Destination wedding dilemma - Update page 8

Doesn't make sense that you would have to upgrade to a suite if the baby is under 2 years old. :confused3

I was on your side, and still am really, but the more I try to put myself in your shoes, the more I think I would probably go if it were my family. I would skip a couple trips to Disney and go to the wedding. Not judging if you don't, but I think I would end up giving in even if I don't think it is right.
 
There is no way on God's green earth I would shell out that kind of money to attend any wedding!

Let go of the guilt wagon, it has to get tiring to pull it along like this for so long

Your reasons are valid for not wanting to spend that kind of money

Your sister can have any wedding she wants

the price she pays for making it 'exotic' is decreased attendance

you are not wrong for not wanting to spend all that money

spell it out for her exactly what the cost would be for your family to go and that you quite frankly cannot afford to go

here is your lovely parting gift ...i mean wedding gift

end of story :laundy:
 
I certainly wouldn't leave the kids at home when your daughter is dreaming of flower girl. If you go, your sister might not let her be a flower girl, but the thought is in her head.
I got the impression that the sister was playing down the flower girl thing with the OP's DD because she wasn't sure that the OP's family was coming to her wedding. I think it would be far crueler if the sister told her that she would be the flower girl and put more pressure on the OP to go.
 
I just keep thinking that if it's this hard for family members to justify the expense, what's going to happen when the invitations go out to the friends? I'm afraid her wedding is going to be a lot smaller than she envisions. She's not really thinking this through enough.
 

I got the impression that the sister was playing down the flower girl thing with the OP's DD because she wasn't sure that the OP's family was coming to her wedding. I think it would be far crueler if the sister told her that she would be the flower girl and put more pressure on the OP to go.

I was thinking the same thing.

I just keep thinking that if it's this hard for family members to justify the expense, what's going to happen when the invitations go out to the friends? I'm afraid her wedding is going to be a lot smaller than she envisions. She's not really thinking this through enough.
Actually I have found that friends actually make up a larger percentage of attendants at destination weddings than family. They also tend to be much more excited about the trip as a whole.


OP, I think you just need to make your final decision and come to peace with it. You will feel much better once you are resolved one way or the other.
 
OP, I think you just need to make your final decision and come to peace with it. You will feel much better once you are resolved one way or the other.

You got it! I really do, and the guilt thing has to go, too.

My sister was 14 when I got married, and I bought both my sisters' dresses, my mom's dress, and my dad's tux rental. I also paid for hair, etc. But none of that matters now. I did it because I wanted them there.

Yes, my DD would be a flower girl if we go, I think that's always been implied. It's just of late that we learned of the destination wedding. I just don't think my sister knew what to say to my DD; she sometimes avoids uncomfortable topics so there are no disagreements. Which is why it's difficult to talk to her about this, and she goes to mom. I did talk to my DD yesterday and explained everything, she was okay with it for now.

Mrs. Pete, it sounds like we had a similar childhood. I'm 35 now, and the second half of my life has been so much calmer than the first. I'm actually a middle child, but we are spaced over more than 20 years, so my brother is 45, then me, then 28 and 24. My brother didn't get help either and he dropped out of college and never graduated. But he is a great salesman and has done very well for himself. But he lives away from the rest of us and mostly stays out of the drama--so smart of him!
 
My situation wasn't all that different. My parents had more kids than they could handle, and as the oldest I got the least of everything -- and was required to give up my high school years to act as an unpaid babysitter and tutor for the younger ones. My mother wanted me NOT to go to college because it deprived her of her help; other issues were involved there too. I know they didn't have money, but I also didn't get any emotional support. In contrast, once a couple of us were out of the house and my parents had more time (and money), the younger ones got much better treatment.

Things between me and my mother are much better now, but I can't say I've forgotten all that. Regardless, I've never held any of it against my siblings. They had nothing to do with making that situation, and if I'd been younger instead of older I would've accepted the help given to me just as they did.

Realize, too, that whatever she does with her wedding is hers. Your choices have to do with whether to attend. Don't feel responsible for more than is actually "yours". I think that's an oldest child tendency.

You're right to try to treat your kids equally. It won't work out perfectly; they'll have different opportunities, etc. as time goes by. Everything seems to work out for my oldest: She was always assigned to the best teachers, fell in with good friends, was offered the chance for great extra stuff at school. My poor youngest often was assigned to lesser teachers, her peer group at school just isn't as "enriched" -- in fact, she has a bunch of bullies in her grade -- and things just seem to "disappear" when she ages into them. Nothing I can do about those things, but it has affected their upbringing.

I wanted to thank you for not taking it out on your siblings. My mom had four kids in four years, and was a single mom for most of their growing-up. I came along when they were 11-15 and so when I was in high school my mom was in a much better place financially. I got the fancy senior pictures and a big graduation party and my brothers haven't forgiven me for it YET (despite the fact that one brother never finished high school and the other one got his GED in jail) and I was always "Angie is spoiled, Angie gets everything, we never had anything."

I understand it's unfair, but it's definitely not MY fault. My relationship with my brothers is still poor, almost twenty years after I graduated high school.
 
My DH priced out a trip for the five of us and it was $6k, not including airfare or passports, because we apparently need a suite with now with the baby. Not sure if we can get a discount or maybe do something else with the rooms. My sister is booking next month because it has to be only one year out, so I'll know more then.

just punched in a rsvp "cold" to see what's going on and that 6K price looks to be for all 5 of you in the "beachfront suite" complete with concierge - which is listed at $5400.00 for May 2013. Also includes a complimentary catamaran cruise for 2 and guests will receive a 355.00 air credit per room. This is a high end accommodation.

So since it's your sister and your attendance is obviously important to her, I would work backwards from this point to see what discounts she can get, and research how the placement of your "young" family members on a rsvp works when travelling as part of a group at these all-inclusives - before ruling out being there.

The last time we talked about it, I didn't get far and my sister said "just go to Disney," so I know she's hurt/upset. But, to be honest, we could get two trips to Disney for that amount.
Not sure where you are travelling from and which Disney park but this comment implies you go often. Comparing Disney to this shouldn't matter, since that is vacation that will always be there but this is a once in a lifetime event.
 
just punched in a rsvp "cold" to see what's going on and that 6K price looks to be for all 5 of you in the "beachfront suite" complete with concierge - which is listed at $5400.00 for May 2013. Also includes a complimentary catamaran cruise for 2 and guests will receive a 355.00 air credit per room. This is a high end accommodation.

So since it's your sister and your attendance is obviously important to her, I would work backwards from this point to see what discounts she can get, and research how the placement of your "young" family members on a rsvp works when travelling as part of a group at these all-inclusives - before ruling out being there.

Not sure where you are travelling from and which Disney park but this comment implies you go often. Comparing Disney to this shouldn't matter, since that is vacation that will always be there but this is a once in a lifetime event.

My husband priced it out for April, which does come out to over $6k, but then my sister switched it to May. Anyway, I will look into putting one of my kids on someone else's reservation. I'm not going to have them sleep there, but I will look into it for the financial aspect.

And yes, we do go to Disney a lot. We like it there, as do many of us on this board. It's easy with kids, especially. And before my sister's decision, I had no desire to go to Jamaica as I'm not a fan of these all inclusive resorts, but that's neither here nor there.

Edit: It's $4229 for a week in May with two kids. I still need five passports and four airfare and a place to put my third kid. That's not going to happen for less than $6k.
 
Just a suggestion... when my brother was engaged to his first fiancee years back, she was adamant they buy a house. I was not happy with the idea because he didn't make a lot of money and she was a job-hopper so her income wasn't reliable. I got the impression that she was just in love with the idea of home ownership as part of that "let's play house" mentality... much as your sister is swept up in the "let's have the best wedding ever" mentality.

I sat down with him and we wrote down all the expenses home ownership would include... down to hair cuts! At the end of the month he was minus $34 and that was with no unforeseen emergencies. With everything written down he came around and told her a house wasn't an option right now. She basically had a fit and told him if they couldn't buy a house, she didn't want to marry him. Fortunately for him, his reply was alright, we won't get married. Phew!

Anyway, long story short, you might need to provide a breakout of the expenses you'll incur by joining her on this venture. Show her the breakdown on paper of visa costs, flight costs, hotel costs. And then either approach it with the "this is why we can't join you, but we can throw you a reception here" mentality. Or "this is the cost of this trip for us, if you can find a way to get it under X dollars, then we could join you."

In the excitement, people lose track of the simple fact that it's 4 hours of your life. That's a lot to ask anyone to shell out for a 4 hour shindig. My folks simply didn't believe in paying for their kids' weddings and offered a little money toward it, but essentially we were on our own. We managed an amazing Medieval themed wedding for under $5K (dress, cake and location included!!)
 
I just wanted to give you some additional information since you seem on the fence. First as many others have stated it is okay to decline this invitation especially if it something that is not possible or will negatively affect your family (i.e. put you in debt). However, if you would like to look at ways to make this possible many others have suggested Beaches Sandy Bay which is a great alternative to Beaches Negril it is a smaller property but you have full exchange privileges with Beaches Negril and free shuttle service between the 2 resorts and going between these resorts via hotel transportation is safe and easy. At Beaches Sandy Bay, a family of 5 could stay in a spacious 1 bedroom suite complete with 2 bathrooms for 5 nights at around $4,000.00. You would need to obtain passports and airfare but once in Jamaica everything is included. Beaches provides airport transportation. All meals, snacks, and beverages (alcohol and non) are included. Daytime and evening entertainment (Sesame Street characters and Parades when you are visiting the Negril resort) is included and they have children's camps that are wonderful and all included in your price. I have been to Beaches Negril and Beaches Turks and Caicos. I know no one wants their vacation dollars spent for them but I wouldn't hesitate to plan another family vacation at one of these properties. I actually attended a DW while at the Turks and Caicos property. It was beautiful.
I have worked as a Destination Wedding Specialist for the past 4 years so if you have any questions about how these things work or about the destination itself please feel free to ask. I'm happy to help.
ETA: If you book early and a better sale comes out between now and your final payment date then you can rebook under the new promotion so it is possible to get a better rate. A $400 refundable deposit is required to book and payment in full is due 45 days prior to departure.
 
I got the impression that the sister was playing down the flower girl thing with the OP's DD because she wasn't sure that the OP's family was coming to her wedding. I think it would be far crueler if the sister told her that she would be the flower girl and put more pressure on the OP to go.


Yep,
What i was getting at is Regardless of the brides intent, if the daughter doesn't go, she doesn't get to be a flower girl. If the reason is because mom leaves her behind, that isn't good.
 
I just wanted to give you some additional information since you seem on the fence. First as many others have stated it is okay to decline this invitation especially if it something that is not possible or will negatively affect your family (i.e. put you in debt). However, if you would like to look at ways to make this possible many others have suggested Beaches Sandy Bay which is a great alternative to Beaches Negril it is a smaller property but you have full exchange privileges with Beaches Negril and free shuttle service between the 2 resorts and going between these resorts via hotel transportation is safe and easy. At Beaches Sandy Bay, a family of 5 could stay in a spacious 1 bedroom suite complete with 2 bathrooms for 5 nights at around $4,000.00. You would need to obtain passports and airfare but once in Jamaica everything is included. Beaches provides airport transportation. All meals, snacks, and beverages (alcohol and non) are included. Daytime and evening entertainment (Sesame Street characters and Parades when you are visiting the Negril resort) is included and they have children's camps that are wonderful and all included in your price. I have been to Beaches Negril and Beaches Turks and Caicos. I know no one wants their vacation dollars spent for them but I wouldn't hesitate to plan another family vacation at one of these properties. I actually attended a DW while at the Turks and Caicos property. It was beautiful.
I have worked as a Destination Wedding Specialist for the past 4 years so if you have any questions about how these things work or about the destination itself please feel free to ask. I'm happy to help.

4k brings it down to her having to hold a night job for a mere four months rather than six. I don't get the feeling that this is a matter of "if we could knock off a few thousand, we could go" but rather, "we were thinking this would be a local wedding and we'd be in for a flower girl dress, a gift and maybe new clothes...now we will have all that plus a vacation we werent intending to budget for this year.". I could be wrong, but even in my world $4k I haven't budgeted for is a lot of money.
 
OP
I posted almost the same exact scenario here a couple months ago but the wedding was to be in florida. (not disney .. and during dec. ) I too would have a 5 month old plus three other kids. I will say I did not get any sympathy for objecting to having to go. I settled on going myself and leaving the kids home. BUT, I am very persuasive and after explaining to the couple that barely anyone from the family was making the trip down there, they would fair a lot better by having it in NJ - where my sis is from. they agreed and i am happy to say are getting married in NJ with 150 guests this December. The 'rents are footing the bill and all they need to do is show up in wedding clothes.

My bet is that once they start hearing that much of their family and friends cannot or will not make the trip, maybe you or your parents can get them to reconsider. Otherwise, make a quick trip down there yourself.
 
My husband priced it out for April, which does come out to over $6k, but then my sister switched it to May. Anyway, I will look into putting one of my kids on someone else's reservation. I'm not going to have them sleep there, but I will look into it for the financial aspect.

And yes, we do go to Disney a lot. We like it there, as do many of us on this board. It's easy with kids, especially. And before my sister's decision, I had no desire to go to Jamaica as I'm not a fan of these all inclusive resorts, but that's neither here nor there.

Edit: It's $4229 for a week in May with two kids. I still need five passports and four airfare and a place to put my third kid. That's not going to happen for less than $6k.

You're right. There are all those extra costs to factor in.
My only point was not to rule anything out.

I don't know your financial situation, or your vacation history or what you typically have spent on travel. I would hope that if this truly is an affordability issue, your family would work together to get everyone there.
 
I got the impression that the sister was playing down the flower girl thing with the OP's DD because she wasn't sure that the OP's family was coming to her wedding. I think it would be far crueler if the sister told her that she would be the flower girl and put more pressure on the OP to go.

ty I tried and gave my imput on going solo. I did read also the flower girl issue was over. ty for standing up for me. :sad2:
 
4k brings it down to her having to hold a night job for a mere four months rather than six. I don't get the feeling that this is a matter of "if we could knock off a few thousand, we could go" but rather, "we were thinking this would be a local wedding and we'd be in for a flower girl dress, a gift and maybe new clothes...now we will have all that plus a vacation we werent intending to budget for this year.". I could be wrong, but even in my world $4k I haven't budgeted for is a lot of money.

Sure, and if the OP takes a WDW vacation 6 months later with her family, I'm sure there will be a lot of hurt going on. OP, we've been to both WDW (I've been many times), and Beaches, and I think Beaches would be easier with kids than even WDW. I know my kids would enjoy Beaches over WDW, and it's nice to branch out, and try new things.
 
Are you planning any other vacations this year?? We usually take one vacation a year. And while attending a wedding isn't my ideal way to spend my vacation, if my brother was getting married I would try to do everything I could to be there. So if that meant cancelling a Disney trip for a year I would do that. And I would take the money I would have been spending on the vacation and put it towards attending the wedding. If you would have spent 3k on a vacation then you are looking at coming up with another 3k as opposed to 6k. It's still a lot of money but not as daunting. And given that you have an entire year to come up with the money it might be possible. The other thing you could do is sit down with her and tell her that you have xxx amount of dollars set aside for a vacation this year and were planning to take the kids to Disney but you would be willing to use that to take the family to her wedding, but that is all you can afford. Maybe she could pay the remainder or come up with some other arrangements/discounts.

I really hope you can find a way to go. It sounds like she may resent it if you don't go and then plan another vacation. And even though it isn't Disney, I would think your family could have a great vacation in Jamaica and really enjoy doing something new.
 
Sure, and if the OP takes a WDW vacation 6 months later with her family, I'm sure there will be a lot of hurt going on. OP, we've been to both WDW (I've been many times), and Beaches, and I think Beaches would be easier with kids than even WDW. I know my kids would enjoy Beaches over WDW, and it's nice to branch out, and try new things.

I'm sure that there would be hard feelings but I am of the opinion that folks should be able to spend their money on their own priorities. I would move Heaven and Earth to celebrate a sibling's wedding but if my sibling planned her special day without any regard to the financial sacrifice she was asking my family to make I would not be happy. If I truly could not justify the funds I would have that discussion with her.

I am willing to bet that once the sibling begins to discuss her wedding plans with her extended family she will be making changes if she wants them to attend. I would never spend this kind of money to attend a relative's wedding unless I really wanted to go to that vacation destination. I will spend money but not that much.
 
Sure, and if the OP takes a WDW vacation 6 months later with her family, I'm sure there will be a lot of hurt going on. OP, we've been to both WDW (I've been many times), and Beaches, and I think Beaches would be easier with kids than even WDW. I know my kids would enjoy Beaches over WDW, and it's nice to branch out, and try new things.

Yep, but the problem being presented to us is not "should I trade my Disney vacation to go to my sisters wedding.".

And yep, she could make that trade....She might need to trade more than one Disney vacation if she's used to doing Disney on the cheap.
 












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