Some help with destination etiquette...

Hoszowski

Although I've been to the south many times, I've never attended a destination wedding. I just got a list of options we can add on to our wedding package such like the private dinner, private reception, etc. We're definitely having a private reception dinner, but for the 20 or so guests we have coming is it really necessary to have a private reception?? Part of me would rather just have dinner, have some drinks at the bar and then party it up at the disco! Or is that tacky??

gabi829

I think if you have a private dinner, then you don't necessarily have to have a private dance partay too.  Are you having your wedding at an all-inclusive resort?

captainleela

LOTS of DW ladies do a dinner instead of a full-blown reception. Perfectly acceptable.

Hoszowski

Yes we are, in the DR:)...but one thing I don't understand is how it's an all-inclusive yet if we did a private party then we'd have to pay $15 per person/hour for drinks!! Why wouldn't we just go to the lobby bar or disco where we can have free drinks?

gabi829

I think it's just a way for them to make more $$ off of you.  I think your plan of having a private dinner and then going out afterwards sounds like lots of fun!

Kahtie41

We just did a dinner instead of a full-blown reception.  I knew that with such a small group it would have been weird to have the dancing and all of that.  Plus, going out afterwards was a blast!

I think the all-inclusives charge more for private stuff b/c you have to have staff working your event, as opposed to your guests using the general facilities.  And like Gabi said, another way to take your $$.  

Hoszowski

thanks for your tips ladies!! I'm definitely opting out of the private reception now. Kahtie41, you're absolutely right...it'd be weird to do the whole dancing and reception stuff with a smaller group.

Thanks again!