Am I crazy?

[MrsFisher2B]

Hi ladies!

 

so, I have an issue. My fiance and I cannot agree on a location for our Feb 2010 wedding. He does not want the resort to be more than $1700-1800/person (taxes included). I, on the other hand, think it's okay for it to be $2200 (taxes incl. with group rate...which seems to be the norm of the placed i think would be nice). I mean, as long as we get there, and our parents get there...then we're fine. He wants tons of people to go, while I could care less if anyone comes (as long as our parents come). so I'm looking endlessly at these stupid resort books trying to find a resort that he'd be happy with. I mean, it's our *wedding* not a random trip that we want the best deal on. I don't want to have my wedding at a hole-in-the-wall resort just to save a couple hundred dollars. It was his idea for the destination wedding, and he sold me on the idea. Help me out girls...Am I crazy?

[beth]

You should be able to find a lot of beautiful resorts that will come un under his (and your) budget expectations for your guests. It will depend on how long your guests stay, of course, but I would imagine the longest they would go would be Wed - Sun. Good luck finding your dream location....I'm sure you will find it!

[BandE2008]

I think this girl is from Regina (sask) Canada

if so, we do things very different in Canada. We only have the option of ONE WEEK.

That being said, I think somewhere between your and his price is reasonable.

I wouldn't ask guests to pay more then $2ooo

but thats just me - each to their own.

And honestly you can go basically anywhere for that price.

We got one of the top AIs in Mexico - Riviera area for that price.

[kevsgirl]

Maybe your best bet would be to go with a chain like the RIU hotels or something, because often they are side-by side and different prices. So you two could stay in the more $$$ one and your guests can choose (often from 2-4 other locations).

We were looking at the Viva Wydham in the Mayan Riviera and there were 2 with different prices.

 

Andrea

[MrsFisher2B]

Thanks for your opinions! BandE2008 is right, I am in Sask. I guess it's hard to look because 2009 prices aren't out yet either (according to the travel agent). I think $2000 is a good limit to be set at too...I don't want to impede the chances of guests coming. Regina seems to be limited in where the direct flights go too.

 

Thanks again!

[shellb]

It will also depend on time of year, if you go after a group rate (which can be a headache getting that 10 people confirmed), and where you choose. Jamaica is more pricey, than DR & Mexico.

 

We got a 4.5 star April '09 in Dominican for $1420 taxes in for group rate from Halifax. Regular rate was around $1800. The hardest part will be choosing your resort, believe me it was a weight lifted from my shoulders when we settled on one. I had to consider our families budgets not just ours.

 

It's good that you are ok with just your parents being able to come, but you should try to reach a compromise with your FH if he envisions a lot of people. Price will be a limiting option for people. I know I said I was ok if it was just me and my FH, but when my brother announced he wasn't going to make it last week I actually cried. Weddings will bring out a lot of emotions.

 

For prices, depending on when you get married in 2010, start looking around 12 -13 months out. I looked earlier and prices once we hit the 12 month mark dropped by about $150 pp.

 

Also, have you thought about Cuba. I think it's still slightly cheaper than DR & Mexico. They have some spectacular places for us Canadian brides if you don't have to consider US friends and family joining the celebrations (fingers that someday the embargoes will be lifted). Check out Travel to Cuba Hotels with Sol Melia Cuba Hotel.

[MrsFisher2B]

Thanks Shellb. We're planning for Feb...one of the expensive times of resort travelling. We'd love to go to Cuba but my sister and her husband live in California, and my FH's aunt and uncle live in Texas, sooo...we'd rather not make a hassle (they'd have to fly up here, then down to Cuba). You have made good points though. Maybe we're just getting ahead of the game! Prices could change either way in a years time

[Princess402]

I totally feel for your dilemna!

I was kind of caught off guard at the prices of nice hotels in Cancun/RM but mostly because my mom's family always goes for way cheaper (from what I hear). But the thing is that when I look at where they have stayed in the past, I'm sure they had a great time, but it is nowhere that I would ever even think of having my wedding! So I am having a bit of a hard time with my mom too at the moment... every place I show her she says looks "so fancy" with a nervous disaproving voice, which means "it looks too expensive!". Your FI (and my mom!) has to realize that yes this can be a fun family and friends vacation but first and foremost it is your wedding. I think you should try and keep costs in mind, and maybe compromise at say a $2000 per week max... at that price though you will still have a very nice resort for you and your guests. One other thing you may want to consider is booking a resort that has a variety of room categories so that your guests can save money by booking a lower category room but you can still splurge if you like and have the oceanfront suite of your dreams!

So, no I don't think you are crazy. You should love your wedding location, not settle for it so that everyone can afford to come. Hopefully you and FI can compromise a bit on what's an acceptable rate for your guests to pay and find something great that will suit everyone.

[MrsFisher2B]

aww Princess402, I hope you also find something that fits your dream! My travel agent hit it on the head, she said "you can't please everyone" because every person you invite may be looking/wanting different features. I totally agree with her, but it's not something I want to necessarily repeat to possible guests :S I think $2000 is reasonable, also because it'll be around spring break and it'd be nice to avoid spring breakers as much as possible. I assume they go to the less expensive resorts?! Anyway, I appreciate your input. I am glad (sorry to say!!) that I am not the only one with the dilemma! Hopefully we figure it out soon!

[Princess402]

That is so true! As hard as you might try, you can't please everyone...

So I would say that if you can't please everyone, you should at least make sure to please yourself!