Overwhelmed and need some help

First of all, I can't decide on a date because I'm worried about costs and the time frame to save the money for the wedding for me as well as my guests.

1. November hotels and ticket is cheaper but January gives us more time. January hotels are more expensive but the tickets aare the same.

2. My wedding is Saturday in order to accommodate guests just flying in for the wedding for the weekend so most people don't have to take time off from work. Under these circumstances, when and should I have a rehearsal dinner or should I do something else? Most people are flying in Friday morning or Friday night.

3. when is it appropiate to just have cake and champagne or just hordovres? I feel like I should serve a dinner but it's at Coyaba Gardens in the evening. It just doesn't seem to be the setting or time for it but this is my first real wedding so what do I know.

Any suggestions on how to keep costs down for the reception?

Where is your wedding location? Is it an all-inclusive hotel?

Choose the day based on when you want to get married. If it's less expensive in November less time is needed to save, and if it is in January and more expensive they will have more time to save.

If your wedding is on Saturday, which mine is too, have your rehearsal dinner later in the evening on Friday so if guests are coming in they can come. We are having a welcome BBQ the night before the wedding.

I'm not sure where your reception is located, but try to serve dinner. If you guests are traveling from far away it's best to give them a good meal. It could be heavy appetizers, or a middle of the road dinner, you can choose the least expensive thing you think will be nice. I'm skipping a wedding cake, and just having dessert at the restaurant.

Hope this helps.

Maybe you should get prices from a TA for both November and January. If you can save up the money you need then do it in November, if not, then January.

I would have a welcome dinner on Friday. If you are concerned for costs and might not do a wedding dinner, maybe only have a welcome cocktails party instead of a welcome dinner on Friday night. I know a few people here are doing that (possibly including myself).

You can do a heavy appetizer dinner for your reception. I don’t think that is a problem. I know a few brides on here are doing that also and some are just have cake and a champagne toast. There are no rules for DWs. You can do what you want for your wedding. Most people have never gone to one so they aren’t expecting anything.

I think you need to take a moment and breath! You get married when you want to get married. Don't let other influence your decisions. Remember why you decided on a destination wedding to begin with, to get away! It's only as stressful as you make it out to be. Relax. Pick your date and your place. You've got time.

Compare the costs for a November Vs. January wedding. Unfortunately you can't please everyone when it comes to a date, you and your fiance should make this decision. If people are traveling they may need to take a few days off from work anyway.

Some people are okay with just heavy cocktails but if they are traveling for your wedding you may want to have a nice dinner. You can put more of your budget into a dinner and scratch the idea of a rehearsal dinner or have just welcome drinks/ after wedding breakfast.

Good Luck!!

to be honest you should concentrate on what YOU and your FI want first and then think of the guests. if jan gives you more time and you would be less stressed then do jan. as for the reception, write out a budget (for you) and go from there. you're going to get completely stressed out if you concentrate so much on the guests b/c at the beginning everyone's all excited and saying they'll definately come, next thing you know people are trying to put their two cents in and giving an opinion or opposition to most of your ideas, and in the end there are people who were "definates" that dont come and some who said they couldn't make it that do!! in other words...DO YOU FIRST!!

I think you should do what you feel is best. Unfortunately, you won't be able to accommodate everyone. Go with what YOU both want and if people really want to be there, they will make it.