Getting married in a youth hostel

Bailey_Bear_2

Hi guys,

I'm looking for some general advice. My partner and I have been together for 8 years, engaged for 6 and have finally decided to set a date. It's the seconded time around for both of us and we're not interested in the "traditional" wedding. We've talked about having a small wedding in the local registry office then taking everyone out for dinner and having a honeymoon of a life time afterwards. but I also like the idea of getting married in/near a youth hostel and making a weekend of it. The YHA offers an 'escape to' feature that allows you to hire out the entire property for a few days. Some are even licensed for you to marry at the premises.

All the youth hostels have dorm rooms. I'm a little worried about asking people to come to my wedding and sleep in bunks. How would you feel if someone asked you to do this?

It would only be family, 30 or so people ranging in age from 1 to 75.
I know my parents would be fine about it, they use youth hostels themselves, but I concerned about my partners parents. They will be the oldest there, 73 and 75. We would make sure that they were comfortable, and if possible give them a room to themselves. (I just read that back and it makes them sound decrepit, they're not! My mil to be has had knee surgery, but is mobile and they're both very sociable, friendly people, just not quite as young as they were)

I'm also concerned about throwing the 2 families together for a weekend, They don't know each other very well and the last thing I want at my wedding is for people to be uncomfortable.

I'd be very grateful for anyone's thoughts on this.

Cheers,

Bailey Bear.

Oliver14

It's your wedding. Think about what you want not what is expected or your family wants.

HappyMJ

Most of the small hostels have a few rooms so you could split them up a bit but anyone who doesn't want to stay in the hostel is welcome to stay in the hotel down the road at their own expense. I like the idea myself.

Acc72

Bailey_Bear wrote: »

It's the seconded time around for both of us and we're not interested in the "traditional" wedding.

I also like the idea of getting married in/near a youth hostel and making a weekend of it.

The YHA offers an 'escape to' feature that allows you to hire out the entire property for a few days.

All the youth hostels have dorm rooms. I'm a little worried about asking people to come to my wedding and sleep in bunks. How would you feel if someone asked you to do this?

It would only be family, 30 or so people ranging in age from 1 to 75.

I can understand that you do not want a "traditional" wedding - but why a Youth Hostel ?

If it was the place where you and your partner met than that would make sense, but otherwise ?

Also, there are losts of places / small hotels etc. that you could "take over" for a couple of days.

My own personal opinion is that I wouldn't like to be sleeping in a bunk in a shared dorm - and the chances are that others (particularly the older members of the party) will not either.

Also, mixing families (who may not know each other) in that kind of situation - eg. I presume there are also shared bathrooms etc.? - may not be the best idea.

belfastgirl23

If you could find a youth hostel with other accommodation nearby and make it clear to people that absolutely no offence will be taken if they stay elsewhere then go for it. At least no one will be able to complain your wedding cost them an arm and a leg

I would also be wary about people being together too long if it's out of the way. If you're in the middle of a village or city and there are places people can use as natural break out spaces, then they choose when to be together. If it's in the middle of the country and it's raining they're kind of stuck together. I couldn't cope with my own family in that environment, never mind forcing two families to cope with each other.

But it's your wedding - keep in mind that no matter what you do there will be people who don't like it so you may as well do it your own way (with appropriate measures in place for people who are less able etc)

Good luck!

Nottoobadyet

I think its a great idea - some of the YHA properties are absolutely stunning, some are beautiful manor houses and set in incredible locations. I never knew you could do weddings.

I'd say that dorm beds are fine for most guests and would be a rolicking good time if you can get all your mates in the same dorm. Some of the YHA properties have private doubles so maybe you could keep an eye out for one that does for the older generation?

Actually this is possibly the best wedding idea I've ever heard - cheap, can be in a posh manor, usually well placed for country walks if your guests need some fresh air, kitchen on site...

aylesby

Just when you think you have heard of all the places to get married someone throws such a splendid curve ball into the mix.

It is your wedding go for what you want.

Bailey_Bear_2

Acc72 wrote: »

I can understand that you do not want a "traditional" wedding - but why a Youth Hostel ?

If it was the place where you and your partner met than that would make sense, but otherwise ?

Also, there are losts of places / small hotels etc. that you could "take over" for a couple of days.

My own personal opinion is that I wouldn't like to be sleeping in a bunk in a shared dorm - and the chances are that others (particularly the older members of the party) will not either.

Also, mixing families (who may not know each other) in that kind of situation - eg. I presume there are also shared bathrooms etc.? - may not be the best idea.

to give you an idea of the youth hostels available, here a link. http://www.escape-to.co.uk/view_property.php?id=912

We've just done a rough count, and it would be 27 people. We could get away with 9 rooms, with just couples and children sharing. I think book anywhere over than a YH would just be too expensive.

Well you guys seem pretty evenly split between thinking its a good idea and a bad idea

I'm really tempted.....

HappyMJ

For all the people worried about sharing with others.....It's really just a big building rather than a youth hostel. You are hiring the whole building and not sharing with anyone else.

Bailey_Bear_2

And thank you all for Taking the time to read and reply, It really is appreciated!

Dunroamin

I think it's a great, original idea as well.

Many hostels don't just have large dormitories with bunk beds these days but smaller rooms as well/instead of and these may well have single beds. Another advantage over an hotel is that there'll be self catering facilities so that you can keep the costs down and people can make themselves something to eat when they want it.

Just one minor proviso if it is all bunk beds - do you have any guests with mobility problems or who are elderly?

Otherwise, go for it!