Destination Wedding confusion!

[ShannaL]

Hi Everyone! We are trying to plan a destination wedding, we first were shooting for Mexico April 2013. After some pricing we found, I thought we found a great deal, my fiance though thinks it is still to much to ask guest to spend. We found that December 2012 is a bit less expensive. What are average cost to expect your guest to pay and would December be to soon to do a destination wedding?? HELP!!

[Ploman]

We are going to Jamaica and our guests are payng $1800. This is more than I would normally spend on a vacation, and i was hesitant to tell our guests, but Jamaica is more expensive than other countries. We are offering a reception back home for the people who can't make it. We made it clear that we do not place any expectations on the invited guests to come, and that we know it is expensive and that many won't be able to make it. We also put that guest should put the money from any wedding gifts towards their travel expenses.

 

I think that Mexico is cheaper than Jamaica, but I wouldn't be too concerned with the prices. I know I was, but nearly everyone who had initially showed any interest has put their money down. It is a vacation for them too, not just your wedding, and I've found that many people are willing to spend it.

 

As for the timing, I think you could definitely do it for December planning wise, the only issue would be telling your guests so that they can save up. Have you warned them that you are going to do a destination wedding? The longer notice they have the more likely they are to be willing to put their money where their mouth is.

 

Many hotels book up their wedding dates far in advance (and take a while to get back to you). While you are deciding, you may want to contact the hotel and reserve a date just in case. At my resort they will change the date for free, as I'm sure most resorts do!

 

Good luck!

[ChocoTaco7568]

I wouldn't be too concerned with the prices. I know I was, but nearly everyone who had initially showed any interest has put their money down. It is a vacation for them too, not just your wedding, and I've found that many people are willing to spend it.

+1, We have found that many of our friends and family love that we have decided on a destination wedding. For many, it is forcing them to take an overdue and much needed vacation. Our guest will be paying +/- $1600 for 7-night accomodations and airfare and we're getting married in May of 2013. I would also recommend working with a TA as they should be able to provide you with better rates.

[Ploman]

I agree, definitaly use a travel agent. I got quotes on my own directly from the tour companies, and then went to a travel agent. It was about $250 per person CHEAPER through the agent!!

[mmb1117]

 You definitely have plenty of time. We got engaged in April and have our date set for November. We are getting married because it was the cheapest place to fly for us. I was pleasently surprised how many people were excited for our choice, but we do know that not everyone we would have at a wedding here will be able to come...that is sort of the trade off, but it's our day. Once I picked a country, I chose a resort. I did not use a travel agent and did not want to block off rooms for a group contract (other ladies on here will tell you about getting stuck with that bill). So, what we did is send out a group code so people can book the dates/length of time they choose. We chose an AI but we are certainly open to guests staying somewhere cheaper if it works for them. Good luck!

[janette34]

Contact a travel agent.  I planned on taking care of everything myself then my aunt offered her services and I'm so glad she did.  She was able to secure a group booking rate for us one year in advance and there were many other perks as well.  Because we had enough people book my husband and I were able to travel for free, we got free drinks on the plane, luggage upgrades & everyone in my group got a special gift in their room upon arrival at the resort (tequila and a fruit platter).  Also by booking as a group there was a guarentee that if the rates went down 45 days to departure we would get the difference refunded to us - it didn't but it was nice to know that it was available.  My guests paid about $1350, taxes included to stay one week at the Grand Sirenis Resort, flying out of Halifax, NS.

[starchild]

Hi, Shanna.  The others are right in that a travel agent is the best person to help you. 

  If you want to get some ideas of pricing, you might want to try one of the BDW Travel Agents.  They Specialize in Destination weddings.  You can contact them HERE!

[ChocoTaco7568]

Originally Posted by mmb1117 

I did not use a travel agent and did not want to block off rooms for a group contract (other ladies on here will tell you about getting stuck with that bill).

That's really unfortunate for the bride and groom.   This was one of the first question that I asked my TA, as it was a major concern. Once anyone makes a deposit, for a room on our block we are no longer financially responsible or accountable for that room.  I advise all couples to ask these types of questions up front and to become very familiar with the terms of their room block contracts.

[aquamaniac]

I've been to Mexico a few times, and my two cents is that the weather in December would not be as fabulous as in April. We've been in January before (to the Cancun side) and it was warm during the day and quite chilly in the evenings, plus I never got a good tan. December would also be a more expensive time, and less people are able to travel due to commitments they may have for the holidays or for work as it is year end for most companies. April is warmer, less busy (unless you go during Easter). I looked at criteria like that as we had originally thought about November or February, and eventually we settled on May (we leave in 8 days!).

[IndianWedding]

We wanted to do end of october due to hotel room prices but the best dates sell out fast.  My recommendation would be ot figure out what your priority is: date or price and then use that to narrow down the other and a destination.