Canadian PV Dreams Brides-Have you booked for late 2009?

[Jess]

i booked with a real TA - I wanted my guests to have someone to talk to if needed - plus she was less than those travel websites like orbitz.

[smith3576]

We used a TA too. We got a block of rooms only; no flights. We had guests coming from so many different places. The rates seemed like a good deal (about $30+ US dollars cheaper than what I could find online for room alone AND it includes airport transfer). Even more, it was about $70 cheaper than the hotel originally wanted to charge us for a block (yes, even higher than their current prices at the time because they were "locking in our prices"). She was able to talk them down. It's been nice to have someone run interference for us and as a point person for our guests - I don't want any problems for our guests. I haven't even talked to the WC yet; my TA was getting and securing all of our wedding stuff. Now that Rebecca's on though, and seems more responsive, I will probably start working with her directly. I don't know if our guests would have gotten something cheaper by wrapping up hotel and air, but that depends so much on the time they decide to book. At least this way, they know what to budget for at least. If they find a better deal, they don't have to use our blocked room rate.

 

Our TA was also great in helping us with our honeymoon

[ashey063009]

Hope you don't mind me weighing in here ladies-- I know my wedding is earlier in the year, and therefore less applicable to the situation. However, I thought I'd let you know how the experience was booking AI and Flight as a package, and coordinating it for the entire party.

 

We found a PHENOMENAL TA that had some great connections with Sunquest and several other great companies. We also wanted to keep the prices lower (easier in the summer, though) and his "inside" scoop allowed him the ability to wheel and deal with the companies. Our guests were all in Alberta and Sask. so it was fairly easy to coordinate, but I found that booking them as a package saved us over $600 pp.

 

And I agree with Smith-- a TA is very helpful for extras and honeymoons if you send your guests through them.

[katiegirl628]

We haven't booked yet, but have decided on January 2010. YAH!!! I'm definitely looking forward to seeing all your November wedding pics and reviews.

[dominique]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashey063009 Hope you don't mind me weighing in here ladies-- I know my wedding is earlier in the year, and therefore less applicable to the situation. However, I thought I'd let you know how the experience was booking AI and Flight as a package, and coordinating it for the entire party. We found a PHENOMENAL TA that had some great connections with Sunquest and several other great companies. We also wanted to keep the prices lower (easier in the summer, though) and his "inside" scoop allowed him the ability to wheel and deal with the companies. Our guests were all in Alberta and Sask. so it was fairly easy to coordinate, but I found that booking them as a package saved us over $600 pp. And I agree with Smith-- a TA is very helpful for extras and honeymoons if you send your guests through them.

Hi Ash,

I was just wondering if you'd let me know who you used for your TA. Most of our guests (around 50 out of 80 people) are coming from Edmonton or Calgary down to PV, so I wouldn't mind getting a quote from him!

Thanks!

[ashey063009]

Of course!

 

His name is Randy Sharman and he works for J&R Travel here in Calgary. He and (I think) a friend of his own the company. They're independent, and I think it makes them work harder for their clients.

 

His e-mail is [email protected]

 

If you'd like his phone #, please pm me. He responds really quickly to e-mail. You can let him know that Ashley Anderson sent you-- he's become a pretty close acquaintance and will be pleased I'm passing his great business to other brides to be!

[mayanbride78]

I appreciate seeing how everyone has gone abt booking. THere are options...I just can't seem to get a package deal with a firm contract yet "b/c it's too far in advance". My TA says the departure day could change and this won't be confirmed until June which really doesnt help since I have to be at the resort for 4 full business days before the wedding day. I have to leave on the Nov 21st or the 22nd and can't have it a "probably be ok" situation! I'm getting frustrated and thought that I'd be booking by now! But I was told too I had to put down $150/room to block my rooms and that nothing is held for me until I do. But why would I give my TA money if the package contract isn't a confirmed thing and dates might change etc.?!

Has anyone heard how firm Dreams is on this 'be there for 4 full days before your wedding'??

[mayanbride78]

I appreciate seeing how everyone has gone abt booking. THere are options...I just can't seem to get a package deal with a firm contract yet "b/c it's too far in advance". My TA says the departure day could change and this won't be confirmed until June which really doesnt help since I have to be at the resort for 4 full business days before the wedding day. I have to leave on the Nov 21st or the 22nd and can't have it a "probably be ok" situation! I'm getting frustrated and thought that I'd be booking by now! But I was told too I had to put down $150/room to block my rooms and that nothing is held for me until I do. But why would I give my TA money if the package contract isn't a confirmed thing and dates might change etc.?!

Has anyone heard how firm Dreams is on this 'be there for 4 full days before your wedding'??

[Jess]

I've never heard that at all? We are getting there 4 days before the wedding but we had never heard of that rule - the original plan was 2 days before but we wanted to get organized down there so we decided to go a little bit earlier

[mayanbride78]

I just emailed Rebeca and she got right back to me : ) She said that you should be there 2 days before your wedding to plan the wedding if it's a non-legal wedding. Diana (old co-ordinator) told us we had to be there 4 bus. days prior regardless of whether it was legal or not. I'm just happy the 4 day rule doesn't apply to non-legal weddings!! Nor does the blood test : ) Jess is your ceremony going to be legal?