Spring Break wedding... too many college parties?

[christina276]

I want to have a wedding near Cancun or Playa del Carmen, and it needs to be during Spring Break because so family members who are teachers and people with kids can attend, but I'm worried about there being too much of a college party scene. Any one been there during that time? Is the "partying" consolidated to the hotel zone in Cancun? Would Playa Del Carmen be safety away from that? Any advice?

[Kat81]

Quote:

Originally Posted by christina276 I want to have a wedding near Cancun or Playa del Carmen, and it needs to be during Spring Break because so family members who are teachers and people with kids can attend, but I'm worried about there being too much of a college party scene. Any one been there during that time? Is the "partying" consolidated to the hotel zone in Cancun? Would Playa Del Carmen be safety away from that? Any advice?

I am not sure about the partying but I do know that if you decide to do it make sure everyone reserves their hotel ASAP. I know all that area books up super fast.

[coppergoddess13]

You might try a resort a little south of Playa del Carmen- from what I've heard, if you can get a bit farther from Cancun, then you have a higher likelihood of getting away from the party kids. Also, and as much as this might suck, if you look at a more expensive resort, as well as smaller ones (I'm thinking Azul resorts, etc), then its less likely that spring breakers will be at those. We considered spring break time for the same reasons (family availability) and discounted it for the worry of spring breakers. Instead we decided to go right after everyone gets out of classes (except for some of the younger kids, but their parents are taking them out of school a couple extra days around Mem. Day). Good luck!

[manders757]

I am getting married right in the middle of Spring break... March 14th. Just make sure you are not in the center of Cancun and that your hotel doenst accept spring breakers. You should be fine!

[SunBride]

Quote:

Originally Posted by manders757 Just make sure you are not in the center of Cancun and that your hotel doenst accept spring breakers.

I don't get it - how can any hotel "not accept spring breakers"? How exactly do they qualify / know who the spring breakers are? I thought the best they could do was try to market their hotel towards a different crowd.


From everything I've heard I would stay away from Cancun, and also playa del carmen. I've heard Playa has also become quite the party zone in the past few years as it's got a good selection of bars. I would recommend looking in the area between cancun and playa (the resorts that pop to mind are Moon Palace and Paradisus) or south of Playa. Also look for resorts that are "family friendly" (like have kids programs and stuff like that) or if the thought of tons of spring break kids scares you then maybe adults only resorts? I don't think that most university students looking for a party go to adults only resorts as they are geared for couples. Finally, I think the more expensive the resort is the safer you are. I'll assume you are looking for 5* as that is what most brides do, and that alone helps because many spring breakers will go to the 4 or 4.5 star resorts, although some are richer and can afford the 5*

Another thing to keep in mind is that I know in Canada spring breaks vary by province, it can be anywhere from the first week of march to the last week of March (I know this for a fact as we were inviting teachers from 3 different provinces! One was 1st week of march, one was 3rd, one was the last week!) I'm not sure how it is in the U.S.

[christina276]

I was wondering if there were any hotels that had a "no spring breakers" policy. I know there are some in the states that have that. Thanks for the answers though! I've considering the Paradisus Riviera now!

[sstotz]

I had this thought about "Senior Class Trip"... I went to Cancun for mine the same time of year as my wedding will be.. I wonder if Cabo will experience any of it while we are there..

[CourtneyV]

I stayed at a resort near PDC last year during spring break. It was 100% booked, and there were definitely partiers, but it honestly didn't get out of hand where we stayed (at the El Dorado Royale). In fact, some of the people in the group we went with were "that kind of crowd", but the rooms were well away from the common areas and it was no bother. The resort was huge (in fact, some people complained too big... wtf?!) and that helped with the large, disruptive crowds. It honestly felt like the resort was deserted at times.

 

I wouldn't expect them do turn away college kids, afterall, they're paying customers too. Maybe some resorts do, but you can't let what other guests are doing get to you - just be prepared. If possible, have your ceremony and reception in a secluded location, away from crowds.

 

Ya know, some people don't like being booked with large groups (aka wedding groups!), since they tend to be loud too... just keep that in mind!!

[*Lo*]

I have been during spring break and I found it was actually more families with children. But I agree with what was previously mentioned, the more expensive the resort, the less spring breakers you will find partying there!!!

 

Avoid the Oasis resorts...they are HUGE for student travellers and are pretty much all partying during those times.

[*Casey*]

I would suggest maybe looking into an adults only, couples only resort. That way you weed out the spring breakers. I'm guessing that your guests will be spending most of the time at the resort anyway. I recently stayed at the Sun Palace in Cancun and it was wonderful! It was a smaller more intimate, adults only hotel.