Nevada-Las Vegas

WWYD- Honeymoon?

As everyone know we are coming from overseas for our wedding and we had this planned:
Arrive in LA- stay for 5 days & visit disney/universal (we love us some theme parks) & sight see
Day 6 -9 - drive from LA to Las Vegas by Joshua Tree & Lake Havasu.
Day 10 - 18 - Las Vegas, wedding & area sightseeing
Day 19 - 21- San Francisco (Fly)
Day 22 - 27 - Drive from SF back to LA via Yellowstone & other places.
Day 27- Fly to Hawaii (Honolulu)
Day 34- Fly Home
I have been to every place except Hawaii and FI has been to none (which doesn't concern me much as I loved all of these places) and it is a little bit expensive especially Hawaii (as we want to be in a beach resort not a high tower in the city).
Approx $10,000 each including all airfares

Today a travel agent friend sent over a great deal to Thailand for around our honeymoon time. It would be $1600 for 16 nights at a 5 star resort. My mum and Dad & aunts & uncles have already booked and paid today (it is a really good deal).

We can do the first 18 days of the trip as planned come home for 2-3 weeks and work then go off to Thailand and save about $4,000 each. We got enaged in Thailand and it was also the destination of our first overseas holiday together (it is cheaper than holidaying in Australia). Both of our works would also be happier with this option as they wouldn't need to get temps in as we would just be away in  about 2 two week blocks.

So what would you do?

Re: WWYD- Honeymoon?

  • edited December 2011
    I think either sounds amazing (especially since you have history as a couple in Thailand) but personally, I'm not sure I'd want to spend my honeymoon with my family.

    As far as the US honeymoon schedule goes...
    Day 22 - 27 - Drive from SF back to LA via Yellowstone & other places.

    I think you mean Yosemite, not Yellowstone.  Yellowstone is in Wyoming/Montana - a good 15 hour drive (one way) Northeast of SF.   I've made the drive several times (my parents live just outside SF and I live in Montana about an hour north of Yellowstone).  I've never managed to make it to Yellowstone in less than 13 or 14 hours even when driving straight though and only making stops for gas/fast food.  

    I'd consider visiting Yosemite instead.  It's beautiful, it's on the way from SF to LA, and it would save you literally days of driving. 

     
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  • kara811kara811 member
    2500 Comments Third Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    Where in Thailand would you be staying if you chose that? It is such a beautiful place, their beaches look so amazing. And if you're saving that much money with going off to Thailand, I would go there, especially since it's got sentimental value for the 2 of you. It really seems like it's a win-win situation of you head to Thailand instead! 
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_wwyd-honeymoon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:a0cfb918-e36e-4063-ada9-132413277171Post:e6407527-bf77-45b9-9bee-623a02219ad8">Re: WWYD- Honeymoon?</a>:
    [QUOTE]I think either sounds amazing (especially since you have history as a couple in Thailand) but personally,<strong> I'm not sure I'd want to spend my honeymoon with my family</strong>. Posted by amityr1976[/QUOTE]

    Ditto that!  We're not going on a honeymoon, just staying in Vegas for a week and my parents are also staying for a week.  We don't plan on spending our time together though and the hotel is certainly big enough that we aren't likely to run into each other all the time.  I'd say that if you would be spending the time on your own in Thailand (or a good chunk of it), that sounds like a way better deal.  Thailand also holds some sentimental value for you and your FI, so it would be nice to go back there for your honeymoon.  Ultimately your decision of course, but that's my opinion.
    imageBabyFruit Ticker
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_wwyd-honeymoon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:a0cfb918-e36e-4063-ada9-132413277171Post:e6407527-bf77-45b9-9bee-623a02219ad8">Re: WWYD- Honeymoon?</a>:
    [QUOTE]I think either sounds amazing (especially since you have history as a couple in Thailand) but personally, I'm not sure I'd want to spend my honeymoon with my family. As far as the US honeymoon schedule goes... Day 22 - 27 - Drive from SF back to LA via Yellowstone & other places. I think you mean Yosemite, not Yellowstone.  Yellowstone is in Wyoming/Montana - a good 15 hour drive (one way) Northeast of SF.   I've made the drive several times (my parents live just outside SF and I live in Montana about an hour north of Yellowstone).  I've never managed to make it to Yellowstone in less than 13 or 14 hours even when driving straight though and only making stops for gas/fast food.   I'd consider visiting Yosemite instead.  It's beautiful, it's on the way from SF to LA, and it would save you literally days of driving.   
    Posted by amityr1976[/QUOTE]

    Yes I meant Yosemite! Doh!
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_wwyd-honeymoon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:a0cfb918-e36e-4063-ada9-132413277171Post:a15c13f8-5a3a-4594-906b-db1f5f212f45">Re: WWYD- Honeymoon?</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: WWYD- Honeymoon? : Ditto that!  We're not going on a honeymoon, just staying in Vegas for a week and my parents are also staying for a week.  We don't plan on spending our time together though and the hotel is certainly big enough that we aren't likely to run into each other all the time.  I'd say that if you would be spending the time on your own in Thailand (or a good chunk of it), that sounds like a way better deal.  Thailand also holds some sentimental value for you and your FI, so it would be nice to go back there for your honeymoon.  Ultimately your decision of course, but that's my opinion.
    Posted by mwkoby[/QUOTE]

    Either way we would have family with us. The difference being that if we went Thailand it would be my family and if we went USA it would be FI's family and some friends. We usually take family vacations as it works out for a great deal especially for day tours (don't have to share a bus with other people who hold up the bus! you can literally yell at family to hurry up lol!)
    My preference is Thailand as it would be relaxing and FI & I would hire mopeds and go exploring and it is my family. But is that just selfish of me? FI says he doesn't care. He really likes the outdoors so Yosemite and all that would be great for him (I have seen it all before except Yosmite) but he also loves Thailand as he gets to swim and scuba and drink lots for very little.

    Plus Thailand would be cheaper which means less money. We are refinancing our mortage to afford it all anyway so it would be the one and only chance to go big! lol

    I sound like a brat I just realised.....sorry!
  • tlbattagliatlbattaglia member
    Fifth Anniversary 1000 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_wwyd-honeymoon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:a0cfb918-e36e-4063-ada9-132413277171Post:e6407527-bf77-45b9-9bee-623a02219ad8">Re: WWYD- Honeymoon?</a>:
    [QUOTE]<strong>I think either sounds amazing (especially since you have history as a couple in Thailand) but personally, I'm not sure I'd want to spend my honeymoon </strong>with my family. As far as the US honeymoon schedule goes... Day 22 - 27 - Drive from SF back to LA via Yellowstone & other places. I think you mean Yosemite, not Yellowstone.  Yellowstone is in Wyoming/Montana - a good 15 hour drive (one way) Northeast of SF.   I've made the drive several times (my parents live just outside SF and I live in Montana about an hour north of Yellowstone).  I've never managed to make it to Yellowstone in less than 13 or 14 hours even when driving straight though and only making stops for gas/fast food.   I'd consider visiting Yosemite instead.  It's beautiful, it's on the way from SF to LA, and it would save you literally days of driving.   
    Posted by amityr1976[/QUOTE]

    I agree with this.
    Anniversary
  • smokeybaileysmokeybailey member
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    OP-In a previous post you said that you could not afford more than a ceremony at the Vegas sign followed by a buffet dinner for your 80 some odd guests.  Did you opt to spend your budget on the honeymoon instead? 

    You have a far more understanding family than I do.
    Bi-oh-rama
    Now with more wedded bliss.


    I don't get married often, but when I do, I do it in Las Vegas.

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    "Lvharpy could be your AE." - direy25
    "smokeybailey is the one shining beacon of light in this steaming turd of a thread." - daffodil_jill
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  • edited December 2011
    @ Smokeybailey- no this is our holiday budget which is seperate from our wedding budget. We are both from a family of travellers...basically we work to travel and enjoy it. We take an overseas holiday every year. We are fortunate enough to live in a country were wages and conditions are fair and job security is good. We made the choice to not go on any holidays in 2010 in order to justify having a big one for our wedding.
    We are not wedding people and can not personally justify the amount spent on weddings nowadays (especially for a 15-30min Vegas ceremony that the major hotels sell). We wanted a simple celebration that represented us and didn't include 250 people we hardly know (I have a huge family that I hardly see and we have a lot of "friends" but only wanted our nearest and dearest with us).
    I never said I could not afford more than the type of wedding that we are having just that I was budget conscious.
    I have a family that understands that the important thing about a wedding is the vows and committment you are making to one and other and not the amount per head spent on a plate of food.
  • smokeybaileysmokeybailey member
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    Actually, you said that if you wanted to have a wedding with bells and whistles, you would have to wait 3 years. From that I gathered that you couldn't do a more elaborate reception at this time and hence the "budget bride." That was my interpretation of that line so if that is not what you meant, I am mistaken.

    My family certainly understands that the important thing is the wedding/commitment, but I couldn't have people from all of the country pay to fly out to see said wedding and then not thank them with more than a buffet if I was following that up with a $20K honeymoon.  I guarantee you that someone would feel slighted.  It's nice that your family and friends are fine with that. 
    Bi-oh-rama
    Now with more wedded bliss.


    I don't get married often, but when I do, I do it in Las Vegas.

    image

    "Lvharpy could be your AE." - direy25
    "smokeybailey is the one shining beacon of light in this steaming turd of a thread." - daffodil_jill
    "The almighty smokeybailey has spoken." - some bitch on the Las Vegas board

  • edited December 2011
    What I actually said was If we had chosen not if I wanted. There is a major difference there!

    Honestly I don't think it is fair to insinuate that having a buffet reception makes it less of a wedding! A few brides on here have had buffet receptions.

    You see that is where we differ...I don't understand why someone would make their guests fly from all over the country (at their expense) to attend a wedding that could be done at home without the expense to the guests. I mean the chapels in the pictures provided by the hotels are the same as the ones provided in most towns. Same as insuite receptions...for example the New York Skyline is just as spectacular as Las Vegas. But I don't openly judge someones else choice. It is the couples decision what they are prepared to spend on a wedding and what the wedding will be like.

    Since our guests are flying in from overseas we wanted to give them the Vegas experience that is sold through your countries tourism campaigns...an Elvis wedding, a buffet and gambling. The buffet helped with making sure everyone on the guest list could find more than one thing they liked to eat...instead of being limited like at a other weddings (which was important to us and I have mentioned in other posts).
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_wwyd-honeymoon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:a0cfb918-e36e-4063-ada9-132413277171Post:cd849849-c372-48e1-9749-65ed1c037cc0">Re: WWYD- Honeymoon?</a>:
    [QUOTE]Actually, you said that if you wanted to have a wedding with bells and whistles, you would have to wait 3 years. From that I gathered that you couldn't do a more elaborate reception at this time and hence the "budget bride." That was my interpretation of that line so if that is not what you meant, I am mistaken. My family certainly understands that the important thing is the wedding/commitment, but<strong> I couldn't have people from all of the country pay to fly out to see said wedding and then not thank them with more than a buffet if I was following that up with a $20K honeymoon.  I guarantee you that someone would feel slighted</strong>.  It's nice that your family and friends are fine with that. 
    Posted by smokeybailey[/QUOTE]

    this.

    ETA:  and to answer your original question, i would go to Hawaii because my family <u>wouldn't</u> be there. thailand would be cool, but i wouldn't want to spend my honeymoon near my family.
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_wwyd-honeymoon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:a0cfb918-e36e-4063-ada9-132413277171Post:49705732-3029-4af8-8eac-9bc7ff42b4a1">Re: WWYD- Honeymoon?</a>:
    [QUOTE]What I actually said was If we had chosen not if I wanted. There is a major difference there! Honestly I don't think it is fair to insinuate that having a buffet reception makes it less of a wedding! A few brides on here have had buffet receptions. You see that is where we differ...I don't understand why someone would make their guests fly from all over the country (at their expense) to attend a wedding that could be done at home without the expense to the guests. I mean the chapels in the pictures provided by the hotels are the same as the ones provided in most towns. Same as insuite receptions...for example the New York Skyline is just as spectacular as Las Vegas. <strong>But I don't openly judge someones else choice. It is the couples decision what they are prepared to spend on a wedding and what the wedding will be like.</strong> Since our guests are flying in from overseas we wanted to give them the Vegas experience that is sold through your countries tourism campaigns...an Elvis wedding, a buffet and gambling. The buffet helped with making sure everyone on the guest list could find more than one thing they liked to eat...instead of being limited like at a other weddings (which was important to us and I have mentioned in other posts).
    Posted by j_jaye[/QUOTE]
    This. As long as your doing SOMETHING the extra meet and greets, party bus etc...are all just icing on the cake.KWIM? They should not be mandatory! I mean if you can then great! But someone should not feel that they have to. IMO.

    ETA: But this is also coming from someone who only feed her guest Masterpiece Cuisine App's and Drinks...so...I was probably side eyed for that **shrugs**
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  • edited December 2011
    You listed a lot of benefits for going to Thailand, but not too many for Hawaii. Sounds like you already have an idea of where you want to go. :)

    Wherever you choose, I bet you and your fiancé will have a fabulous time! Good luck!
  • mandysmearmandysmear member
    5000 Comments Fifth Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    wow.  whatta peach.

    "It's shart week." -georgiabride
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  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_wwyd-honeymoon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:a0cfb918-e36e-4063-ada9-132413277171Post:8347e004-c10c-4e58-98a1-7be1eee024de">Re: WWYD- Honeymoon?</a>:
    [QUOTE]wow.  whatta peach.
    Posted by mandysmear[/QUOTE]

    Care to justify your statement?
  • Lucee00Lucee00 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I would never as a guest feel slighted if the bride and groom went on a $20000 or $2000 honeymoon. I think of them as 2 separate events. I was fortunate to have my dad pay for a majority of our wedding while we paid for our honeymoon.

    As someone whose wedding is over, let me tell yah, spend your money on your honeymoon.

    Signed,
    Someone who "only" provided MP apps & booze.
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_wwyd-honeymoon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:a0cfb918-e36e-4063-ada9-132413277171Post:39221b66-6967-41af-b5e2-d842b88adc51">Re: WWYD- Honeymoon?</a>:
    [QUOTE]I would never as a guest feel slighted if the bride and groom went on a $20000 or $2000 honeymoon. I think of them as 2 separate events. I was fortunate to have my dad pay for a majority of our wedding while we paid for our honeymoon. As someone whose wedding is over, let me tell yah, spend your money on your honeymoon. Signed, Someone who "only" provided MP apps & booze.
    Posted by Lucee00[/QUOTE]

    ::::high five:::: MP app's were AWESOME! I still have guest talking about them....
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    10/29/11 LA RockNRoll Min Half (5K) 42:58
    12/4/11 Vegas RockNRoll Half 3:14:53
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  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_wwyd-honeymoon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:a0cfb918-e36e-4063-ada9-132413277171Post:4b8e4afd-26d3-4dc3-bdcb-5ee4eb487a82">Re: WWYD- Honeymoon?</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: WWYD- Honeymoon? : Care to justify your statement?
    Posted by j_jaye[/QUOTE]

    Wait 10 mins and she'll say something about your hair ..... that seems to be the going insult on TK.
    Wedding Countdown Ticker
  • edited December 2011
    Thanks to everyone who actually answered my original question. I appreciate it.
    @ Stinker & Lucee00 - I am sure all your guests had a fantastic time and survived with a full belly.

    We have choosen to do Hawaii as we go on holidays with my family all the time and this way we will for once do the same with FI's family (as his dad will not go to Asia). I think FMIL will really like this option as FI's family live on the other side of the country to us and we love to spend time with both our family.
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_wwyd-honeymoon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:a0cfb918-e36e-4063-ada9-132413277171Post:426cf5d1-4fb4-4d5f-9fd9-91c6cb29ac04">Re: WWYD- Honeymoon?</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: WWYD- Honeymoon? : Wait 10 mins and she'll say something about your hair ..... that seems to be the going insult on TK.
    Posted by MVJP10[/QUOTE]

    Lol  Is that so I will get paranoid and shave it all off before my wedding?
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_wwyd-honeymoon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:a0cfb918-e36e-4063-ada9-132413277171Post:0bad172a-b910-4982-82d0-50bf1834a19e">Re: WWYD- Honeymoon?</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: WWYD- Honeymoon? : Lol  Is that so I will get paranoid and shave it all off before my wedding?
    Posted by j_jaye[/QUOTE]

    lol
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  • edited December 2011
    I don't have much to add to this thread, but I think Hawaii sounds nice. I would love a long vacation like that!
    Anniversary
  • edited December 2011
    Glad to hear you were able to make a decision.  It's nice that you'll be able to vacation with FI's family for a change.  You have a really long trip to look forward to, on top of your wedding!  I'm sure it will be fabulous!  Enjoy!
    imageBabyFruit Ticker
  • edited December 2011
    Thanks Mwkoby- we are very lucky that we get 5 weeks paid leave a year!
  • edited December 2011
    Damn you Europeans!!! I have to take 1 or 2 days unpaid for just my wedding- I only get 1 week a year! Forget about a honeymoon!

    Totally jealous! :)
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_sending-2-different-invitaions?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:f1a6e5af-3e57-43e5-90f7-cd6064f83418Post:eac3e00f-87c7-48cc-baf9-d4a624c4c661">Re: sending 2 different invitaions?</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: sending 2 different invitaions? : Hahaha, you're funny, sweet jesus.
    Posted by smokeybailey[/QUOTE]

    Well Im an aussie but we get the same conditions. I really do not know how you guys do it! Not only that but we get long service leave (12 weeks paid leave for every 10 years of service) and paid maternity leave (8-16 weeks by the employer and the rest of the total 52 weeks by the government). But we do pay higher taxes and interest rates so everything has its downside I guess! Plus our house prices are ridiculous!
  • smokeybaileysmokeybailey member
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    hahahaha....i just saw your quote. That was from my post to sweetjes over on etiquette.  How did you get it over here?


    Bi-oh-rama
    Now with more wedded bliss.


    I don't get married often, but when I do, I do it in Las Vegas.

    image

    "Lvharpy could be your AE." - direy25
    "smokeybailey is the one shining beacon of light in this steaming turd of a thread." - daffodil_jill
    "The almighty smokeybailey has spoken." - some bitch on the Las Vegas board

  • aerinpegadrakaerinpegadrak member
    10000 Comments 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_wwyd-honeymoon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:a0cfb918-e36e-4063-ada9-132413277171Post:4c40d255-8557-4b75-a399-f9bb5f1a5630">Re: WWYD- Honeymoon?</a>:
    [QUOTE]hahahaha....i just saw your quote. That was from my post to sweetjes over on etiquette.  How did you get it over here?
    Posted by smokeybailey[/QUOTE]
    TK sometimes randomly teleports posts.  I've had responses to threads on the nationals end up on club boards before.  It's annoying.
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  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_wwyd-honeymoon?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:a0cfb918-e36e-4063-ada9-132413277171Post:4c40d255-8557-4b75-a399-f9bb5f1a5630">Re: WWYD- Honeymoon?</a>:
    [QUOTE]hahahaha....i just saw your quote. That was from my post to sweetjes over on etiquette.  How did you get it over here?
    Posted by smokeybailey[/QUOTE]

    LOL I have no idea I actually pressed to quote ahhhitsshannyn and her comment of "Damn you Europeans!!! I have to take 1 or 2 days unpaid for just my wedding- I only get 1 week a year! Forget about a honeymoon!
    Totally jealous! :) "

    I have no idea how your quote ended up there! Maybe the knot was trying to start something lol
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