Thinking of going the DW Route and I need some serious help

sarahmelendrez

My FI and I have been debating doing a DW instead of the traditional wedding route and we are absolutely clueless on where to start. We would obviously like to have as many people with us as possible, but the financial burden is deterring a lot of people. Are there any websites out there with package prices or something?

Aquarius25

I agree, start by narrowing it down to a couple of "destinations," which is how we got started (I felt so overwhelmed at first too!~) Then try googling the area name with "weddings." Some resorts, etc. with wedding info. on their site should pop up. We married in Negril, Jamaica at Couples Swept Away. The resort's web site had all the info. as far as wedding packages/pricing etc., as most others do. A co-worker married at Sandals Negril, and since Sandals are located in lots of tropical locales, you may want to check their site too. Often comlplimentary weddings are available, which helped us a great deal budget-wise, and our wedding coordinator there rocked! (so much easier and less stressful than planning a traditional wedding.) If you want to stay in the states, in addition to Fla., Wrightsville Beach, NC is nice (near me!) as is Hilton Head, SC. Good luck!

SimplyMistaken

What I did, was I sat with FI and talked about what WE wanted, and who was crucial to be there (he said him, me and the person marrying us but I said close friends and family.).  I went to those choice friends and family and said, "if we do this and give you X amount of notice, would you be able to go?"  All said yes.  Now that was 8 months ago, and since, about 1/2 those that said yes are now saying they cannot go-that is to be expected.  In the end, what matters is what YOU two want. 

oohlypinon

I am with pp's.  Sit down and discuss what you and FI want and you might look in to a TA to help you out (I am using Hayley with Beach Bum as well) Good luck and Welcome to the board!

chosen175

If you absolutely HAVE to have certain people at your DW, I would sit down with them and ask how much they think they can afford realistically, then go from there.  The reality about DW's, however, is that sometimes the people you really want to be there just can't make it.  So you either need to be ok with that or you need to be prepared to help pay their way if you still want the DW.  It's just something to keep in mind, because that can be a deal-breaker for some people when they're considering a DW.If cost is an issue, you might want to look at staying in the US to keep your guests from having to apply for passports.  We're getting married in Savannah, Ga because I knew that the cost of international travel would mean that none of my family would be able to go.... plus, it's a GORGEOUS place that we both love.