how does one accommodate guests @ a destination wedding..

Most of the time when your guests know in advance and make plans to attend, they don't mind paying for themselves. If it is family and close friends, then they probably understand the money situation. I wouldn't worry about it too much unless one of your guests say something. If you want to gift them for coming and make it a little easier for them, have a dinner other than at your reception to show your gratitude for them coming or some kind of reminder of the trip. Congrats and have a great time! Julie Pauls

Christina I have a bride going threw the same thing right now. She can't afford to pay for everyone, but she has decided to pay half of the travel costs of her wedding party. Which I think is always nice.Also make sure your guests have some notice..if they have to plan for a trip many might have to save up to come.

Make up welcome baskets for your quests rooms. With information about the location,maps, snacks maybe a small gift certificate to a local resturant.Always makes the guests feel welcome.

Good luck and happy planning!!)

Well i had this big long nice response typed out for you and this stupid site logged me out....

anyway i have never heard of a wedding couple paying for their guests rooms...destination wedding or not, its just unnecessary. If they want to be there, they will cover it, period!

i would suggest doing OOT gift bags for their rooms, i am having a destination wedding myself and plan to put together lavish gift bags for their rooms

IN the old days yes, it was your responsibility to pay for your guests, however this day and age it isn't. You should start now with an itinerary for your guests including dinners, excursions, events and timelines. This will make your guest feels special and also don't forget their welcome baskets. The difficulty with destination weddings are people do expect alot from the couple. Blocking rooms and offering thema grat rate I think is fair

Save the Date luggage tags! Welcome baskets and lei greetings at the airport... All invited to rehearsal dinner, and a breakfast the morning after paid for by you!

Christina, one thing you didn't mention is where the information came from pertaining to this proper etiquette. Was it a guest, family member, or merely an outside observer? If it's a family member or invited guest, and they truly know the two of you, it shouldn't matter. They should be happy in the fact that you are inviting them to share in a very special occasion in your lives. And it sounds like you have preplanned a certain expense budget, and you are trying to stay within that, so for you..."BRAVO!" If it's an outside observer, then don't worry about it at all. Just because someone made this comment to you is not a reason to change your plans and add on an additional financial burden. If you start putting on "airs" at this point to satisfy others, you may find it a hard routine to end. But, as a courtesy, and if you're familiar with the area, you can develop a list of area attractions and events your guests can attend, at personal expense! Good luck and congratulations!!

Hi Christina,

First of all many congratulations on your upcoming wedding.

I have done a couple of Destination Weddings in PR and I can tell you that from what I have talked with my couples it is not usual for the couple to pay for all the accommodations for guests. What I have seen is that you could incorporate is giving gets Out of Town Guest Bags, these have basic amenities they may need like snacks, water, sun-block...details of the sort. You can also plan some sort of small trip for your guests since it is a small group, an outing. In Puerto Rico there are some very nice places you can go to like: Bacardi Factory (free drinks in tour), El Yunque, The Lighthouse at Cabo Rojo wich has a Beach as well. Just a way to get all your guests to enjoy themselves a bit more.

Hope that Helps! Good Luck!

If you have any questions feel free to send me an e-mail at **@*********.***

NYC & PR Weddings

I havent heard that it is customary for the bride and groom to pay for all of that.

I would give gift baskets with snacks and treats in it. Water, nutrition bars, fruit, packaged muffins, raisins, etc..

If you can afford breakfast or lunch for all, I'd do that too. Maybe even a picnic on the beach one day.

I was a BM in a destination wedding 2 months ago... the wedding was actually on a friday, which meant we had the rehearsal early thursday afternoon, (which meant i couldn't work thursday or friday, which meant i didn't get paid for 2 days of work) ... i think it would have been nice if the bride & groom would have paid just the wedding party's accomadations the thursday nite before (especially since it was an expensive hotel) but its completely up to your budget and as long as everyone knows before hand it should be ok if you don't pay for their accomadations or food, just make sure you let them know how much you appreciate them being able to make it...

I am getting married in P.R. next year and I've done a lot of research. People that attend a destination wedding go knowing that they are responsible for their lodging and airfare. I mean, if you have the $$$ then you can do that or pay for one of their nights. But most of us are in the same boat. On your wedding website, make sure you include diff. hotel options in diff. price ranges for your guests to choose from. And try to get a special group rate. You are supposed to tell those who are traveling that they need not give cash at the wedding because their gift to you was attending. You should also pay for a brunch the day after and whatever special events you have lined up. Also, invite everyone to rehearsal dinner. I'm gonna do like a barbeque so everyone can meet.