this is the code for the render ad
California-Orange County

Destination Wedding Cancelled...all in OC now

So I have to vent. I had my heart all set on a destination wedding, but was pressured to have a back at home reception for all my friends and family that couldn't make it to Hawaii. Well long story short, after calling, trying to find a reception place, looking at airfare, hotels, and everything else it exceed my budget. I wanted a nice simple intimate wedding, but now, I will have to resing myself into spending less and hopefully having money left over for a better honeymoon. depressed and frustrated s

Re: Destination Wedding Cancelled...all in OC now

  • edited December 2011
    we wanted to do the destination thing too.. but couldnt due to the fact no one could come and would be upset. so, we are getting married at the reef in long beach. the ceremony will be on the deck overlooking the water, and then the reception inside. may want to check out something like that. charthouse has the same kind of thing.. and much less expensive than a lot of places we've looked at.. which means more for the honeymoon!!
    Meagan and Travis
    Image and video hosting by TinyPic
    BFP 2/27/11 Missed M/C 4/2/11
    BFP 6/8/11 Delilah Rae born February 17, 2012
    Image and video hosting by TinyPic Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • Soon2BeENRSoon2BeENR member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    When my husband and I went to Jamaica for our honeymoon, we saw a TON of weddings being performed on the beach.  The setting was amazing; the water was so blue and beautiful, but the one word I would use to describe the weddings I saw was depressing.  Some people had maybe 10 guests, but this one couple had just themselves.  They looked happy, but I felt so bad for them that even their parents weren't there!  I wanted a destination wedding, but I am SOOOO glad I chose one where our families could attend.  I think you'll be much happier having one in OC.
  • Tygerlily22Tygerlily22 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Why not have a "pretend" destination wedding at one of our beautiful coastal beaches? They don't call South OC the California Riviera for nothing. Get a permit to get married on the sand in any number of towns. Stay at a smaller dream hotel like the Casa Del Camino in Laguna Beach, or any other medium size hotel that is big on service, but not on price. There are a lot of them. Book your guests into the smaller hotels in these areas, which compete with the bigger resorts and are actually rather nice. Ask for a group rate for your guests and bridesmaids. If your wedding is on a Saturday, hold a Sunday brunch at one of the local outdoor restaurants. Just let them know you are havng a large party and they will take care of everything for you. I went to a "destination" weddng in Big Bear. The bride and groom had the hotel hold several rooms for their participating guests and wedding party. We single gals bunked together, which made it affordable enough for us to check in on a Friday and stay until Sunday. We really got to know each and it turned out to be the most enjoyable weddings I ever went to.
  • edited December 2011
    I wasn't in the exact same boat, but I was pressured into having our wedding at my parents' home in the OC.  Yes, we were a bit annoyed that we were pressured into it, but on the day-of it really meant a lot to have family and close friends there.  As folks suggested, if what you wanted was a destination setting, you can make OC have the same romantic feel.  Don't give up on the wedding you want just because it's not exactly the same - just keep aiming for the atmosphere you have in mind and it'll work.
  • edited December 2011
    I had a destination wedding... and the destination was OC!!!  So sorry that you couldn't have your wedding in Hawaii... But on the other hand, there are much worse places that OC to be having a wedding!!! I live in Norway and had always dreamt of a SoCal wedding (i used to live in SoCal for many years). We had the most fantastic wedding at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel and Spa! I highly recomend it if you are looking for a GREAT location!! Good luck to you!
  • edited December 2011
    Thank you for your responses, I guess my one issue is that we wanted to have our ceremony in a church, so it makes it harder to have that destination vibe. I think each day it is sinking in more and more and it will still be fun and great. My one concern, as an older 1st time bride (40), I didn't want it to be the BIG wedding. Not to meniton, I am a crier at weddings to begin with so I can only imagine how I am going to be...oh, well, it is what it is at this pint.
  • edited December 2011
    BREATHE!Don't let the change in plans bring you down. If you take a break from wedding planning and clear your head, you'll come up with more great ideas for an affordable wedding that won't break the bank.One bride I am working with (I am noticing this trend now) is planning a "Sponsored Bride"wedding. She's saving a ton of money so she can spend more on what really matters.Read more:http://pinkcalyx.wordpress.com/the-sponsored-bride/Sherry
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards