Scheduling a group trip on day of the wedding??

[wendyL77]

Hi Ladies,

 

I would love your thoughts and honest opinions on this. 

 

I am getting married in St. Thomas in June. It started as a small event with maybe 5-10 people coming but now 35 people are coming.  I had already picked the Wyndham for the ceremony.

 

Unfortunately, they dont allow me to just make reservations for more than 10 people at their restaurants so my only option is to rent space for a reception ($1500) and pay per head for a reception, an average of $70.00 a head, NOT including drinks. I found this to be absurd, and refuse to pay that kind of money. We just cant afford it. So I moved the ceremony to 11:00 a.m. with cake and champaign after and planned on having everyone else meet up at night time for drinks and dancing at one of the bars (its all inclusive). 

 

 We were already going to organize a group outing that was optional for guests on one of the days we are there. We were thinking a sunset drinking sailing trip to St. Johns from 5pm to 6:30 because the boat leaves from the Wyndham. The price is $65.00 per person and those that don't want to go don't have to. 

 

Is it tacky to do this the day of the wedding? Since I am not doing a reception, is it making it seem like I am asking people to pay for a mini reception? If it is the day of the wedding, they have an upgraded appetizer thing during the sail that I can add to the trip that I CAN afford to pay for. 

 

Thoughts?

[NikkiT1021]

I don't think it's tacky but personally would move it to another day.  Some of your guests might think its tacky however that you are asking them to basically pay to go to your wedding when they're already paying for the trip.  If it were me, I'd move it to the day after, that way its like having a celebration of your wedding, not a recepton. 

[wendyL77]

Oh, i should mention..... Most people are arriving on Sunday and the wedding is Wed. Originally the plan was to do it Thursday but his best man (his brother), sister in law, niece and nephew and his mom all decided to fly out Thursday.

 

So I was trying to figure away to include them, but I am not sure if they would go on the sail anyway. 

 

If we dont do the group thing the day of the wedding. The wedding would be at 11:00 and then I would ask people to meet back up at 7 if they wanted for dancing, etc. I feel bad for not having a reception, but we are having an AHR. 

[NikkiT1021]

I wouldn't feel bad for not having a reception.  Its YOUR wedding. 

The fact that they're leaving Thursday puts a damper on the plans to go on the excursion Thursday.  Did they book their airfare already?

[paani]

I agree.. It's your day! Perchance if some of the family could adjust the departure to later at night, so they can come along for the trip, otherwise let them know that it is unfortunate timing.

Have a great time!

[paani]

I agree.. It's your day! Perchance if some of the family could adjust the departure to later at night, so they can come along for the trip, otherwise let them know that it is unfortunate timing.

Have a great time!