Any 2011 Brides out there?

[CeeCee76]

We plan on working directly with the hotel. Are there any pros for working with a TA?

[mexbride83]

The only pro that I've found so far is that they do all the communicating for you, so I can be pretty hands off. However, to be honest, if I didn't already have a TA that did a lot of work for us, I would've booked directly. I don't think they get very different prices, and our resort is very responsive, so I don't really need someone to do the awful job of calling the resort incessantly when they won't respond. I think that is a huge plus to a TA though if your resort isn't responsive!

[Less is more]

Tifuhhknee,

I absoultely love your dress it is stunning! I haven't gotten the nerve to go out looking yet. I kept telln myself i have tons of time but it is ticking away!

[prettypigpig]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mexbride83 Prettypigpig - we looked at Oceal Coral & Turquesa as well and we really loved it. However, I was working with destinationweddings.com at the time (they were awwwwwful) and that TA said that the resort gives really bad group rates and they have better prices online. We decided to stop looking at the resort after that. However, since then I had the DW.com specialist send me some outrageous prices for other resorts (including the one we are booking, which she quoted at double what they are charging!). So I realized that DW.com only works with specific resorts, and they'll do/say anything to get you not to book at other resorts that you may like. However, by the time I realized that we'd already decided on Ceiba as our first choice, or else I would've gotten quotes from Ocean C&T from our new TA. So basically, if you are working with DW.com, then contact Ocean C&T directly to get their pricing!

I met with a TA's manager ( I was ignored by one of their employee, so I filed a nasty complaint, and the manager met me to calm me down), she told me that group rates aren't better than individual online rate at the 1-2 before the chosen date, because the wholesaler can't sell those reserved spots to others, so they are charging a premium on it. Of course, if u have a 300 persons weddings, it is a different story, because u can lease a plane to goto mexico and have the negociating power. For less than 50, group rate isn't cheaper.

[Mischaka]

I'm definitely working with a TA!! there is no way I would have been able to find something that had everything I want and try to get group rates for everyone else. I just don't want that kind of headache.

[Linhy]

Hi ladies! How are you all doing? Getting pretty excited about the whole wedding process? So after reading everyones comment about TA. I am debating if I should even get one now. I've been working with this one but she hasn't been the greatest. She complain to be able how she got a lot of projects coming up and a lot of people are booking vacations. I'm like well... I have a wedding.. even though its in January of 2011.. But still wouldn't you all think she would treat everyone as the same and providing the same service. Geesh.. We are inviting 40 people but only expect 25-30 people. I was thinking of maybe having a travel agent for the airfares only and work with the resort directly or book with them I mean.. but then after doing a little more searching. I'm starting to think putting together a vacation packaged with air/hotel is much more cheaper.. so I guess I would have to go through a TA? What do you all think? I am kind of stuck with this!?

[CeeCee76]

Linhy,

I would definitely find another travel agent. Customer service is a pet peeve of mine and if she doesn't want your business I would move on. It may seem like its too early, but it isn't, most people take a year to plan their weddings. I'm like you, I want to start planning now.

[Linhy]

Thanks for the advise CeeCee! Yeah customer service is so important to me! ugh!!

[skadow]

Hi Ladies,

 

I have officially booked the Aventure Cove for February 18th 2011 at 4PM. I have also booked Vincent from Del Sol For the night. I am looking at about 40people.

 

CANT WAIT!

[Linhy]

Nice! skadow! were you able to get prices for the hotel too??