Inexpensive Desination Weddings?!?

[elishecfd]

I'm trying to plan a Destination Wedding (for this fall no less!) and have narrowed my destinations down to three choices: Las Vegas, Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) and Puerto Vallarta (Mexico). Does any one have any advice or recommendations about these locations? My family (which is very big) are on very limited budgets, so I need a place that would be inexpensive for them to attend.

[sillybride]

Do you belong to a wholesale club, like Sam's, Cosco or BJ's? Often they offer very inexpensive trips. Also, stop by a travel agent and get some brochures. I have found some really inexpensive trips through them, believe it or not.

[DB2DD]

I was considering Vegas. It seems to be the place most people would like to spend their money & stay for a few days. Its the least expensive of the places I looked & saves the hassle of traveling outside the USA. This is my first choice for when we start planning.

[Meld77]

I too am looking at Dominican Republic as well as costa rica and Belize. Belize and dominican republic are by far some of the cheapest beach destination weddings. The thing I am liking about Belize is there is an island off the coast which looks beautiful and very inexpensive wedding and accomodation fees.

[nifearaaba]

I too am looking at Dominican Republic as well as costa rica and Belize. Belize and dominican republic are by far some of the cheapest beach destination weddings. The thing I am liking about Belize is there is an island off the coast which looks beautiful and very inexpensive wedding and accomodation fees.


Belize looks to be a very pretty and interesting country. hopefully, we'll make a short trip there after our wedding in the riviera maya, mexico.


anyway, las vegas may be cheaper since you can cut out all of the fees and procedures that are required in other countries plus the translation of all the paperwork and documents. las vegas in general though, is not a cheap city. many of the nicer hotels on the strip can be much more expensive as compared to the those in mexico.

[ImagineThat]

Being in the event planning/wedding planning business for 15years - I have planned weddings of all types. So, here is my advice.

1. The Dominican Republic you will probably get the most bang for your buck. Hotels can be really inexpensive and 9 out of 10 times the hotel is all inclusive. The problems lie here - airfare can be really expensive because there's not a lot flights going in and out of Punta Cana. The other down fall is that there's nothing much to do except water activites. Lastly, there is a language barrier.

2. Vegas works well for a lot of people. Airfare to Vegas is not that reasonable right now because of the cost of fuel ( but then again it is not reasonable to fly most places these days). From the perspective of a wedding professional - Vegas would be my last choice. The good thing is that there are plenty of hotels to choose from. The bad news is that the most appealing locations are not reasonable. Also, its not romantic like the beach in The Dominican Republic or Mexico.

3. Puerto Vallarta - if you have a large family that is willing to travel at the same time - you can go directly to an airline and ask for a group discount. You call and ask for their group department. You can also choose your wedding through Apple Vacations to book your air and hotel. Your wedding can cost as little or as much as. The good thing about Puerto Vallarta is that there are many flights a day and many airlines to choose from. The bad news is that there is a language barrier if you do not speak Spanish. I can't say many bad things about Puerto Vallarta because it is one of my favorite destinations for a wedding. (No matter what the budget is)

Hopefully this helps.