I know this is the NWR board....

but I had a question regarding wedding plans, and figured I'd post on here too since this board gets tons of activity (hope you don't mind). Like I mentioned in my previous post, FI and I are STARTING to talk about planning a wedding. However, with our recent house purchase, money is definitely tight! We are so involved in decorating and fixing up the place, that we really don't have that much saved for a wedding. My FI LOVES the idea of having a 'destination wedding'. At first, I was totally against it (because my Nana was alive at the time and couldn't make the trip - but she's no longer here with us :( ), but since things have changed, it's really something I want to look into. It would be kept small, with only very immediate family and close, close friends. However, I have NO idea where we'd go (somewhere tropical of course), or even how to go about planning a wedding of this kind.

Has anyone here done something like this? How difficult is it? Do you think it's even a good idea? Has anyone been on vacation some place AMAZING that they could recommend? And, will it really benefit us (financially) in the long run? I'd really appreciate it any info/comments/suggestions you can provide!

Thanks,
Chris :)

Re: I know this is the NWR board....

I am. We are renewing our vows in mexico especifically The Mayan Riviera. It will be only just the two of us and our daughter. It can definitely be done and you would be surprised how many people are going that route. The beauty of mexico is that is very affordable and there are many gorgeous all inclusive resorts. If you have any more questions, I will be happy to help.

Re: I know this is the NWR board....

Chris, it sounds wonderful and there are so many gorgeous places to be married. Yet before you make a firm decision, ask yourself if this is what you both truly want. Will you look back years from now and regret not having the huge wedding, reception, etc. with all family/friends? Will you regret it once you have kiddos?

Personally I think its the way to go, especially if you are able to have close friends/family with you. I was married once (Briefly) & looking back we spent about 25k and it was over in 4 hours. Afterwards we both said that could have been 25k towards a house (we did buy a house, but had a killer mortgage). YET on the same token, I LOVED every single minute of my wedding & loved the video/pics & loved being the center of attention w/ everyone we love there. This time, I would definitely have been up for the destination/small scale wedding--but FH wants his special day and I'm fine with that.

Really think/talk about what it is you want. It would definitely be a savings and can be absolutely beautiful.

I know the Sandals resorts (& alot of the couples resorts) have special wedding packages, including everything.

One place I absolutely loved was LAS BRISAS in Acapulco (actually got engaged there the first time). Private pools, flowers on your bed & in the pool, breakfast delivered to your room every morning...major $$ but definitely worth it.

I wish you the best of luck. FM me w/ any q's.

Cindy

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Thank you so much for your responses. Cindy - I know exactly what you mean about truly knowing what I want. That's the problem - I'm so undecided! It sounds like a great idea....and sooooo romantic! We really don't have big families, so that's not a huge concern. The only thing that upsets me is not having ALL of my friends there. However, FI suggested doing a small dinner/reception at a restaurant after the wedding to celebrate! It's soo much to think about, and very stressful. I really appreciate all of your input and will definitely FM you with more questions in the near future!!

Thanks again!!!

Re: I know this is the NWR board....

Oh I also wanted to give you this link where you can find helpful information
destination wedding

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Thank you so much for that link, Tania. I am going to read through it and I'm hoping that it will help me make some sort of decision!!! :)

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I am the first in my generation to get married in my family, and we haven't had a family wedding since 1989, so I'm not so sure a destination wedding would really work for us...but I want one so badly!!!

I don't really like being the center of attention (in person - on the boards is a different story), and I don't really enjoy the company of my extended family and Fh's family (understatement) ---

I just feel like I'll put so much time and $$$ into making my wedding perfect, but they'll be sitting in the chairs belching and blowing their noses at the table all night. I'm pretty anal, and that would ruin my wedding for me. I tend to 'sweat the small stuff' a lot more than I should.

I would love to cruise somewhere and get married on an island, but I'm afraid that I won't really have total control then... FH said he's up for whatever I'd like, so it's a good thing I have time to make a decision!

I think your idea of a destination wedding and your reasoning is PERFECT- the people closest to you should be there. (plus it'll make a great vacation spot in the future, you can always go visit your wedding site!) Good luck with your decisions!

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My friend was in a similar situation and got married in Bermuda at Ariel Sands. They did a really nice job and she saved a lot of $$.

It was supposed to be on the beach but it rained that day so it was held inside. However, it will still a beautiful wedding.

Most of her friends were there for a few days prior to the wedding so we went diving one day, to the beach, out at night prior to the wedding.

Also- it is a short flight so that made it even better.

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I did it& it was the best thing I did!!
I got married in Bermuda w/ about 15 ppl. I had a small reception when I came back. If you have any questions, feel free to FM.

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Thanks again for your input!

The thing is, not sure if I can keep numbers to only 15 ppl - and before you know it, there are thirty people! I have no idea how much any of this runs - and the websites (of course) do not list prices! It's so overwhelming, I really don't know where to begin!

I appreciate all of you responding so quickly!! :)

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What I rarely see mentioned in deciding to do a destination wedding is that while you are saving yourself money, you are imposing a rather high cost on the people you care about -- all of whom will have to buy plane tickets, hotel nights, and pricey meals... in addition to taking time off from work... That doesn't mean it shouldn't be done, but just that I want to make sure you've thought about that.

An alternative to consider is a very, very modest ceremony and reception locally, followed by the trip of your dreams. This way the people you care about can share the moment without being forced to spend $1000+ each for a trip.

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First, I'll give my 2 cents which is probably worth half a penny.....I think it's a GREAT idea if saving money is what you're all about!!! You end up with a weekend with your friends/family and then a great HM all in one!! If it is what works for you and FI and your family is into it, GO FOR IT!!

I know capgrl26 is doing a wedding in FL...some island..Santa something.....saving a TON of money, she is originally from LI, living in FL now with her FH.

Look into where we had our HM..Secrets Excellence in Dominican Republic. VERY affordable, lots to do, it is a COUPLES only resort...no kids allowed. The resort and food and service are amazing. I can tell you first hand that where they hold the weddings is a beautiful Gazebo and then you have your dinner in a choice of their restaurants (We saw a bride com into to French restaurant while we were dining there one night). It's also quite affordable, which is something you want to consider for your guests/family. For us, we went in March and paid $3500 for 7 nights in a basic room (we didn't need some suped up room....even the basic rooms had a jacuzzi and King size bedwhich is all we wanted).

Let me know if you need any more info. You know where to find me!

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that sounds great....we were orginally thinking of getting married at disney....fh has brought up the idea again....we might switch our wedding day.