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Jenn [future Mrs. Mann]
Devoted June 2012

Parents don't like destination wedding idea!

Jenn [future Mrs. Mann], on February 17, 2011 at 2:46 PM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 27

I'm still 16 months out from my original wedding date, and I'm sick to death of planning and budgeting. I have decided to throw in the towel and have a small, intimate wedding in the US Virgin Islands. My fiance and I are very excited, as are our siblings and his parents. My only issue is my parents! When I told my mom she said she wasn't excited because traveling makes her nervous because of her agoraphobia (but she still manages to go to Denver twice a year to visit my sister). My dad flat-out refuses to fly over water. I'm so bummed! This is my dream, but now I feel guilty for wanting it. My fiance is in love with the idea and so am I. What to do???

27 Comments

Latest activity by Robert, on June 24, 2011 at 7:21 PM
  • Nancy Taussig
    Nancy Taussig ·
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    How about Florida? Palm trees, beaches, and parents can drive.

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  • Will be Mrs B
    VIP October 2011
    Will be Mrs B ·
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    Florida is great, and not that expensive. You can also do an intimate affair there. Or maybe try having your wedding in the offseason to save money

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  • Jenn [future Mrs. Mann]
    Devoted June 2012
    Jenn [future Mrs. Mann] ·
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    I'm sure Florida is a good compromise. I just fell in LOVE with the Virgin Islands. I totally want to go all bridezilla on their asses (even though I've never been close to that moment before) but I won't. Smiley winking

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  • Karen Guyt
    Karen Guyt ·
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    Who is footing the bill? If it's not your parents.... Florida is a nice compromise.

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  • C2ShiningC
    Master April 2011
    C2ShiningC ·
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    Where in the islands are you thinking? We are getting married in St Thomas at Magens Bay. Our parents didn't like the idea at all initially either but now they are looking forward to the vacation. We looked into FL keys but the prices for airfare, hotel, etc were the same if not more than St Thomas and we just loved the tropical island destination better.

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  • randi
    Super September 2011
    randi ·
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    FILS dont agree with our destination wedding either. but next year we are planning the BIG shabang with our vow renewal and recetption with everyone. If they cant come then they cant come, we would like them to be there but this might just be one of those things that will be better if it is just us and we can all celebrate next year-- everyone has their own opinion, just do what you and FS want Smiley smile its your day no one else's

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  • Sharon
    Master June 2010
    Sharon ·
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    I'm liking the Florida compromise. I always preferred flying over ocean than land, like at 40,000 feet you would just land with a splash if something happened ...lol

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  • Arnaldo Martinez
    Arnaldo Martinez ·
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    Consider this,

    1. Florida is the best location

    2. It has easy access to the Caribbean.

    3. It is sunny all the time.

    4. It has beautiful beaches.

    5. It is warm and comfortable

    What else can ask for?

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  • Hayley C™
    Master March 2008
    Hayley C™ ·
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    Why not do the VI for your honeymoon?

    And there is still planning to do when you have a destination wedding.

    If you want to keep it in town - Have you considered getting a wedding planner? You can go all "bridezilla" on her if you are still having the urges. You can give the planner your budget, tell her what kind of even you want to have, give her your guest count, and she can either plan the whole thing, give you options to pick from, or help you pick what you want and just take some of the stress off.

    Either way, I hope you the best.

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  • Jenn [future Mrs. Mann]
    Devoted June 2012
    Jenn [future Mrs. Mann] ·
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    I know, I know... Florida's great. But it's not an island! Haha I know I'm being somewhat ridiculous, but I'm so totally in love with the islands.

    And I just talked to my sister and she told me that my mom was talking to her recently about a trip to Mexico with another couple that she's going to take. Soooo- I think she could make it to the Virgin Islands. My sister also said that my dad's just being difficult and that he would definitely go.

    Cyndi- I've been checking out St. John but I haven't settled on anything yet!

    Sharon- I'm not sure that's how it works... but I like the way you think! Smiley winking

    FH and I are footing most (if not all) of the bill, but my mom is buying my dress for me. LOVE her!

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  • HollyKnoxville
    VIP November 2011
    HollyKnoxville ·
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    I wrote you a PM Smiley smile

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  • Shannon S.
    Master March 2011
    Shannon S. ·
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    Some people like to b*tch and moan before they're on board with a plan. These types eventually fall into line, but they just want you to know, in detail, how much of a hassle you're being. If your parents are taking other trips, then they can probably manage this one.

    Is it possible they're hurt and they're throwing up objections because they're too afraid to say, "We always dreamed of a big hometown-type wedding for you"? Sometimes parents have their own vision of your wedding day, and they have a hard time letting go of that.

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  • C2ShiningC
    Master April 2011
    C2ShiningC ·
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    St John is gorgeous, that's where we are staying for our honeymoon. I'm liking the idea of the wedding in FL then heading to the islands for your honeymoon like Hayley suggested as an alternative. Good luck with your decision! I've done a ton of research about the islands so feel free to PM me if you go that route and need any info. I've got a great planner who does weddings on both islands.

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  • Ms. Sunshyne
    Expert November 2011
    Ms. Sunshyne ·
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    I co-sign with Unique Smiley smile although I might be biased since I'm also having a DW in the Dominican Republic... I love Islands too!!!

    Best of luck Smiley smile

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  • Meghan
    Master August 2011
    Meghan ·
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    I say find a compromise. You want an island- what about a connected island? Maybe Key West, or one of the islands off the coast of California.

    It's your wedding, and it's really important your parents be there. I'd make an accomodation for them. I don't think your mother's agoraphobia is something to take lightly.

    What about honeymooning in the Virgin Islands as your compromise?

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  • Ms. Sunshyne
    Expert November 2011
    Ms. Sunshyne ·
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    @Meghan, her mom is traveling to Mexico and flies domestic also :/


    Smiley sad tough desicion.... I would say go with what makes you and your FH happy, your sis already said your dad will go regardless.

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  • Jenn [future Mrs. Mann]
    Devoted June 2012
    Jenn [future Mrs. Mann] ·
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    Okay, I talked to my mom for awhile and she said she'll go despite her nerves. I recommended Xanax! Also, I reassured her by reminding her that it's still the United States, so she doesn't have to be worried about language barriers or anything. Also, with the rest of the family there, I think she'll do fine. So hooray- one parent down, one to go! My dad's in the middle of some health issues so I may wait to nag him until he's healthier.

    SO FREAKING EXCITED! Smiley smile Dream wedding, here I come!

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  • Ms. Sunshyne
    Expert November 2011
    Ms. Sunshyne ·
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    Congrats Jenn!! I know it's hard trying to please everyone especially (more importantly) your beloved parents.. I'm glad it's working out in your Favor, keep us posted! Smiley smile woo hoooo.... sand and sun awesome!

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  • Dana
    Devoted July 2011
    Dana ·
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    "Some people like to b*tch and moan before they're on board with a plan. These types eventually fall into line, but they just want you to know, in detail, how much of a hassle you're being."

    This. This exactly. Most of my family has not made this easy for me either but I know they will suck it up and come and they'll probably even have a good time. Having said that, have you been to the USVI? I went a couple years ago and was not impressed. Give it a couple weeks before you decide. You've got plenty of time.

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  • Dana
    Devoted July 2011
    Dana ·
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    Whoops. Double post.

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