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Chantel
Devoted July 2017

Destination Wedding Inquiry

Chantel, on October 13, 2016 at 4:44 PM Posted in Planning 0 8

Hi All! My fiance has finally agreed to do a destination wedding! I am super happy as the budget we had for 70 people in the NY/NJ area was $35K for everything including honeymoon and rings, etc. (much more than I was willing to spend). This is very much a heavy weight off my shoulders as well since I will be the one planning the entire event. I'm currently researching Mexico (Yucatan Peninsula), Bermuda, Belize (Ambergris Caye) and Costa Rica (not yet decided) just to scope out prices and services. I'm wondering from my fellow brides (and grooms) to be if you are having your wedding in any of these countries, please name your selected hotel/venue, the reason why you chose the place, your approximate guest count and estimated vs. actual budget.

8 Comments

Latest activity by Maegan, on October 14, 2016 at 8:48 AM
  • AshD
    VIP June 2017
    AshD ·
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    I'm doing mexico. We have a rolling budget of 10-15k. Not including HM and rings.,

    The resort package reception for 20 people is 3500 and then you add on from there.

    Right now we have 44 people with a deposit down. So it will be 85pp for the reception over the 20 that is included. Then you factor in decor, flowers and customization you want.

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  • A. L.
    Master July 2017
    A. L. ·
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    FYI, keep in mind that the average response rate for RSVP destination weddings is about 30-40%, but you still need to budget as if 100% are coming.

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  • AshD
    VIP June 2017
    AshD ·
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    Actually A.L. its higher than that. I falsely assumed the same until my numbers came back. You would be surprised who actually does decide to come and make their own vacation out of it.

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  • MsCle
    Super March 2017
    MsCle ·
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    Depending on your relationship with friends and family, your response rate/attendance can be very high. My sister got married in St. Lucia and about 80 people attended. She had maybe 6 declines or so. Either way. very low. And it was on a Wednesday. I'm getting married in Vegas, and almost half of the guests have already booked their rooms at the host hotel.

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  • Private_User832
    Master August 2017
    Private_User832 ·
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    I would be careful to assume DW will save you money, unless you have few people or a lot less who come, DW can be just as expensive.

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  • Kara
    Super May 2017
    Kara ·
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    I studied in the Yucatán peninsula, specifically Merida. Gorgeous place! We are doing a domestic DW in Florida.

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  • Leslie
    Super June 2017
    Leslie ·
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    I am doing a dw in Jamaica at a Sandals resort. Wedding and reception with cake, champaign and o'dorves for 8 are included in your stay. They have larger groups as well for an additional price, but we are not taking anyone else with us, so I didnt look into larger scale. Officiant and all license fees are also included in our stay as long as you stay at least 7 nights. You also get an upgrade on your room and a few other perks. I am paying extra for videography, photography, hair/makeup, and a bridal attendant. That all came to around 1500 extra. I know you didn't specifically list Jamaica, but wanted to let you know to check out Sandals. They have locations on other islands as well.

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  • Maegan
    Devoted June 2017
    Maegan ·
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    Hey!

    We have chosen to have a destination wedding for some of the same reasons! I have research like a crazy person for the last 3 weeks and finally reached out to a travel agent. Best thing I have done. It's important that you reach out to one who has done destination weddings so they are helpful to you.

    We are doing ours at Excellence Playa Mujeres! It was my favorite in all of MexicoSmiley smile

    I highly recommend Michael and his wife Sandy for agents if you are looking! There is no additional charge for them as the resort pays!

    http://www.sunsettravelvacations.com/

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