Saving your money by taking guest's money!!!

[echo2_62]

TOTALLY feeling you gals on this one! Right now I'm struggling with the fact that FI's parents haven't make any indication of booking their trip at all saying that they'd rather not just jump on whatever prices are available at the moment. And there are two frustrating things to their reason... a) we know that money isn't the issue, and we are fairly sure they are very, very unpleased about the time we booked because it's not ideal for certain members of his family (and p.s. when we booked our wedding, my own parents were unsure of their attendance due to the economy so am I supposed to ask forgiveness that not everyone in his family can attend?!?! Oh, but yes my parents are booked already!!).

 

Plus for those people who think that you're making your guests pay their way into your wedding, you could remind them of the other costs in the background for your wedding package and the dinner etc that is NOT included and, as many others pointed out, your guests get a full vacation out of the deal too!

 

I think the only thing getting me through this ordeal is the fact that we've got awesome friends who are very excited and were the first ones to book their trips! They all knew before FI and I were even engaged that it would be a DW so once the date and location was booked, it was a green light for them.

 

I hope that you are able to get a group of friends that are just as supportive of you and your decision because they will have SUCH a good time sharing your special day. Don't ever feel like you should make excuses for something that is going to make you very happy!

[autjo]

Please don't let the negativity get to you. Almost all DW brides get these kind of comments. The whole guest cost thing is a bunch of bs. If we got married in Phoenix both of our families would have had to travel from TX and KS. For the same travel costs they are going to an AI in Mexico. I've been to weddings all over the US and no one said jack about the travel costs becuase they were traditional weddings. Most people just don't think before they open their mouths. Hope everything works out for you!

[alkoch]

No matter what there is always going to be people who complain, I am having a similar situation, my FI's aunt just offered to look into venues locally - we all ready booked! and her daughter did a DW!!! Whatever I just keep saying that we will be there and if people don't want to come then that's their loss. I do have to say though that my grandma (who thinks we shouldn't get married at all b/c we are growing up too fast and hates the idea of a DW - "why mexico") is coming around before my FI's family - so miracles happen...lol

[Sloan]

Yeah the last time I checked I never held a gun to anyone's head and forced them to come to my DW. You dont like it and dont want to pay for it, fine. No skin off my back!

[BTurner]

Don't let others ruin your parade!!!! If they can't come - they can't come. You say to them you would love if they could come, but you understand not everyone can afford to do so. That you are inviting your closest family and friends and wish they could experience your wedding at the same time have a mini-vacation themselves. There will be lots of fun, drinking, partying and dancing, but if they simply cannot come, you will send them to your website so they can view your wedding video. That is all you can do. This is your wedding and even though some or even most cannot make it - their lack of attendance will not ruin your dream wedding! Wish I could be more supportive, but only having planned and in the process of planning our wedding now for only two months, I am also starting to hear the excuses, reasons, financial troubles. If you can continue to focus on what you and FI want and get totally immersed in your wedding details, the other will not matter. JMO. BT

[meghan]

I think almost everyone has to deal with someone who's been invited being a you know what. I know I have, and honestly, when it comes down to it, I don't want those people at my wedding. They don't have to go, and if they choose to go, they need to keep their mouths shut. I know it's easier said than done, but just try to ignore any negative comments and know that its not just you who is getting them.