Help me!

[jenleah]

I have been trying to pick a destination for about a month and a half now and my selections are all over the place. Our tentative wedding date is December 2, 2011. I'm trying to make it affordable for my guests, but exactly what I want in a destination wedding, which is turning out to be impossible! Ideally, I don't want my guests to have to spend more than $1500 per person travel and accommodations for 5-7 days, less than that if possible. We're going to have between 30 to 40 guests. I have been looking at Costa Rica, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, St. Lucia, USVI, and British Virgin Islands. It would be so much easier if i had Mexico in the running too, but my fiance is dead-set against Mexico. I have looked and looked on this website for solutions, but haven't come across any so far. Does anyone have any suggestions? I would really appreciate it. I'm driving myself crazy looking at this stuff, magazines upon magazines, hours and hours on the Internet. ...and a fiance who really doesn't want much to do with the planning. It's like pulling teeth to get him to talk about the destination. Thank you :-)

 

jen

[ambularose]

Welcome to the forum. My cost goal was about the same or less than yours.. I eventually decided that guests would just have to make their stay shorter..I don't know if that is an option for you though. Mexico would def make it easier to stay in that price range. Good luck.

[JanineA]

Welcome to the forum. I would have to agree with ambularose, perhaps you should see if a shorter stay for guests is an option. With that said I think Turks & Caicos is a beautiful destination (that's where I will be getting married) but of the places you have listed it is probably the most expensive as well. St. Lucia can tend to get expensive as well depending on where you decide to have your wedding. Have you tried looking at Jamaica. There are usually direct flights to JA from many airports in the USA & Canada and its a very affordable destination. Have you tried contacting a TA, perhaps they can help you narrow down your choices a bit. Good luck with your decision making and happy planning!

[jenleah]

I actually talked to a travel agent today and she has me thinking about the Dominican Republic again. I had originally decided on that in the first place, but changed my mind when I started listening to other people. I like the Dreams resorts, but I am not sure which one I like the best. Dreams Punta Cana has a huge pool, but I've read that it's a little run down. I haven't read a lot about Dreams Palm Beach or Dreams La Romana. Anyone have any idea which one would be better?

As far as price, I think people who originally wanted to stay 7 days are going to have to go down to 5 days to fit their budget.

 

Thank you for your posts.

[elisamarie]

I'm in the same boat as you. I'm calling the travel agent in a couple weeks to book a Nov/Dec 2011 wedding and the fiance is also against Mexico. I think we will probably end up with the Dominican. I've been there3 times to 3 different areas and they were all fabulous. Good luck with your planning!

[jenleah]

Do you mind if I ask what resorts you went to? Thanks!

[Punta Cana Weddings]

Congratulations & !!! You will love this site. Have fun planning your dream wedding!

---

---

                                                  www.mypuntacanaweddings.com                      [email protected]

[gersbja]

Hello and Wecome!!!

 

Im also in the same boat L I have been searching and researching over and over again.   I have heard that Jamaica may be the less expensive option, and looks very nice.  But I still am undecided....no date yet no location yet...not too much of a start yet.  Everyone on here is so great and helpful.  I  know i will settle on something soon, with everyone’s help and suggestions.  I just need to stop being indecisive and less picky .

[amh777]

Welcome!!! We had the same semi-dilemma... until I overruled everyone and said, "TOO BAD" I want a beautiful wedding at a newer resort with a big huge beach and big huge waves... so the people scared of Mexico (MIL, fiancee, etc) had to put that aside. Really, the violence in Mexico is not in the resort areas like Cancun...more border towns... I admit it does seem a little sketchy, but I'm just telling people not to go off the resort and stick together... just like you would in any major city.  All the same, I hope you find the place you both love!

[mrsgreene2011]

I had the same issue as I wanted to be considerate of everyone's financial situation. My FI was dead set again Mexico also. It wasn't worth the fight so we both chose Jamaica and most of my guest are staying 3 or 4 nights. They have some beautiful resorts. I would suggest that wherever you choose, don't require your guests to stay a certain length of time. I figured if people are willing to take the time and spend money, then they should be able to determine their length of stay. Good luck and congrats!