Cheaper to elope last minute or book ahead?

Hi!

 

I'm still wavering between a DW (that no one can seem to afford to go to) and eloping. I do have my heart set on a specific place (Azul Sensatori) so don't want to just go to any 5 star place in the Caribbean last minute.

 

I was hoping the TAs could honestly tell me whether I'd get a better rate if I wait til much close (within a month or two?) or if I book ahead of time (for next summer)? Budget is a huge concern for us so we just want to do what's best without compromising too much quality for the vacation.

 

Thanks!

I've been struggling with the same conflictions...DW that's affordable enough for everyone to attend or get eloped at a place without financial restrictions. It's really tough. We're not sure what we're going to do either.

Best of luck!!

I'd be too nervous to wait until the last minute...but goodluck with whatever you decide. No matter what, I'm sure it will all work out!

Are you concerned about close friends and family attending with short notice of eloping?

My wedding was originally scheduled for June 26 and it was to be a traditional one...with me in school and him in the military the planning proved to be to stressful so now we have decided to get married in December in Ochos Rios. We are leacing the option open for anyone who can attend and for those who can't we will be having a reception at our house. If you have to have your friends and family there then I would definitely not elope. But for us, it would be nice for our family and friends to be there but we know on such short notice most of them won't so its ok by us. Hope that helps!

I was wondering the same thing, I am seeing some awesome deals to go to Mexico now, but the quotes for next year seem really high! I am wondering if the prices will go down as it gets closer with discounts and such. I thought the travel industry was suffering!?!?!?! Where are the discounts, lol!

I think the cost of a wedding is a huge reason why I am leaning towards eloping versus having guests. That, and my FI and I have lived a private life for the past 3 years of our relationship, and it just makes sense. It would be sooo awesome to book something last minute instead of worrying about planning the wedding for over a year in advance! We both work ridiculously long hours and I am doing courses by correspondence as well, so we just don't have time to do it right now.

I personally think that if you have your heart set on a specific place, you should book early, regardless of whether you are having guests or not. You may want to look into the price protection offered by the Canadian tour operators - many will offer you at least one price match if the price of your trip goes down. Hopefully a TA can chime in with more details on that though!

I agree about booking early. Generally prices go up from year to year. You could also possibly get something written in the contract that says if the price drops they will refund you the difference.

Good luck!

I do agree, booking early is key. When I said last minute, I didn't mean a few weeks ahead of time, I am thinking at least 6 months down the road...long enough for us to get good prices, but possibly too short if we're expecting guests and need to accommodate their vacation time, etc. While I am willing to shell out more on a trip because of my wedding, I don't want to chance it by waiting too long for deals that just don't pop up.