Aruba on a budget?

[wide awake]

I don't think your BIL/future SIL are being realistic. I would send DH to do his best man duties. I wouldn't buy a gift either, DH's airfare, hotel, etc... ARE the gift. I agree w/ a PP, people make way too big a deal about weddings. You can spend a fortune and actually be royalty, not just acting like it for a day... but that doesn't mean the marriage is going to last...we all know what happened w/ Prince Charles and Princess Diana. There is also something very white trashy about demanding that people spend a ton of money to show up at your wedding...tacky, tacky, tacky.

 

[a742246]

I am also of the opinion that $6000 is too much to go to anybody's wedding. People who have destination weddings really put the pressure on people to come, even when they can't afford it, IMHO. Maybe if they want people to come to their wedding so far away, they need to pay. Give them a nice cash gift and hopefully they will have a reception locally that you can attend.

I agree with this. You are a young family $6,000 is alot for a wedding. If you feel that you have to go, then I would either keep the kids home and go with my spouse, or send my spouse to represent the whole family.

 

[aclov]

Destination weddings for family/guests should be an option not a requirement, especially if it's on a island! They need to understand that it is an expense.

I agree with the person that said sometimes you prefer for people not to come, but they should be candid about that. They are entitled to have their romantic beach-like wedding but they shouldn't expect people to also sacrific to attend. Now if they were treating than that's a different story!

 

[jerseygirl81]

That is very expensive, if you can't leave the kids at home with anyone then I think I would consider sending DH on his own. I know he said he doesn't want to go without you but he is the best man and needs to go. You could always take a family trip when he gets back for much less, and maybe your DH could stay with someone and split the cost. If you do go I hope you have a great time I've heard great things about Aruba, my neighbor has been twice and absolutely loves it there. Linda

 

[KathleensKid]

6K for a dream family vacation is fine. 6K on a forced wedding vacation is not okay at all.
Send dh on his own and have him bunk with his mom.
Then, next year leave the kids home with your MIL and take a trip to Aruba with just your dh! Cheaper, easier and much more romantic for you to know that you have a caribbean vacation coming up in 2013 with your MIL no where in sight! That's my plan for our destination wedding invite.

My dh's cousin (like a brother to him as he is an only child) is getting married on a Thursday during the school year in Costa Rica!! They are young and have lots of wild friends who are stoked for a week in Costa Rica. Lots of "DUDE that rocks! Can't wait" type notes on their facebook save the date page..... Dh and I are in our 40s w/kids and jobs. Dh will be going alone. He'll be able to go to the wedding, scope out Costa Rica and then take me back without the kids next year!

 

[debraW76]

While I appreciate everyone's well intentions - my question was NOT what is your opinion on destination weddings, people who do them, and if we should go or not. My husband and I will decide what is best for my family. My question was how to make Aruba affordable. What I am wanting to know from my budget minded, Disney loving friends is info on airfare, resorts, all -inclusive plans, and dining options in aruba.

roliepolieoliefan, winjos, TinkPirateMom, AZMermaid, & living20057 - thanks for your inputs. I am looking into all of your suggestions.

 

[blondietink]

I think people are trying to tell you that Aruba is not very affordable. The only place I can think of that offers discounts is through the cheapcaribbeandotcom website for package deals. July is off-season for Aruba, therefore fewer flight options which equals higher prices for the flights that go there.

 

[okeydokey]

While I appreciate everyone's well intentions - my question was NOT what is your opinion on destination weddings, people who do them, and if we should go or not. My husband and I will decide what is best for my family. My question was how to make Aruba affordable. What I am wanting to know from my budget minded, Disney loving friends is info on airfare, resorts, all -inclusive plans, and dining options in aruba.

roliepolieoliefan, winjos, TinkPirateMom, AZMermaid, & living20057 - thanks for your inputs. I am looking into all of your suggestions.

You can't make it affordable for your sized family. The affordable option would be to send your husband and he can share a room with him Mom.