semi-private /private dinner

Personally, it would be really nice if you could have the all private room just because they are flying in and they are spending a lot already.

Just a thought... my brother and sil did a destination wedding and they used the free meal as their rehearsal dinner and then took everyone to a restaurant for dinner off property. If you are considering paying $66 per person for something more private then this might be a cheaper option and will probably have better food. It was really nice to get out of the resort for a few hours.

I guess I'm struggling with my decision because since it is an all inclusive resort why pay extra for the food ,I understand paying for the space. If we book so many rooms we get a free cocktail hour well liquor is included anyway .

But on other hand I like the privacy ideal ,I have to see what their menu options are.

I would do private...

I agree with tinkerpsu to use the free buffet as rehearsal dinner then private for reception

Can they define "semi private" for you? If it's a room that's off to the side but still part of normal seating on a regular night, I think it's fine. You'll have a space that's sort of yours and you'll be able to have conversations and maybe even a toast or two if you want.

However, if it's a table in the middle of the regular huge dining room with no separatation between you and other diners, I'd look for other options (maybe even off property?)

@tinkerpsu that's a great ideal rehearsal dinner I didn't even think about that.

@Fall Bride $4000- $5000 is a lot and would never ask for my guest to spend that. But anyways since the guest are traveling that's why I was deciding on the private but my FH said we should go along with the semi private. Then the resort is only offering buffet style dinner even for the private reception no plated dinner .

I am also have ing a DW at an all inclusive resort. At first, I thought the same thing as you. Why am I paying extra for food and drinks for guests who are already paying for the all inclusive package? But my travel agent did an excellent job explaining it.

You are not paying the $66 per person for the food and drinks. You are paying for the extra staff it takes to set up the room, serve the meal and drinks, and clean up after. A lot of extra attention will go into making sure the room is how you want it and that your guests are well taken care of. Your group will have private servers which the resort will also need to pay a salary to for the night.

For me, it's also about being able to celebrate with only the people closest to us. We didn't want random people joining in out celebration,so we chose a resort with a private reception option. And it does cost a little more than the ones that didn't offer the privacy. We also love that we will be able to have a DJ so we can still do the traditional first dance, dance with our parents and let people make toasts. This would not be possible with out the private space.

Think about how you imagine your reception and what the resort is offering with each option. Then chose the one that fits your vision and your budget.

I wouldn't be offended but if -I- were asking people to fly out of the country to celebrate with me, I'd try to make it as special as possible and that would include dinner in a private room.

I'm assuming your guests are staying at the resort for longer than a day so they'll have that experience already, why not give them something special for the actual night of?

I wouldn't want to be in line with randos at a wedding. I dont mind buffet but thats like having a house party and then people you don't know show up and eat and drink with you.

Our original thought was to have dinner at the resort then guest would go out to private reception area to cut the cake,drinks and dance. Reading everyone's opinion I'll explain to my FH that we should pay for the private buffet to show our appreciation.

The cost seems similar to the resort I was married at. We did the semi-private dinner and it was perfectly fine. The restaurant truly does go the extra mile to make it as private as possible. Also, your guests are able to choose from the menu what they want instead of being told what to get from the buffet or a plated option. There's no need in my opinion to spend the extra money on the dinner when there is one available to you. If you want to spend the extra money on the guests put that into your reception area. That's what the guests will remember.