Still Trying To Pick A Resort.. Help!

[calgarybride2015]

On my invites I put 'for all information and to RSVP please visit our website at -----'

 

On my website I had all booking information, all pricing details, all the deadline, little tips/hints for travelling, and then our story, pictures, etc.  

 

The RSVP page had them list allergies, number of children, etc.

 

I guess for me, while I know it's the TA job, I would rather my guests get the info from our website and only contact the TA if they are going to book.  Numerous people said 'what's the price again? what's the dates again?'  I couldn't have imagined them calling my TA each time they asked me that, so it was nice to refer them back to the wedding website.

 

ETA: I also did my RSVP date the same as the booking deposit deadline.

Edited August 19, 2014 by calgarybride2015

[Smellsey]

oh ok I understand. my only issue with that is that I feel as though a lot of people are going to question me on the resort we picked, the pricing.. eta and I just don't want to have to deal with all of that. I may look into doing the website though - I still have not chosen on the invitations yet

[kmk2016]

oh ok I understand. my only issue with that is that I feel as though a lot of people are going to question me on the resort we picked, the pricing.. eta and I just don't want to have to deal with all of that. I may look into doing the website though - I still have not chosen on the invitations yet

Your holding a DW... Regardless if you have a website, or a great TA... You are STILL going from have people question you on the resort you picked. Nice part of having the website set up and it referenced on your invitations is it eliminates these conversations all together. They don't have to ask you- it's all there for them to look at.

 

Depending on the situation, you will STILL have people complain it's too far or too expensive or not the resort THEY would have booked... Welcome to the world of DWs... Everyone has the same issues! But if you clearly outline pricing and directing people to only book with your TA it eliminates a lot of guests potentially not wanting to use her and booking on their own, waiting out for a last minute deal or not staying at your chosen hotel! (None of which are good when planning).

 

If you aren't interested in doing a website, that's cool too- but you will still want to create something the explains your resort and gets people excited about your choice and gives them rough pricing so they are prepared before calling your TA.

Edited August 19, 2014 by kmk2016

[Lia33]

@@kmk2016 That's a great idea to make the RSVP date the same time as your deadline for deposits! I haven't sent out invitations but I sent out my save the dates with our wedding website link. On the website I have details about our TA, deadlines, and there will be a link for them to start booking now.

 

Although now I'm kind of wondering how I will get the word out about when the first deposit is due - as I linked up with a TA after I sent the save the dates. First deposit is due next month...

 

I know my family and friends will be easy to notify as they won't waste time booking. My fiancé will have to spread the word on his end for people to check the site asap to make their deposit. 

[calgarybride2015]

@@kmk2016 That's a great idea to make the RSVP date the same time as your deadline for deposits! I haven't sent out invitations but I sent out my save the dates with our wedding website link. On the website I have details about our TA, deadlines, and there will be a link for them to start booking now.

 

Although now I'm kind of wondering how I will get the word out about when the first deposit is due - as I linked up with a TA after I sent the save the dates. First deposit is due next month...

 

I know my family and friends will be easy to notify as they won't waste time booking. My fiancé will have to spread the word on his end for people to check the site asap to make their deposit. 

 

We had it on our website but about 2 weeks before the deadline we email/texted/called everyone as a reminder.  Then a week before we did it again!  Thankfully everyone booked in time.    

[Lia33]

@@calgarybride2015 That makes me feel a little better! I was excited then had a momentary panic wondering if it was too short of notice. Has anyone ever had issues with people not making their deposits on time?

[calgarybride2015]

@@calgarybride2015 That makes me feel a little better! I was excited then had a momentary panic wondering if it was too short of notice. Has anyone ever had issues with people not making their deposits on time?

 

My guests got 2.5 months, and even then they knew for a longer period of time it was going to happen (ie telling people it's in Mexico in January but before invites went out). That said, most people booked in the last week.  My dad the last day. Was so annoying.   My deadline was 2 weeks earlier than the TRUE deadline though - TA said July 18, but Air Canada said Aug 1 or something, so that was sneaky on her part!  We had one person book after July 18 but of course was ok because they didn't know the wiser.

 

Send the reminders so people know it's coming to an end for the pricing/holding a spot. Most of our guests were very thankful we reminded them.

[Lia33]

@@calgarybride2015 Sneaky but leaves room for tardiness! Which is helpful when some people are not great with deadlines. Our people haven't known for THAT LONG - we got engaged July 20th so it's only been a month so far!  I will definitely remind people a few times as we get even closer to the deadline. 

[calgarybride2015]

@@calgarybride2015 Sneaky but leaves room for tardiness! Which is helpful when some people are not great with deadlines. Our people haven't known for THAT LONG - we got engaged July 20th so it's only been a month so far!  I will definitely remind people a few times as we get even closer to the deadline. 

 

How long are you giving them overall?

Honestly, I think a shorter time to put down your deposit the better.  Give people enough time to book holidays at work, make arrangements for kids, etc. but it gets them moving and going on it - not humming and hawing, you know?

 

What I think is important is the time you give them overall before your wedding/final payment deadline so they can save, etc.  We send invites mid May and final payment is due mid October, noone complained at all.  5 months to pay the payment, 8 months to our wedding.

Edited August 19, 2014 by calgarybride2015

[kmk2016]

We had a 90 day booking window. Once that is up they will have 13 months before final payments are due. (3 months before wedding date). That allows them time to put a bit down at a time or save... And allows hopefully for a price drop too! ( we get price protection via travel agent on our package)