S T E P   F I V E

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Guests

We love that our couples are concerned about their guests' budget, safety and well-being. And we totally get that attending a destination wedding is a real stretch for many guests. We do everything we can to make booking and attending your wedding feasible for your guests. Guests have a fabulous time at destination weddings, and are so grateful to have been a part of it all. In fact, they often catch the travel bug and ask us to help plan their next trips!

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Guests love attending destination weddings! But they don't always understand...

Guests love being a part of a destination wedding. The memories, the togetherness, the photos... what's not to love? But, guests often don't understand all the work you've done to put together a seamless travel experience for them. This is when we need to speak up and clearly explain the process, how to book, and what to expect so everyone enjoys the experience from start to finish.

It's ok to set expectations!

This is your wedding. It is perfectly ok for you to set expectations for guests. We will support you on this, and also nicely remind guests when we talk to them. Don't be afraid to be upfront about things like where and how to book, and who can come. We fully expect all guests to book into your block. You've done the work, paid the deposit, and are counting on earning certain perks for your wedding. There is no reason guests should be booking elsewhere. 

We've compiled a handful of guest comments below, and examples of how you can answer to them. But please let us know if we can help with guests. We're here for you!

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Guests Comments, Questions and Answers

“To save money, we are going to look into staying at a cheaper resort instead of the wedding resort.”

We totally understand wanting and needing to save money. We spent a lot of time looking through different resorts, comparing quality and amenities. Guest cost was a major consideration for us, and something we didn't take lightly. We chose a resort based on the overall value, ensuring that food and service quality, atmosphere and experience were all on par with what we want for our wedding and guests. We'd really like everyone to stay at the resort with us because, afterall, spending time with you is the reason we chose a destination wedding in the first place! If you do choose to stay elsewhere, the resort will charge you for daypasses to enter the property. Daypasses are easily $100 per person each time you enter. And, if the resort is sold out, they won't sell daypasses. Please let me know if you book elsewhere so I can make sure I have you added correctly to our guest list.

“You know, a lot of guests won't be able or comfortable to travel, right?”

We know. Spending quality time with our closest friends and family is more important to us than having a large guest list. We knew when we made this decision that not everyone would be able to make it, and while we will miss them, we know that we are in their hearts. We're excited to have time to spend with everyone!

“We're just going to wait and see if prices come down and maybe book last minute.”

With the way travel is these days, flights and resorts are more likely to sell out than go on sale. Believe me, I'm all about a good deal, but I'm concerned that prices will just keep going up and seats and rooms sell out. Also, we have to have our final guest list turned in several weeks before the wedding so the resort can order all of our decor, chairs and menu selections. Please let me know as soon as you book so I can make sure we have you added to the guest list on time.

“We found cheaper prices online.”

Can you send a screenshot along with all the details of what you are looking at to our agent, please? They are good at comparing what you're seeing with our group rates and can confirm if what you're seeing is accurate. She will be able to give you options and help you with everything. 

“It is too early for me to book right now. I'll wait a few months.”

I know it seems really early, but there is a lot we have to do to get ready for our wedding! We can only hold rooms for a short window of time. When our window is up, we have to give up our room block along with our group rates. The Book By date is listed on our website. Please make sure you book by the deadline so you can take advantage of everything we have set up for you.  

"I'll book when I know who I am bringing.”

Since you know you are coming for sure, it is better if you book your room as a single for now, then add your guest later. This way you are guaranteed to have a room before they sell out, or we have to give them back and lose our group rates. The invoice will show the single rate initially, but it will be edited to the double rate when you provide the name of your guest. My agent can take care of that for you. 

“We're going to stay at our timeshare.”

I totally understand wanting to use your timeshare! But, we'd really prefer to have you at the resort with us. Afterall, spending time with you is the reason we chose a destination wedding in the first place! If you do choose to stay elsewhere, the resort will charge you for daypasses to enter the property. Daypasses are easily $100 per person each time you enter. And, if the resort is sold out, they won't sell daypasses. Please let me know if you book elsewhere so I can make sure I have you added correctly to our guest list.

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Hopefully this has helped!

We know you have nothing but love and concern for your guests. Hopefully this list of questions and suggested answers helps provide you with ideas on how to respond to some of the most frequently heard comments from guests. We understand that you want this to be as easy as possible for your guests. WE want this to be as easy as possible for YOU, too! Guests need some guidance and direction. Remember, it is perfectly ok to set expectations.

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On to the Next Step

Destination Wedding Planning Step Six

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