destination wedding...ugh

[smokinbodybuilder]

Me and the fiance decided we're gonna do a destination wedding next spring. We're so overwhelmed by all of the options! Its actually starting to become more stressful than enjoyable.

Anyone have any suggestions? We'd rather go to a resort thats been recommended than just pick one out online. If any of you gents has actually done or attended a destination wedding that would be awesome.

Thanks fellows.

Oh, getting hitched at the Drew Estate Factory isn't an option. She said a beach is a must. LOL

 

[Jadawin]

is that why you asked me how far Esteli was from the beach? hahaha

 

[keinreis]

Weddings in general are more of a pain then they are worth IMO. All the BS for one day.

 

[Fia]

Just come back to hawaii. We will supply the cigars!

 

[SurpriseMVP]

After just getting back from Hawaii myself I vote Hawaii.

 

[iCraig]

My buddy had a destination wedding back in May in Turks and Caicos. I was invited as a groomsman and declined. $2000 for me to fly down for three days was obscene.

My only recommendation is to take in consideration who you're inviting to the wedding and who you expect to be able to make it. Destination weddings are not a cheap expenditure for guests as well.

 

[derfatdutchman]

Can't help, but I feel your pain. Even though its been 16 years I still remeber the wedding prep stress.

 

[JP8]

Las Vegas!

 

[smokinbodybuilder]

Yea, we understand that. We actually aren't formally inviting anyone. Our immediate family will be going. I have one buddy that goes on an all inclusive vacation every year so he and his wife are just going to make our wedding their vaca. My bestman will be him or one of her brothers...worst case it will be Pedro the cabana boy. Lol

 

[AZSaxman]

Have you looked at Cancun? Cheap airfare from Chicago, Everything is relatively inexpensive (stayed at the Hilton Golf Resort for 90.00 a night) and it is truly paradise! I remember seeing that they had several wedding packages in their in-room documentation.

 

[smokinbodybuilder]

Have you looked at Cancun? Cheap airfare from Chicago, Everything is relatively inexpensive (stayed at the Hilton Golf Resort for 90.00 a night) and it is truly paradise! I remember seeing that they had several wedding packages in their in-room documentation.

We are holding onto Mexico as a last resort. She is half Mexican and her family owns a house in Aculpoco. They've been to Mexico more times than they can count so we kind of wanted to try some place new and different. Worst case scenerio we do Mexico and and least we know we'll be comfortable and her family will be able to communicate well.

 

[smokinbodybuilder]

Just come back to hawaii. We will supply the cigars!

Do I have to bring her with?

 

[Stogiecidal]

I've been to the Domincan Republic a couple of times, specifically Punta Cana, but no resort really stood out.

If you can swing it within your budget I suggest Atlantis on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The resort is phenomenal and the bohemians are awesome. Took my family 2 years ago and going back next month. Only downside it isn't all inclusive. Think the Breezes in Nassau is though but I've never been.

Check travel advisor and sites like that a lot of people post how to cut costs in Bahamas. Worked for us :thumbsup:

Good luck I hope you guys decide on your "perfect" destination brother.

Congrats!

 

[Koujo]

We are doing a destination wedding and the only real problem we have run across is the blow back from some friends that are saying it is too expensive for them to come. So just keep that in mind that some of your friends and family are not going to be able to make it. So that we can celebrate with the ones that could not make it we are going to rent a hall for a reception once we get back so we can invite everyone that did not make it to the wedding.

Also congrats on the wedding!

 

[CWS]

Best - Las Vegas. Easy to get to. Large variety of hotel costs. Plenty to do when the 30 minute wedding is over. 24 freakin hours of entertainment. We hosted a suite and everyone had a great time.

Worst - Hawaii (no offense Fia). Expensive airfare. Expensive hotel. Limited time as no one could afford to stay longer than the weekend. I love Hawaii. Flying five hours and spending one full day before turning around and flying back, which is waht most of the poor friends and family had to do, sucked.

 

[AlohaStyle]

Here's where I got married on Maui, but I think there's cheaper options out there. However, for Maui, this was a pretty good deal. You should look into renting a nice big beach house somewhere which will cut down on lodging costs as well as renting/paying for a wedding facility. Just do your own research or talk to local wedding planners to get names of officiants and have them come to your beach house for the ceremony. We also hit up Costco to buy alcohol etc on Maui... made a big difference.

We lived on Oahu and had about 50 friends/family fly to Maui. I negotiated group discounts through a condo property management company in Kihei which made it affordable. There's good flight deals to Hawaii right now, but I think it's only for the Fall.

I loved our actual wedding site as it was on a lawn just above the beach. Whales were flopping in the background which our guests loved!

http://www.makenaresortmaui.com/

 

[Walter]

Went to Vegas last fall Lots of fun and lots to do
Would make a great wedding destination due to the cheap flights and no one needs a rental car once they get there. There are so many nice properties on the strip but I would recommend the Venetian for the honeymoon.
There are a lot of cheap places to stay off the strip also and that may let others come to your wedding that otherwise could not afford to go.
And on the plus side the bridesmaids could wear their dresses out on the town no matter how ugly they were.
People wear some strange stuff on the strip

 

[JRL]

Puerto Rico, stay on Vieques a small island right there. It is amazing.

 

[smokinbodybuilder]

I was kinda vague on what we (really she) wants. All inclusive and a beach. Aren't concerned too much about no one being able to go. We aren't inviting anyone. I appreciate all the input. We did discuss Vegas but it, like Mexico, would be a last resort if we can't decide. Also, Hawaii would be an option for our honeymoon but not the wedding. We just got back from Hawaii a few weeks ago.

 

[Fia]

Do I have to bring her with?

LOL. I have cigars for her too!