promised # of rooms the hotel usually charges you. Destination weddings are extremely expensive because of all the travel costs - in addition, hotel weddings tend to cost a lot more per person (at least $200 per plate) than at local reception halls or restaurants.
2007-01-04 08:21:47 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It can work both ways, actually.
Usually, only a small number of people are invited. They usually pay for themselves. This usually means that not many people go.
To increase the chances of people going, or if you're really nice (and/or rich), you could pay for your guests to go. But honestly, the costs of sending 15 people to the Carribean (or Mexico, whatever) for even three days is pretty close to what you'd be paying to have a HUGE wedding stateside.
2007-01-04 07:45:59 · answer #5 · answered by Pink Denial 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest that you do a little bit of research on the net/in the library or bookstore. What kinds of places are you considering, stateside or abroad? Have a friend help you to organize a list of questions to consider before determing the location (city and hotel) and travel plans. Make a few phone calls and see if you can hook up a deal for your friends and family. It's just like planning a reunion. Keep in mind that some people won't be able to make it -especially without at least six to twelve months formal notice with all of the details (date, hotel, etc.) included. Have you considered cruise ships and/or area bed & breakfasts? The knot.com is the bomb!
2007-01-04 06:53:13 · answer #6 · answered by caeli 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
guests would pay for themselves...its like them getting a vacation at the same time. usaully you can get a pretty good deal. if so many rooms are booked then they all pay a lower price. I was invited to a dominican wedding. it was like $1500 all inclusive for 2 people or something like that. go through a travel agent to do it and they contact the resort and all details are taken care of.
2007-01-04 06:26:38 · answer #7 · answered by Jenn ♥Cadence Jade's mum♥ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
usually, you are expected to pay, but that isnt set in stone. if you ask guests to pay, some fam and friends may feel left out if they cant afford to attend or get the time off work. just elope with the hubby and have a themed party of where you went when you return for all to enjoy- thats how i wanna get married!
2007-01-04 06:09:26 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually the guests pay for their own airfare and accomodations. This isn't really a good idea for you because more expense for them means either they won't show or they show and give no present or less of one. I'd suggest having your wedding locally and using the money for the destination trip for your honeymoon.
2007-01-04 06:15:16 · answer #9 · answered by glitterkittyy 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My husband and I were married in Jamaica this past November. We paid for ourselves and the wedding party. Everybody else paid for themselves. I was truly surprised by the amount of people that came. We also paid for any group activities(Margaritaville). It's true you don't get many gifts, but the experience and your big day will be unforgettable. Everybody had a great time... and I had the wedding of my dreams.
2007-01-04 07:42:15 · answer #10 · answered by *Just Married* 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋