How do you decide where to have your DW?

[cmhallahan]

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm having a really hard time figuring out where to have my destination wedding. I know I want tropical and at an all-inclusive resort (I've heard from many people that this is much easier for guests)... I'm leaning towards the Dominican Republic, Riviera Maya Mexico, Costa Rica, or Belize... but having never been to some of these places it makes it hard to decide. Then once you decide the destination, how do you choose a resort?! Does anyone have any suggestions?? Ideas?? Thanks soooo much!!!

[bajanbride]

Our best tool in narrowing down resorts was www.tripadvisor.com

You can read reviews from previous travellers and see "candid traveler photos" which give you a much better idea of what the resort really looks like, compared to what they might show you on their website or at the travel agent's office.

We have even emailed people who left a review on tripadvisor to ask about their wedding at that resort and most write back and are willing to go into great detail about the planning/event/final cost/overall experience/etc.

You should also make sure you look through the governmental requirements very carefully before choosing a country for your wedding. Some are more involved than others and can cause a big headache...

Good luck picking your resort!

[Beach_It!]

True, www.tripadvisor.com is a good resource, but keep in mind that everyone travels differently. So, what may be horrible food to someone is a delicacy to others. The most imporant thing is to look at you and your fiance and your guests. What do you like to do? Older or younger crowd? Like to party, need nightlife? All from one coast-closer to one destination? Stuff like that. For beach wedding-related info that is a good place to look is http://blog.destinationweddings.com/blog/?Tag=Beach+wedding

When I planned my DW I found that it was better to think first of me and my fiance, as you can go crazy trying to please everyone!

[ais106]

I hear you sister! I am going to pull my hair out!!!!! I need serious help. We were going to have our DW at the Riu in Paradise Island and then we realized that it is a dive!!! We originally thought Mexico would be the best option and cheapest for our guests but you have to be there 4 days before the wedding and they have crazy requirements! Don't know what to do!