My fiancee and I want to get married in Mexico at an all-inclusive resort. Since meals are included in the price of the hotel stay, is it appropriate to hold the "reception" dinner at one of the resort hotels? Will we look cheap? Should we pay for part of the guests' hotel stay?
Dear Mexico-Bride, Please do check with your contact at the resort. Presuming you want a separate room for your guests, the all-inclusive may not still apply. Or, you can have a portion paid by the guest's meal allotment, and then add and/or upgrade the menu and the wine list to something spectacular. If you are just going to eat a regular dinner at the restaurant, you will need to do something above and beyond for your guests. Bottle of wine in their hotel rooms, pre-paid massage, or even contributing money towards their bills. Good luck, Jodi R R Smith
Usually the meals are included, at all-inclusive hotels, for the guests of the resort. Your guests may wish to stay at other hotels, so their meals would not be covered at your resort. But, this is neither here, nor there.
It is best to discuss your plans with the resort's events coordinator. More than likely you will want some special room or intimate terrace for your reception and a special menu for your guests. You wouldn't want to share your reception with the entire resort population, or to schedule your reception on the very night the resort is serving ribs for dinner.
And, no you are not responsible for your guest's expenses. However, it would be appropriate to do something special for your guest who have traveled to share in your celebration. Perhaps you could research and make a list of local activities in the area. Many times the resort can offer you discounts for your group. Also, it would be very nice to give your guests a small gift native to the wedding site.
Enjoy the planning process. And, congratulations to you both.
All-inclusive Destination Wedding
