Resort Wedding Coordinators!!! Is Email really the best way to communicate?!

[TLC4Rock]

I am a bit frustrated in that I am not getting good phone customer service with the resort. I am planning my wedding at Occidental in Punta Cana..maybe this is why I can't find anyone else on this forum using this location.

 

The resort was referred to me by my TA with destinationweddings.com.

 

I understand they are extremely busy, but the on-site coordinator told me she does not have time to talk to me on the phone to answer my questions. She prefers sending emails. Majority of my communication has been via email...however every now and then I would like personal contact. Also because she did not directly answer some of my questions via email.

Am I being impatient or unreasonable? Is this typical with planning DW, do most resorts prefer email versus phone?

 

My wedding is July 30 I sent close to 200 invitations and am in tears now!!!

 

I am also at the point I want to cancel everything and go with another resort!!!

 

If there is anyone out there that can help me transition my guest and get better service I sincerely appreciate any help at this moment.

[jplovesme]

I'm so sorry you're going through this. I think we all have had frustrations waiting to hear back from the WCs. I'm still in the early part of the process, but it's taken up to 3 weeks to hear back from the WC for me, but my date is pretty far off. I've ready that other brides here have had slow responses. Some even called directly to get answers to really important questions. I would try to call if it's something urgent, like a contract needs to be signed/finalized. Or try emailing her one more time. ORRRRR... maybe get the name/contact of her supervisor and copy the WC AND your TA, and ask the same questions and explain that you have not received a response in a timely manner... maybe that'll light a fire under your assigned WC.

[TLC4Rock]

Thanks Giselle,

 

I kinda figured that and was trying to be patient. I'm not sure if I'm having a bad planning day or what and I just can't stop crying!

 

I found out that after sending out close to 200 invitations that my TA changed her number and didn't tell me until I asked her. That's pretty easy to recover because I am going to find another TA and send a postcard to all the guest originally invited.

 

Thanks for letting me cry on your shoulders.

[ebredhawk]

TLC.. another tip if some of your questions aren't getting answered.. put them in list form. i think a lot of us have found that if we number our questions and make them as simple as possible, is decreases the chance of them being overlooked! good luck, take a deep breath and happy planning!

[AlexsBride]

Does the WC at the resort speak English? I know that some of them don't speak much or it is very broken. Is the stuff you are asking stff you need to know right away? If it is, then you might want to see about emailing a manager at the resort and see if they get back to you any sooner. If it is stuff that can wait until you get there, write it all down so you don't forget what it is that you want to ask! Good luck! But keep in mind that DW are supposed to not be as high stress as regular weddings! Breathe.....

[amygirl1169]

I agree with the above posters. Most of the WC's are wayyyyy too busy to handle all the emails, let alone start accepting phone calls from all their brides!

 

I don't know about you, but even in my own job, I prefer email so I have a trail and something to look back on if I need to.

 

It may also have to do with their comfort of speaking English. Perhaps they prefer emails so they can understand it better. And you don't want someone not understanding what you're saying!!

 

In your emails, definitely number each question and if it's truly an urgent matter write URGENT in your subject line. When I was stressing about booking flights and confirming the availability of a wedding date, I did this and it worked fabulously. **But for the sake of yourself and future brides, DON'T over use it, or it will obv become ineffective.

 

I think because of the volume they're dealing with, they don't even want to talk to the bride until they are closer to the wedding date. I know to you, it seems like it's right around the corner, but to them there are SO many other weddings happening from now until then.

 

Hang in there and good luck!

[Dmitri_Markine]

Every time I had any questions, I'd send them via email and would receive an answer within 24 hours at the most.

They are dealing with a ton of brides and don't consider themselves your personal wedding planner. That's why there are destination wedding planners out there in your own country. They will deal with your resort and you can call and chat with them as long as you want. If phone communication is necessary for you, you should consider hiring one.

I believe this forum offers this service as well.

 

Cheers,

Dmitri

[TLC4Rock]

Thanks EVERYONE!

[ashleed]

I have heard this......it's the Dominican Republic.....they are way more laxed than Americans and do not get in a hurry. Yes frustrating when you as a bride need it to be all about you.

[caribbeanLover]

I also have very slow response now, I learned to deal with it (I was giving myself ulcers) and I just tried to remember this is the reason I am planning a DW and why I am huge member of this form, I actually saw a thread for your resort, I am sure you can get some answer's there. Have you put a deposit and have an actually contract?

I never had to put one down.

like everyone said, just take a deep breath and try not worry to much, it'll all come together and we'll all be looking and your pretty wedding pictures!! :)