Frustrated Newbie!!

[meeshie77]

Hello ladies.

 

I have been reading this site for a few months now (got engaged October 2010).  I think I might have poked my eye out by now if it wasn't for this site!! 

 

So my FI and I are having difficulty picking our place, date and resort.  We want to get married in April 2012 but my FI's #1 priority is picking a location/destination that is affordable for our guests (about 40 "said" they will go).  We decided that $1500-$1600pp, incl taxes, is what we are thinking.  Does anyone else have this as a priority?  The prices we are getting back are much higher.

 

Also, has anyone sent out STD without having a resort/destination picked?

 

Thanks for the help...I'm going so crazy I could just elope...

[J-me]

I know it's overwhelming, but hang in there - you'll find that perfect spot!

 

If you haven't already, try looking at Palace Resorts - beautiful properties and have really great group benefits! We are getting married at Aventura Cove Palace in April 2012, expecting about 40-50 ppl, and Palace just announced they're extending their current $1500 resort credit promotion (guests can use toward spa, golf, tours, etc.).

 

Good luck!

[steph2011]

I know it's frustrating to find a resort, because there are so many places to choose from.  It's probably easiest to contact a travel agent or two and tell them exactly what you are looking for and your budget.  That way they can do the research for you and help alleviate some of the stress.  I asked my travel agent to do some research and found that it was really helpful.

 

Good luck!

[meeshie77]

J-Me:  Thanks for the tip.  One of my TA's was suggesting the Hard Rock/Palace in the DR for that very reason.  I think I will have to relook at the Palace resorts for that   Congrats on your choice...gorgeous resort!!  Do you mind me asking what the rates were for that resort??

[starchild]

Accommodating everyone can be tough but with the help of a travel agent it gets easier. Good luck and welcome to the forum! Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk

[marleydog]

Hi,

 

Sorry to hear that you're getting frustrated.  I agree with the other posts on here about speaking to a TA with your budget.  We had no clue where we wanted & found they were so helpful.

 

Congratulations & hope you get it sorted.

 

 

[meeshie77]

Thanks for the advice ladies!

 

I was working with 2 different TA's and both were quoting me prices in the ballpark of $1900-$2000pp...hence the frustration.  I am normally not frustrated easy but I guess this is the hardest part of DW planning from what I've heard.  Would anyone be comfortable sharing what their guests will be paying pp with tax?  It may be time to find a different TA

[AfricanVenus]

I'm a negotiator by nature, so I bargain everything down. My guests' budget was very important to me. You want people to come after all, lol. So mine will pay about $1100/person including taxes. I'm marrying at the Grand Velas Resort and Spa in Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico. Got a great deal from the hotel at $250/night and with flights, it's about another $500-$600. We're only staying a weekend though. I know people get better deals for staying the entire week, but my hotel is one of those top-notch deals, lol. All the best to you in your planning!

[JayKay]

I have a good friend who is currently in the same spot as you are.  They have decided around when they want to get married and now the hard part for them is deciding on a resort that is in their price range which is about 1500.  They originally wanted to get married in the Mayan in Mexico but found that prices there would not come close to their budget of 1500.  They are not looking at other areas in Mexico that are somewhat cheaper.  Like others have said probably you best bet is to find a TA, give them about how much you want to spend, and see if they can give you a list of 4 or 5 resorts that you can possibly research a bit further to eventually find your dream resort!

[mochamakes3]

meeshie - April may still be considered high capacity time, thus higher prices. This year, the low season starts in May because of the late Easter.

 

I totally recommend Palace resorts because of the group benefits. We chose a complimentary package and are getting a free private reception for the number of nights our group booked. Another thing you can consider is booking the resort and airfare separately. We are Palace members so we got a double occupancy room for $1400 pp and then flights were about $500 each. If you contact westjet, they offer a 10% discount to your wedding guests. WIth our membership, each person gets transportation, manicure, pedicure, massage and 2 free tours, plus the additional $1500 vacation dollars per room.

 

Just remember, if you find a place that is more affordable, you may have to sacrifice quality. We felt bad having our guests pay more, but we also wanted a 5-star wedding, not a 3-star crappy resort. Your priority should be marrying each other in the perfect place for you two, not trying to make everyone happy.

 

I think it's great to send out your STD early on to let people know to start saving.