How to Manage Guest Gripes About Destination Weddings?

[conosur]

 

Hey, I found this great post in flytomywedding.com blog.  They have great info! check it out

 

This is one of the most challenging aspects about releasing the news of your destination wedding. Some guests are just not travelers, may not have the budget or may have different vacation plans for the year of your wedding. How do you reveal the news to your guests? How do you tell them about the money and time investment they need to make if they want to join you in your wedding? well, its simple. You personally call the people in your guest list. You can start with the people that matter the most to you, see their reactions and then call whoever else is left in your list. If you don't have the time. You can also send a nice  e-mail with a save the date and some of your destination wedding details.

 

Keep in mind that It's key to mention, when you deliver the big news, the main reasons for celebrating your wedding in your selected location as well as to provide  an estimate of the investment. After the news has been released it is smart to continue the communication either on the phone or via e-mail. The key is to create as much anticipation as you can to help the guest in doubt reach a decision.

 

Below are some key things you should do to alleviate the guest gripe and have more guest joining you.

1. Select a destination that has good prices and stay away from expensive all-inclusive resorts

 

2. Select a city that offers more than majestic resorts and blue waters. Look for things like history, ecological parks, nightlife and dinning experiences. This may increase the number of people attending your event since they may decide to turn your weekend getaway into a full week vacation.

 

3. Organize before and after wedding activities and provide as much as possible detail of all the tourist attractions in the area. This will create anticipation and will make them feel you are taking care of them. If your budget allows it, it would be nice if you cover some of the costs of these activities. It is a way to thank them and honor their presence.

 

When you do proper planning and create the right experience that appeals to the majority of your guests then no one will remember the money investment or the hours sitting in an airplane  but the awesome experience they just had!

 

What are your guests gripes?

[gonzaloNunez]

thanks Conosur for the contribution! I found very interesting.

Are you from Argentina? I was born in Patagonia your picture seems to be Los Andes..

Gonzalo

[conosur]

Hey Gonzalo,

 

You are right! I took the picture in Argentina five years ago in el Calafate. I love that place! wow you move from there to rivera maya! it looks you like great places. I had visited both but I prefer el Calafate.

 

 

[gonzaloNunez]

Yes, I love Buenos Aires, I lived there for 10 years, great place! But I´ve found in South of Mexico a magical place to live. Mayan people did know this... Try Palenque in Chiapas for instance, wow, walk trough the ruins without shoes and feel the power of the earth,.. I am having two weddings in Palenque for 2011... wow!

Gonzalo

[sxcT]

Great article!!  I plan to do all that stuff.  I am a vacation freak to begin with and I am always the one sending out emails with pictures, reviews, excursions, amenities, etc.  I have already told all my friends how great the resort is and all the things included and all the activities to choose from.  I know I have a few hooked already.  Thanks for sharing!!

[82turtles]

Thanks for the article and tips! I have heard from some family members that my Grandpa won't go if it's out of the country, so we'll see.. maybe if I just talk to him and ease any concerns he will decide to go!

[conosur]

It is hard for older people to travel because they are intimidated with the huge airports. Also they are not as mobile and independent. This results in stress for them and kind of dangerous if they do not have someone to take care of them.  This results in stress and extra work for them and sometimes for their families. I suggest you to try to build up his confidence. Find a way to facilitate their travel.

 

We had the same issue with my husband's grandmother. She is 93 years old, so we did not expect her to go. She also said she could not wear shorts or so to enjoy the nice beach and wheater. So she stayed home and then we celebrated with her and others who couldn't make it back home.

[Thomasjsgirl]

Good article, expect the only comment I'm not sure about is "stay away from expensive all-inclusive resorts". In my experience the opposite is true. You get a deal on the accomodations, but then by the time you add up 3 meals, snacks, drinks and alcohol each day x the length of your stay, you've usually spent a lot more than you would have at an all-inclusive.

[82turtles]

Thanks for the extra ideas. He has a spunky younger 'friend' who I think could help convince him to go, and between her and my uncle I think he could manage pretty well. I guess we'll see!

[82turtles]

Thomasjsgirl -- I thought the same thing about all-inclusives! I think things could easily be more in the end if you have to factor in drinks and food for an entire vacation. That's our one main requirement - an all inclusive resort!