Am I crazy?

[SunBride]

I think 2000$ sounds like a reasonable price for a very nice reasort coming from Regina (not the cheapest place in Canada to leave from!) Tell your husband that the people who can't afford that price can always wait and try to book last minute (especially, if like soembody else mentioned, you go with a chain like Riu where there are different resorts next to eachother in different price ranges). They may not get a spot, but if there is still availability those people might get the trip for about 500$ less

 

Try to go in early February instead of late February if you can. Since the university reading weeks are usually end of February the chances of last minute availability is a lot less (and price a lot higher, maybe not when booking in advance, but definitely when booking last minute)

[MrsFisher2B]

That's a good idea sunbride! I'll have to mention that to my fiance. You're right, Regina is not the cheapest place to fly from (and that's even IF they fly from here). Thanks for your advice!

[Kristy!]

Do you have to go with an all-inclusive? There are other options out there that make it more affordable for your guests. We're renting a private villa, but you could also do a resort that isn't AI. Just a thought.

[MrsFisher2B]

Yeah, the AI is pretty much a 'need' for our guests (not that they're alcoholics or anything . Good point though froggie! Thanks!

[TA Lindsay]

Hello fellow Reginan!

 

I have been getting prices for early 2009 for a couple of months now - and your budget seems completely reasonable to me! Let me know if there is anything I can help you with!!!

 

Lindsay

[DanielleNDerek]

I personally think $2200 is reasonable for an AI, especially since airfare is so high now. I mean if i was going on vacay I wouldn't mind paything that much for it. But i know that may seem high to others. Our guests are spending that much to go to our wedding but only a couple of close friends and relatives are going to make it to our wedding (32 total). There were a lot of places that were more reasonabley priced that i thought were as nice or at least comparable to our choice but my fi had some PITA requests (like jacuzzi tubs in everyones rooms). Looking back on everything i wish i would of picked a place slightly cheaper like $2000 pp. i know it's only a couple hundred dollars difference but to a couple, that's $400 different.

 

Agreeing on a resort is the hardest thing you have to do. Don't get me wrong, the rest of the planning isn't all rainbows and sunshine. But the resort choice is just so stressful. I'm sure you could find a resort $2000 or under that's comparable to the one you have chosen. Keep an open mind when looking at resorts. Have you talked to a TA, maybe they can give you some suggestions. I think the suggestion to look into a resort complex like the Ruis or Gran Bahia, that has different priced rooms would be a really great compromise for you guys. Goodluck!

[MrsFisher2B]

I agree with you Lindsay and DanielleNDerek. I think $2000 is reasonable...and like I said, if it were just an ordinary vacation, I'd be right in there looking for the best deal, cheapest, etc. BUT, this is our *wedding*...not an ordinary holiday. When I mentioned that to my fiance, he understood more. So I think we're heading in the right direction. I've been working on a 'resort comparison' chart just to make our decisions more on par. I have selected Gran Bahia, Iberostar Cozumel, Sandos, and Dreams to look at. Hopefully the prices for these don't sky rocket! We don't want to shut out Puerta Vallarta just yet though... we've heard good things!

 

Lindsay... where did you get married? The TA we've been talking to has said to "read the reviews from people who are geographically closest to you" because (she says) they'll generally be on the same level of expectations (*generally*). So I'd love to hear your experience!

Thanks!

[Ava]

We are going to Puerto Vallarta from Edmonton - with resort and flight, we are paying $1575 pp plus taxes. Hope that helps!

[MrsV-to-be]

I also agree that $2200 is a reasonable price leaving from Canada in Feb!

I would also suggest maybe try finding a resort close to PDC. That way, if someone finds it is too expensive, they can stay at another cheaper nearby resort. Also, explore the option of having an off resort wedding - there some great locations nearby that can do fabulous weddings. It can make choosing a resort much easier, if you don't also have to find a fun cheap resort that also has everything you want for a wedding!

 

But that being said - it can be done! I finally ended with El Dorado Royale, at $2100 (though that was in the first week of May).

[MrsFisher2B]

Ava, that's a good price! which resort? I believe it's still a bit more expensive to from Regina, compared to Edmonton/Calgary; however, it's not too much more (generally $100-$200 from what I've seen).

 

MrsV- I never thought about that, so thanks for the idea. it may be do-able and still please people! (p.s.- you look beautiful in your pic. I can't wait to have wedding pics!)