My fiance and I are trying to planning a destination wedding on a budget. He seems to think that we can do this for $2500 for both of us. He also thinks that we don't need to plan this until Jan (we plan to marry March 25-06). My question is this- how long in advance is it necessary to plan to have a nice wedding (with just us). Also is it possible to have a nice wedding either in Europe, Alaska, or the Carribean which is nice but not super expensive. We live in Denver and would like to stay 7-8 days. I need some advice on this weddingmoon, because I am not sure his expectations are reasonable.
expertplanner
BRIDAL CONSULTANT
Aug 10, 2005, 4:23 PM
Post #2 of 3
(4156 views)
Re: [runawaybride] Wedding Moon in Hades?
[In reply to]
Oh heavens no, please don't call yourself Runawaybride! (lol)
Contact a travel agent and tell him or her what you are looking for. They will be glad to offer you some options. While you could book on the internet, the only problem with this is that you are looking to have a wedding so you really should speak with a live person. You may be able to get a nice rate on a cruise/destination wedding or a resort/destination wedding for just the two of you.
Best wishes, Rhonda Allen, Bridal Consultant New Beginnings Weddings
Honeymoon_Pro
HONEYMOON & TRAVEL EXPERT
Aug 10, 2005, 8:20 PM
Post #3 of 3
(4148 views)
Re: [runawaybride] Wedding Moon in Hades?
[In reply to]
It can be done, but you should definitely plan early. Most resorts only do one wedding per day, and if March 25, 2006 is not flexible, early planning is key.
Alaska and the Caribbean are probably better choices for your budget. Weddingmoons in Europe tend to be pricier.
Jamaica is of course one of the nicer budget conscious places to get married. Several of the resorts do a free wedding when you stay over 5 nights. Couples and SuperClubs just to name a couple. If you desire a more quaint resort, there are several that also offer free weddings.
The Bahamas is also another island that offers very affordable wedding packages except at Atlantis. (The room rates there are a little steep and a basic wedding is $1400.) The RIU there does a wonderful wedding and there is a SuperClubs on this island.
Alaska is very picturesque but March is extremely cold there. The warm season (65-70 degree weather) is during the months of May - August.
Planning early does not mean you have to pay up front. Typically, after choosing a resort and confirming your wedding dates a deposit of $150.00 per person is due from 3-7 days after making reservations depending on the resort/vendor. Then final payment for a March wedding would be early February.
March is considered low season for travel which will also help with your budget, but no your fiancé is not unrealistic. It just requires planning and someone that knows the ropes. I would not advise waiting to get started with your reservations past October or early November.
Wedding Moon in Hades?
My fiance and I are trying to planning a destination wedding on a budget. He seems to think that we can do this for $2500 for both of us. He also thinks that we don't need to plan this until Jan (we plan to marry March 25-06). My question is this- how long in advance is it necessary to plan to have a nice wedding (with just us). Also is it possible to have a nice wedding either in Europe, Alaska, or the Carribean which is nice but not super expensive. We live in Denver and would like to stay 7-8 days. I need some advice on this weddingmoon, because I am not sure his expectations are reasonable. 
