JUST now started planning (if that's what you can even call it!)

Kasey04 · April 23, 2012

Hello fellow brides to be!

I am brand new to this site, finding it about 2 hours ago. I got engaged back in October 2011. I've spent the past couple of months planning a local "traditional" wedding. Then we started exploring the idea of a destination wedding and we are completely sold on the idea. My mother? ....not so much yet. She has many concerns about price, planning a wedding from afar, etc. I'm trying to rally up as much information on this subject as I can so I can prove to her that not only is it the best decision for us as a couple, but also that it can be cheaper for us (not necessarily for our guests, but if they decide to come they obviously didn't mind the price too much). We are having our wedding sometime December 2013 so I feel like we're getting a good jump on things. I can't wait to meet you guys and get your input while I'm learning the ropes of what a destination wedding involves. I think my biggest question at the moment is this. Is a reception at an all-inclusive resort pretty similar to a reception we would have at home? As in, is there music provided, dinner, etc? And do you know, if alcohol is included in the resort price, would we have to pay extra for the alcohol served at our reception? Of course it varies between resorts and locations. I was just curious if anyone had any input on this subject? Thank you for any and all information!!

principessa · April 24, 2012

Welcome & congratulations.

It definitely depends on the resort, but from what I understand your reception can be whatever you want it to be! If you want a traditional one, you can do it. If you want to do something different, I'm sure you could do that too! For us, we will have to pay extra for things like music - it will vary by package though! You could choose to go with a DJ, or maybe you could just get some equipment and do your own music you like? For us, we will have alcohol included for the dinner portion, but if we choose to stay extra hours beyond the dinner, we will have to pay for the alcohol per hour after. Hope this helps a bit

shanloveslexi · April 24, 2012

My soon to be father in law had the same reaction towards the destination wedding idea. When it comes down to it, its about what you and your finance desire! Go for the destination!! You sure did find the best site for info about a destination wedding! Good luck!

Dazeydawl · April 24, 2012

Congrats!!!! And welcome!!! It really does depend on the resort your at as far as price goes. But i wouldn't go in to the idea that you'll save alot of money doing a destination wedding than doing one at home. It is possible but once again depends on resort. You have to do alot of research and of course ask the WC at the resorts you are interested in about all associated fees. When i started doing this i was surprised about fees that i never even thought about like set up fees charged per person, i also read on this forum that one bride had to to pay a set up fee of $500 per table for the reception at one of the all inclusive resorts, and at some resorts even though they are AI you still pay for your reception dinner and drinks (this does not make sense to me, thats paying double for food and alcohol as its supposed to be included in the package price)

It also depends on how anal of a bride you are. Most of the 'free' wedding packages or cheap ones at resorts are very basic so if you have a vision for your wedding it can be expensive trying to bring it together but if your ok just doing basic then its great cause its free. Im pretty sure most resorts also have outside vendor fees that range anywhere from 250-500 per vendor. So if you chose a resort and get booked in and you absolutley hate the photographer the resort sticks you with (which is the most common thing brides dont use from the resort because they usually suck) prepare to pay an outside vendor fee to bring in someone you like.

Im having my wedding at a small boutique hotel the price per person for my guests ranges anywhere from 1200 - 1800 pp depending on what room they book but its not AI so they still have food and drink to pay for as well. Most of my guests didnt mind this as the resort still has complimentary breakfast and my guests dont plan on being at the resort all that much as they would love to see jamaica and do excursions which means they would probably be paying for lunch everyday anyway and we are also the type of people how like to go around and try different restaurants and the local food. So for me planning my wedding i had to go into it knowing i would be paying for a full reception and bar which means Ill probably be spending the same amount of money on my wedding as i would spend at an at home wedding and perhaps it might even be more, but hey im in jamaica!

There is a thread on this forum somewhere with a poll on how much you think your wedding will cost you. I think the most common answer was around 10,000-15000 but i could be wrong

sashaispretty · April 24, 2012

Welcome. Planning a destination wedding is a lot more fun than planning a traditional home wedding. So exciting. Think about it, you can spend a week in the sun and paradise.