Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Loading
Be sure to book your flight and hotel early for the best options!
Be sure to book your flight and hotel early for the best options!

Stephanie & Ignacio

FAQs

The Wedding Website of Stephanie McNab and Ignacio Alarcon
Question

When should I buy plane tickets?

Answer

Please buy them as soon as you can as prices go up closer to our wedding date.

Question

When should I book accommodations?

Answer

We recommend booking your accommodations as soon as possible! Antigua is a charming but small town, and it's a very popular wedding destination—especially on weekends. Hotels and rentals tend to fill up quickly, so the sooner you book, the better your chances of securing your preferred spot.

Question

What is the best way to get around Antigua?

Answer

Rental cars are not necessary. Once you arrive in Antigua, the city is pretty walkable and Uber is also available - our average ride price was $3-5 within Antigua. That is not a typo! Our most expensive ride is to/from Antigua.

Question

Payment and Currency

Answer

The currency in Guatemala is the Guatemalan quetzal (GTQ). We recommend that guests exchange dollars to quetzales. Although most restaurants and stores accept cards, tuc tucs, street vendors, entry to museums and convents can only be paid in cash. While the airport is the most convenient option, they do not offer the best exchange rate. We recommend visiting a local bank (for example, Banco Industrial) to exchange money or using an ATM to withdraw quetzales.

Question

Is it okay to take pictures with our phones/camera during the ceremony?

Answer

Once the ceremony starts, we ask you turn off your phones or put them on airplane mode. Photos are encouraged before the ceremony, after, during the reception, and throughout the welcome event. We have hired a photographer and content creator for the day; between the two of those professionals, we'll have tons of amazing footage.

Question

Are children invited?

Answer

While we love your little ones, our wedding is going to be an adults-only event so that everyone can relax and enjoy the evening. We appreciate you making arrangements ahead of time so that we can celebrate with you.

Question

What is childcare like?

Answer

If interested, for guests staying at Porta Hotel or Santo Domingo - with advanced notice they can arrange babysitting for your kids. If staying somewhere else please contact Steph for recommended babysitter's contact information.

Question

Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?

Answer

The ceremony is indoors. The reception will be covered but open.

Question

What is the dress code for the wedding?

Answer

We are delighted to have you join us for our black-tie optional (i.e. long gowns, black suits or tuxedos) wedding celebration! For this special occasion, we kindly request to avoid white, ivory or champagne. Wearing heels in Antigua, Guatemala can be challenging due to the city's cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces. While heels may be appropriate for the venue, we generally recommend choosing comfortable low or block heels instead. We kindly ask that women bring a shawl to cover their arms and chest during the Catholic ceremony as a sign of respect.

Question

What is the weather like?

Answer

April offers beautiful weather in Antigua. Expect warm, sunny days and cooler evenings. Pack light layers, and prepare for the vibrant colors of bougainvillea and jacaranda trees in bloom!

Question

Is Guatemala safe?

Answer

Yes! We want to reassure our guests that Guatemala is a safe destination. We know you will love Guatemala as much as we do. We would never ask family and friends to travel somewhere unsafe.

Question

Can I bring a plus one?

Answer

Our wedding is strictly RSVP only. We will only be able to accommodate those listed on your invitation.

Question

Where can I get my hair and makeup done for the wedding events?

Answer

For beauty services, we recommend the Spa at Casa Hotel Santo Domingo (+502 7820 1220), Amaya Salon (+502 4622 3129), Petra Makeup Studio (+502 4864 5332), Dieu Vintage Salon and Spa (+502 3351 9515), Zafiro Salon and Spa (+502 5522 1664), and Pink Slay Beauty (+502 5865 2749). *Please contact directly via WhatsApp to make weekend appointments. We recommend you check out their Instagram profiles as well!

Question

I'm nervous about my Spanish. What should I do?

Answer

Download Spanish as an offline language from Google Translate. This will allow you to always have access to the app, even if you're without WiFi or your service is spotty. It's a great backup, but to be honest, I think you'll find English is pretty common.

Question

Will I be able to use my phone?

Answer

While you will easily be able to find WiFi at most places in Antigua (hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes), we recommend that you talk to your cell phone service provider before travel. Steph always uses Airalo for a cheap e-sim if your phone supports multiple sims.

Question

Can I drink the water?

Answer

To avoid traveler’s tummy, please avoid drinking tap water during your visit. Hotels should provide you with at least one bottle of water a day, but you will likely want to buy more bottled water at a bodega. You will also see water tanks called EcoFiltros in hotels, Airbnbs and restaurants. These have free, filtered water, so feel free to fill up your bottle with this water at any time. You should also feel confident to drink water from restaurants in Antigua (it will be filtered).

Question

If I need medical attention, where should I go?

Answer

You can visit VitalMed in Antigua, Guatemala. For serious or emergency situations, we recommend the medical center in Guatemala City.

Question

Am I going to have fun?

Answer

Is the sky blue?