I'm thinking about doing a destination wedding in Antigua. My FH has a very large family so this might not be the best option. I have a small family and don't mind if some of the uncles and cousins aren't there. We won't be married in the church where several generations of his family were married though if we go away. This is an important factor... Any plus sides you can think of? Downsides?
Thanks all..
kmcs317
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Re: Who would consider a destination wedding?
We're doing it...in Florida. Considered CA or an island but this way those who do want to come won't have to travel too far. Pros... -less people will come so only those who really want to share the day with you will make the extra effort. -weekend (or longer) vacation with closest family and friends-celebration isn't just 4-5 hour long reception. -warm weather when it'll be cold in NY! -it's what FI and I always wanted.
Cons... -we're noticing it isn't going to be MUCH cheaper than having it here (except that less people will come but price per head is comparable) -we're having the 'not getting married in a church' issue too with our parents. We've been vigorously looking for a Catholic priest who will marry us on the beach-think we found one too! -fear of bad weather!! -I'm hoping people don't expect the typical NY wedding-as it won't be. -planning from NY
Overrall I'm happy that it will be what we wanted and hopefully people will have a nice weekend away in sunny FL!
Julesg1230
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Re: Who would consider a destination wedding?
We are planning a destination wedding in Bahamas (Sandals Royal Bahamian) for 8/8/08. We found it is going to be about 75% cheaper than if we did it on Long Island, and 60 people are booked! We are staying for 10 nights, and most people are coming for 3 or 4 nights. Besides financially saving, it is something different- not just the typical 5 hour party. Gives people and family an excuse to go on vacation. It'll be a 5 day party instead! And the people that really want to be there will be there. In addition, we'll have a party or reception after that date at home for any other relatives or friends who couldn't make it. Some of the cons are- financially for your guests to come, some older family members will not be able to make it, Sandals doesn't allow children, and it's double occupancy rooms which makes it tricky for our single friends. Overall we're excited about it and wouldn't do it any other way.
kimnsteve
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Re: Who would consider a destination wedding?
we were going to get married in aruba .....at the Renaissance
but we decided to have it at home because my grandmother wasn't going to come.
it is a great idea but you have to have to really think of the wedding you have always dreamed of
we were still spending a lot of money in Aruba, and we werent going to have all of the people that were really important to us there
cynandkeith
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Re: Who would consider a destination wedding?
I am highly considering a destination wedding- but what is etiquette on paying for your guests? It would only be my immediate family and his immediate family(parents and siblings)
do you pay for their flight and hotel?
Rach22
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Re: Who would consider a destination wedding?
we had a beautiful dream wedding on St. John, and would not have changed anything. there were 2 friends of mine who couldn't come for family reasons (they have young children) but my family through us a sending off party instead of a shower and everyone showed up to that, so we got to celebrate with them here in NY.
as far as financial responsibilities, guests pay for their own travel expenses, air and hotel. what we did was host not only the wedding day and reception, we also hosted a welcome dinner and then a day-after bbq at our villa, so we basically took care of 3 dinners for everyone while they were there. overall, we still spent less than 50% of what a wedding on long island would have cost us, and everyone will always remember our wedding. it's a reason for people to go on vacation, and it's not your typical reception hall wedding.
