Travel Agent Issues

AlmostMrsForbes · 11-16-2007, 08:13 AM

Hi, All

I'm a Riu May '08 bride. I'm having travel agent issues, though, and wanted to see if anyone else thinks this seems unreasonable.

My travel agent JUST confirmed my wedding date last Friday. Last night, though, she sent me an email that said all my guests had to pay their $200 deposit by next Wednesday.

Needless to say, FH and I are floored. We've only just sent out the email to our closest friends and family. I'm not going to ask them to shell out the money by next week!

Has anyone else run into this? Am I being unreasonable?

Heidi · 11-16-2007, 08:18 AM

Hi! I'm getting married in April 08. We are having our TA book guests individually (not part of a wedding group) so they don't have any date deadlines. The sooner they book, the better rate they'll get. Once they do reserve, they pay a $150 deposit, but again no deadline to book.

march1508 · 11-16-2007, 08:23 AM

I am also doing the same thing..

My guest are able to book individually.. The reason i did it this way, is because everyone has different preferences..

some guest may want to stay for 3 days some may want to stay for 5... some may want suites, and some may just want regular rooms..

i think its better to have them book individually.. then they can pay when they can.. theres no deadline until u get closer to the wedding..

JulieG · 11-16-2007, 08:25 AM

When I booked with my TA we only needed 10 people to book to reserve our group rate. So, we asked those close to us who we knew were going for sure if they could book and then we would pay the remainder of the bookings (knowing without a doubt we would get more than 10) and that money would come off our trip when others paid their deposit (we ended up having more then 10 right away so we did not have to pay anything extra). Can you set up something like that?

Lizz · 11-16-2007, 08:33 AM

I did the same thing as Heidi. My guests had to pay a $250 deposit, but they called and booked with my TA when they could. I let them know that the first 60 guests would get a better rate. I have people just calling this week that are paying more because they waited too long.

AlmostMrsForbes · 11-16-2007, 09:10 AM

Thanks, Ladies!

Those are really great ideas - I think I'll talk to my TA about having people book individually.

TA Jennifer · 11-16-2007, 09:18 AM

Unreasonable yes- but it is standard for the industry and not a rule that your TA has implemented.

Typically with group rates -to secure the rates & space the deposit is due within 10 days of receiving the contract. Depending on the property, time of year, and length of stay the deposit amounts can vary. Many times the brides & grooms will pay for this deposit upfront and that amount will be deducted from their travel.

There are advantages/disadvantages to booking group rates. The quick deposit time is definately one of the disadvantages :).

Hope that helped!

TA Jennifer

chicago88 · 11-16-2007, 10:32 AM

We did not do a group rate. Everyone called individually and put down a $200deposit to secure the price they were quoted. The balance due 60 or 90 days before the wedding.

Jerzzygirl · 11-18-2007, 07:44 PM

Oh I know how you feel, We were leaving on a Monday and my inlaws booked the friday before and my aunt booked just under 2 weeks b 4. The price that they paid was crazy... and inlaws couldn even get a room at the Riu, they stayed at jamaica grande. So I would hold off on making anything yet. I know its hard, but u dont want to waste money either on supplies u wont need.

Heidi · 11-19-2007, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FutureMrsButler08

Well I have made alot of stuff already, but nothing that would have set me back too far. I just made the max 50 invites and some announcements for the ones that won't make it. It's so sad, I can;t even get my parents to committ and book their reservations... Sometimes I hate people, lol.

I hear you... people just don't want to commit!!!