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Anyone having a large destination wedding?

MissSimone
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Erika J

Erika J

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Originally Posted by TA Maureen View Post

DW guests tend to ignore RSVP dates. Don't assume because you set one you will know how many guests you have going on that date. Hardly anyone RSVP's to DW's. They ignore RSVP dates and booking deadlines. Some will book last minute online rather than through your agent and not even RSVP. Believe me it happens!!!

My advice is to stay in contact with those on your guest list either via email or newsletters so you can keep guests updated and send them reminders. Also set reasonable deadlines. Most guests are used to booking vacations 3-4 months in advance of their travel so asking them to make a firm decision 6+ months in advance won't really work with the exception of your VIPs (i.e. immediately family and wedding party will often book early with you). You can set up group booking with early deposit dates and booking deadlines. I am not saying not to at all. I am just saying be prepared for that not to work with everyone on your guest list. There are always stragglers.
THIS COULDN'T BE MORE TRUE :) It was certainly my experience and many of the other DW brides I know.
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MissSimone

MissSimone

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Originally Posted by TA Maureen View Post
I would estimate that 40% to 50% of your invited guest list will actually attend your DW. So if you are expecting 110 guests to actually attend that would mean inviting 200 or more to start with.

The poster that was able to do the RSVP/deposit thing and have her be the one booking the rooms is a great concept. However, it is working with her because her resort is small and you can really only book rooms there directly. If you are planning your wedding at a large resort that won't really be feasible as guests could book their rooms anywhere.

DW guests tend to ignore RSVP dates. Don't assume because you set one you will know how many guests you have going on that date. Hardly anyone RSVP's to DW's. They ignore RSVP dates and booking deadlines. Some will book last minute online rather than through your agent and not even RSVP. Believe me it happens!!!

My advice is to stay in contact with those on your guest list either via email or newsletters so you can keep guests updated and send them reminders. Also set reasonable deadlines. Most guests are used to booking vacations 3-4 months in advance of their travel so asking them to make a firm decision 6+ months in advance won't really work with the exception of your VIPs (i.e. immediate family and wedding party will often book early with you). You can set up group booking with early deposit dates and booking deadlines. I am not saying not to at all. I am just saying be prepared for that not to work with everyone on your guest list. There are always stragglers.
Great advice! I'll definitely take this into consideration when I seriously start sending out invites. Thanks!
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QueenDiva

QueenDiva

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Originally Posted by MissSimone View Post
@QueenDiva How did you set it up so that they couldn't even RSVP with sending in a deposit? Is that a feature of your website. It sounds like such a great idea. You seem to have it all figured out! Go ahead girl!!
Thanks! Yes, it is in the FAQS section of my website and the letter included with my STD's. Since our 1st resort only has 34 rooms, I let everyone know that the rooms are 1st come 1st served- I would not be holding any rooms for anyone. I have a quote request form on my website that they can fill out (that forwards to my email). I email them a quote with their deposit due; the deposit is usually $400, enough to cover their entire stay at the 1st resort, with the balance due in October (which will cover the stay at the second resort). Since no one can book a room at the hotel, but me- I have complete control and know who is in what room.
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QueenDiva

QueenDiva

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@TA Maureen- good advice! I definitely agree that you should keep in contact with the guests. I have the website (that's already gotten 640 hits!), and have added a guestbook on there. In addition, I ordered reminder postcards from Vistaprint (100 free!) that I plan to send out in the 1st week of August. I do also agree that I'm able to do this because my wedding is at a smaller resort; I don't see how you would be able to do this with a larger type resort.

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debbmach

debbmach

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We invited over 300 ppl (about a 100 we weren't expecting, but was just a courtesy to invite them) and we're expecting about 80 ppl to come. 56 have booked so far, and about 10 - 20 are waiting till the fall to see if they'll be able to make it, or they just want to look for their own deal. I didn't even get 50% of my RSVP's back, most ppl do ignore them. I found out mainly from my TA would had booked, and just from talking to others I know who's still interested in coming. Due to the large size of the wedding, we've decided on doing a private reception with a DJ and dancing. Even with this size we're budgeting $13000, max $15000. This price includes everything! Flight, accomodation, wedding, attire, gifts, photographer, rings, etc. I really don't forsee us spending more than that.

 

The only thing with having a larger wedding is that I feel more pressure to make sure everything goes well and that everyone has a good time. Ppl are paying a lot of money to come and celebrate with us and I don't want to let them down!

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JesseLyn10

JesseLyn10

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Originally Posted by debbmach View Post
We invited over 300 ppl (about a 100 we weren't expecting, but was just a courtesy to invite them) and we're expecting about 80 ppl to come. 56 have booked so far, and about 10 - 20 are waiting till the fall to see if they'll be able to make it, or they just want to look for their own deal. I didn't even get 50% of my RSVP's back, most ppl do ignore them. I found out mainly from my TA would had booked, and just from talking to others I know who's still interested in coming. Due to the large size of the wedding, we've decided on doing a private reception with a DJ and dancing. Even with this size we're budgeting $13000, max $15000. This price includes everything! Flight, accomodation, wedding, attire, gifts, photographer, rings, etc. I really don't forsee us spending more than that.

The only thing with having a larger wedding is that I feel more pressure to make sure everything goes well and that everyone has a good time. Ppl are paying a lot of money to come and celebrate with us and I don't want to let them down!

How did you decide on a dj? Can you bring music for them to play (wedding song etc) and then they take care of the rest?
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yumyum90

yumyum90

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I agree with TA Maureen, we invited about 100 people and so far we have between 60-70 coming. We are about 27 days away and still have a groomsmen that hasn't booked yet as well as a couple of others that say they are coming...yikes! We won't have a final guest count until a few days before the wedding.

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MsSmithtobe

MsSmithtobe

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How did you decide on Iberostar Rose Hall? What made you go with them? I'm leaning towards Half Moon Rose Hall which is close by. It doesn't seem like anyone on this forum is having their wedding at my resort lol. I just wanted to know from another Montego Bay bride what made you choose your resort?
Well I did alot of research online first, I ruled out Half Moon mainly because of price, I wanted it to be affordable for my guests. I went to visit IRHS and that sealed the deal, it was beautiful and there is so much flexibility with the venues. It is still pricey but a bit more affordable. Hope that helps!
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