Son and his fiance would like to have a destination wedding. Both grew up and still have parents in areas that are 8 hours apart. Kids want a Caribbean destination wedding which certainly has some negatives… cost for guests, limited number of guests will afford it and be able to take time off work, not a destination grandparents will like or 2 of 3 for sure won’t travel, not everyone has passports, sight unseen and all planning is done from the computer… My husband and I were at Sandals Jamaica for a destination wedding and had a great time at the beach each day, but the wedding reception was mediocre and the food, blah.
Anyone attend a destination wedding that was incredible in all ways? (Somewhat affordable would be nice too!)
Also, kids may not be thinking US destination wedding but we thought Charleston was a compromise. Great location. Plenty to do. We could plan some “day trips” for the guests such as carriage tours, trip to the beach, etc… We stayed at Charleston Place which was wonderful and I imagine a wedding would be great.
Are they even open to other ideas or are they pretty set on the Caribbean? If they or the bride’s parents are paying for it(?) maybe not too much you can do. I guess if they go with it, friends and family will have to decide if they can make it.
I second your suggestion of Charleston . We were married on Sullivan’s Island and has our reception at a restaurant in Mt Pleasant 24 years ago next month. We had a beach party for the rehearsal dinner. It was wonderful. Boone Hall has a beautiful wedding venue. They also have wedding receptions on the harbor cruises.
My sister stayed at Charleston Place and really enjoyed it. You say the sets of parents are 8 hours apart. Is there a nice resort somewhere midway? If it is the Caribbean- agree about Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands because of the passport issue. Maybe plant a bug in their ears about that if they remain focused on the Caribbean.
When I started reading your post, the first place that came to mind was Charleston. However, what time of year do they wish to marry? I wouldn’t want a wedding in Charleston during the summer due to heat and humidity.
I have a friend who decided on a destination wedding. She was miserable because almost no one could afford to go. (I think hers was in the Virgin Islands?? It was a few years ago now…).
They ended up renewing their vows a year later and had a wedding that she was much happier with.
I read once that a distant destination wedding is the couple’s way of saying, “We don’t really want you here.” I wouldn’t go that far, but if you choose a place several people in the immediate close family won’t be able to get to, that’s pretty close to saying they aren’t wanted.
A good friend of ours had a destination wedding that was driving distance from Seattle, where most of the couple’s friends and family were from. Those who wished to stay onsite could, but it was also drive-able for those who wanted to just come out for the day. Depending on where you live, I’d opt for something like that-so that family could actually attend.
I’d tell them to have their destination wedding and expect no one to go. Then I’d suggest two receptions, one in each hometown.
My brother went to one in, I think, the Dominican Republic. The pictures of the wedding were beautiful, but the travel was really expensive and my daughter couldn’t go because it would have taken 2 full days to get there and at least one to get back (flying with the time zones), and she couldn’t miss that much school. If it had been in Mexico, she could have done it.
@sevmom I agree with you that a place between the 2 families is a reasonable alternative . My wedding was not a
“Destination Wedding” for us because we resided where we got married. It was about halfway between both families. We did have a small wedding by people’s standards ( less than 100) . We were limited with the time of year ( I wanted a December wedding), but compromised with an October one knowing that people would probably not be able to travel around the holidays. I can honestly say that 90 % of the people we invited attended. Another thing to consider is availability of medical facilities if there are elderly guests . Accessing medical care abroad can be very intimidating .
Punta Cana is beautiful and relatively cheaper than other islands. Many hotels are all inclusive. Check out this chain: http://www.melia.com/en/hotels/dominican-republic/punta-cana/home.htm
You could get very good discount if booked ahead. All inclusive is nice because you don’t have to worry about who is paying for which meal, and having alcohol included is also nice.
I would also look into South Beach or NC beaches if you are looking into US destinations.
If it were me - and it wouldn’t be because I don’t like the idea of destination weddings - I’d say Vermont (or New England or upstate NY) for leaf peeping season. I had a friend who got married in Saratoga Springs in October. It’s a pretty little town and the leaves were spectacular - plus it was a gorgeous train ride up the Hudson.
I feel like it’s the couple’s way of saying, “We’re choosing your vacation for you this year,” unless the couple pays for the guests’ airfare and lodging.