Destination Weddings
cpech56
Senior Member
Looking for some thoughts from you guys that have more experience traveling. We've decided we're def doing the destination wedding and we've spoke to a few travel agents. Looking to spend no more than $1800 per person for an all inclusive resort. There will be 40-60 of us total. Travel agent suggested Jamaica, Mexico or Dominican so in those three places do any resorts stick out? The majority of the people going will be parents and friends if the families. Likely 8-10 people from 25-30. Neither my fiance or myself have been to any of the three except college trips to Cancun.
Any other tips or thoughts from anyone with experience on destination weddings would be appreciated as well.
Any other tips or thoughts from anyone with experience on destination weddings would be appreciated as well.
Comments
I'd assume that he knows his friends/relatives well enough to know if this is a good idea for them (and if people will attend). I've talked to about 6-7 couples that have done destination weddings, and all of them loved it. Different strokes for different folks (and though I've never been to one, I would love to if it worked out for us)
I did a destination wedding so people wouldn't go
Read a number of reviews for that place and it doesnt look as though many people like it. Some of the comments were people saying the food was average at best, the surfaces around the place were like skating rinks when wet and that there really isnt much to do unless you watch to go golf at premium courses outside the resort that cost a pretty penny. I would be interested in hearing what you liked about it.
No kids. Maybe some pregnant women
We're doing a destination bc our family and friends are for the most part tired if the same old traditional weddings. It's a great way for some families to make a little vacation out of it. We'll offer 3, 5 and 7 days trips so our family and friends can decide for themselves how lonh they want to stay. It's actually a cheaper way of having a wedding also, although it does put some financial burden on those who may not be able to afford it. We made sure to stress to everyone that we'll be having a reception when we get back to celebrate so people dont feel pressured.
Got married there in May of 2010. Spent approx 1300/person for all inclusive with flight from San Antonio. Bride/groom are upgraded a level or 2 from booking room, we had "royal service" I believe? We only had 12 ppl, 6 couples go, I don't even know 80 people, but we pretty much ran the resort (a lot of strong personalities). Main pool was pretty nice, cool 2 level bar, lower level was swim up. Topless Russian girls everywhere helped the scenery. Royal service pool and bar was great, adults only there and is right on the beach. Gave our server/bartender $100, which divided by 12 isn't much and were rock stars. Buckets of Presidente' beer, coconut drinks, the guy even brought us a pizza on the beach. Whatever you want, they'll get it for you. First night we were there we got wasted and all came to our room, Honeymoon Suite was big, and we ordered a shit ton of room service. Burgers, pizza, cases of beer, champagne, and they had everything there within 30 minutes, all inclusive. 6 or 7 restaurants there I believe? We enjoyed the breakfast/brunch place. Japanese Steakhouse was good. 1 or 2 discotheques? It'll be as fun as the people you are with, or are at the resort. Lobby bar is the shit, and Pool bar at night is the shit! We only went off the resort once, and it was guys only. Hit up some crazy ass Cave club?(Google it), and a Dominican strip club, which I almost got married before my wedding at that joint. I heard the golf was legit and I'm sure you can negotiate reasonable rates?
They'll throw whatever caliber wedding you'd like. Check out their photos on FB Arrecife Paradisus Punta Cana (Tropic One Studio), they did an excellent job.
The sand in DR is awesome, like powder. The water is clear as can be, and the Russians are topless. A couple folks got food poisoning type sickness for a day while we were there but pretty sure that's par for the course anywhere? We're looking forward to going back in May for our 5 year anniversary (not the stripper). I'm not sure about the reviews, but I'm pretty sure people that were satisfied don't review as frequently. As far as having "much to do" it's pretty much what you make of it. They have whatever you'd like, or can afford to do as any Caribbean resort. Parasailing, snorkeling, scuba, ATV, golf, whatever. They had everything I needed, beer, a pool, the ocean, and topless Russian girls. As far as slippery surfaces, who was leaving reviews, Angela Lansbury or Matlock? I'm sure some areas are slippery when wet.
Sorry for the lengthy post, I felt challenged. Let me know if you have other questions regarding DR. Heard the Hard Rock there was legit. It wasn't built when we were there.
Go to Puerto Rico-- no passport needed.
No all-inclusive either
Def was challenging you. That sounds like a hell of a good time and the perfect mix for our group. On the website it looks like its for both kids and adults but your post makes it sound like adult only. Are there certain areas that differ?
Or if you need any other wedding planners on the island, just let me know. Lots of options here.
There are multiple resorts, and you should be able to get great prices in the low season.
Doing some promotion here haha:
http://www.flightnetwork.com/blog/50-photo-curacao-will-lure-booking-plane-ticket/
Thanks Man
Kids are allowed, but they have areas/pools/and beach that are adult only. We were there mid-May and I might have seen 4 kids the entire time.
You should check out Aruba, it is a little expensive compared to the DR, but well worth it IMO. I know the Riu offers an all inclusive package that is pretty popular. Also, Aruba iphe tons of gambling. Each hotel has a casino, most have sports books and poker rooms. It's my favorite island, been there 8 or 9 times. As Obi also said, cura?ao is gorgeous. I was there for my honeymoon, stayed at the Boase, or something spelt like that. It was out of this world, but also pretty expensive.
Just my opinion...it's one thing to think it's "well worth it" for yourself, but when you're looking out for 40-60 other people, I'd think that keeping things as affordable as possible would be a top priority. Even though DR or Cancun or Jamaica might not be quite as nice as some of those other more exotic places, I'd think they're the better bet for this situation (depending of course on the deals that are available).
You can't really go wrong. You're going to be in great weather, eating and drinking all day with family and friends, and getting married. There's not too many bad plays here.
Jamaica by far would be my choice.......the local staff are very gracious at the hotels.......food is fabulous and you can drink the tap water and most of all fluent english !
What all did your wedding package include and if you dont mind sharing cost.
If your wedding package included a photographer/videographer were you pleased with their work?
If you guys booked through a travel agent was there kickback to you guys financially when people got paid up? Reason I ask is because the first guy we spoke with mentioned something of this nature. We'd never pocket that money but rather put it towards extras activities like some mentioned in this thread for our guests. I was just kind of confused by what he meant by this.
Any of you guys have experience with this place? We got our quote back from travel agent today for our group of 50 they quoted us $1600 per person with flights included and that has all guests in a preferred pool side rooms. Obviously the flight prices will be a little different since official price quotes can't be made until 330 days out from going.
I'm sure it will be nice. I'm flabbergasted that you know 50 people that will spend 16 hunny to go to your wedding. I hope yours and fianc?s trip is free if you're rounding up 50 others to go.
Our room is upgraded and yes free. On top of that we're getting 3 other rooms free as well for the the week. 1 for her folks and 2 for mine since their divorced. Already getting interesting comments from my mom bitching about money though. Quite ironic that my youngest brother graduates 3 months before we go and the $1600 a month child support payments her and her significant other have been getting from my pops will be ending.