Anyone Else Having A Hard Time Picking A Resort?

[diadiamond]

Hi Everyone!

 

I always thought planning a destination wedding would be so much more easy than planning a traditional wedding, but I think that there are different challenges to each.  At first I thought that picking a date was going to be my biggest challenge because we wanted something that would be convenient for everyone, but realized that there is no perfect date.  We are still trying to pick something we think would be convenient and we're okay if people aren't able to make it.  

 

I'm having a hard time picking a resort to have my wedding at.  Initially I wanted the Melia Cayo Santa Maria because I had been there before and loved it.  My fiance's sister went there for a wedding earlier this month and said that the wedding was not good and the resort had definitely gone downhill.  She supports whatever we want, but was warning us.  Upon hearing this I started looking into other resorts.  Right now I'm looking at the Iberostar Laguna Azul and the Iberostar Varadero.  I was also looking at some of the Paridisus resorts in Varadero as well although they may be a bit out of our price range.  My fiance and I just started working full-time so we don't want to take any time off to visit any of these resorts and we would rather save our money for the wedding than travel right now.  

 

I'm just wondering if anyone else has gone though something similar when trying to narrow down a venue?

[Sabes44]

I had the same problem!  I had it narrowed down to 3 resorts and then starting working with a Travel agent.  I definitely recommend using a travel agent as they could help you decide based on what is most important to you.  I did a ton of research, got quotes, did budgets for all of them and did webinars before I decided.  I decided by price and what was most important to me.  I really liked my final 3 but the biggest factor came down to the resort (super intimate  and limited options vs. bigger and more options) and the wedding packages.  One reason I decided to do a DW was because I didn't care about a lot of the "extras" and some of the places were going to charge me $200-$300 just for a table set up.  I don't care that much about all the stuff on the table nor will my guests.

 

Good luck!

[Maggietron]

I spent several days straight looking at resorts, I finally found what I thought was the perfect resort, it had good reviews, and when I saw the pictures of the wedding location, it matched what I had in my head. It was on the beach, but not in an area where there are people on the beach or swimming in the background, with an arch wrapped in gauzy white fabric. I basically planned everything around that mental image I had. And then the resort decided to change to an exclusive luxury resort, so now I don't think I can get married there. I can't even bring myself to go back and start all over again looking at new resorts. 

[calgarybride2015]

Hi Everyone!

 

I always thought planning a destination wedding would be so much more easy than planning a traditional wedding, but I think that there are different challenges to each.  At first I thought that picking a date was going to be my biggest challenge because we wanted something that would be convenient for everyone, but realized that there is no perfect date.  We are still trying to pick something we think would be convenient and we're okay if people aren't able to make it.  

 

I'm having a hard time picking a resort to have my wedding at.  Initially I wanted the Melia Cayo Santa Maria because I had been there before and loved it.  My fiance's sister went there for a wedding earlier this month and said that the wedding was not good and the resort had definitely gone downhill.  She supports whatever we want, but was warning us.  Upon hearing this I started looking into other resorts.  Right now I'm looking at the Iberostar Laguna Azul and the Iberostar Varadero.  I was also looking at some of the Paridisus resorts in Varadero as well although they may be a bit out of our price range.  My fiance and I just started working full-time so we don't want to take any time off to visit any of these resorts and we would rather save our money for the wedding than travel right now.  

 

I'm just wondering if anyone else has gone though something similar when trying to narrow down a venue?

 

 

Searching resorts left my head spinning, so I totally understand and agree - home and destination weddings both have challenges. I feared I would pick a resort and it would end up being so terrible my guests would hate me! ha!

 

I also recommend getting a travel agent - they have so much experience that they can lead you to a resort that you may felt was out of your price range, but isn't!  that is what happened with us.   We ended up short listing all the resort she had suggested and none I thought would be a good price!!!  

 

I have been to Varadero, but I stayed at a Melia resort that was adults only.  They didn't do weddings either from what I could see.  From the research I did, I think you can't go wrong with Iberostar in Varadero.   There are also a few other newer resorts there you may check out - Oceans, and a Melia brand too.     The Paradisus should be top notch, as well as the Royal Hicacos (sp?) but it is also adults only.

 

Good luck!

[becassidy]

I had the hardest time. I wish I had talked to a travel agent before I made my pick. I would've gone with another resort that was priced about the same but on another area of Jamaica (we went with Negril). I am excited for Riu PTB, but they also had some hiccups like not accepting credit cards if doing group booking through them (theyre foreign why wouldnt you allow this?!?!) and only being able to email. Also, email the wedding coordinators, make sure they email you back fast and are helpful, theyre your connection until you get there. I am beyond excited Sophia gets back withint 24 hours max, and it makes me happy with our choice. Good Luck!

[projecttwayne2015]

I have been to Cuba several times for work (I am a travel agent). Depending on price and what you're looking for, I would suggest Iberostar and Paradisus if you're wanting something high end. If you're looking for something mid point, I would go with riu (weddings are almost 100% free) or memories.

[atennille]

Yes I think most brides are having this issue, you just want everything perfect. I think it;s normal

[MissJen3]

@@diadiamond I feel like you are talking about me in your post. Haha. 

 

Not only have I had a hard time picking a place, I have had one heck of a time even finding a TA!  I am beyond stressed out about picking a place. I think we have narrowed the destination down to Cuba. We originally wanted Punta Cana, but we are paying for our wedding, and want to make sure we are price conscious for our guests, and everything we have looked at in Punta Cana is above our price range. 

 

I also thought I had it narrowed down to the Memories resorts, but the more I read the forums, the more resorts I start to consider.   Who knew that even finding a place to get married would be this much of a pain?

[projecttwayne2015]

@atennile I agree, it took me six months to find my resort. I have decided to go with Dreams Las Mareas in Costa Rica. It's currently being built but looks pretty awesome!

[Sabes44]

Once I picked a resort I felt a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.  I was so stressed and kept going back and forth even though I ended up going with the resort I had originally picked.  Now the room block and wedding date is confirmed, save the dates are out and wedding website is done and I am taking a break!