group booking or not?

hello everyone,

Was hoping that some of you may have advise or suggestions about whether or not to book with a group booking or not? I understand some of the advantages for group booking, i.e. keeping the group together within the resort, making sure the rooms are available the dates we need...

We are not getting married until June 2010 and received our group booking quote. The prices are fine, a couple $100 more than we were hoping but that's fine. The problem we have is the 7 days people have to book their trip as well.

What we are wondering is if it is worth it to do the group booking (keep in mind we are not concerned about where are guests are within the resort)? Our TA says the quote includes the early booking bonus (and when I priced this resort out myself the quote from the TA was about the same as my search), but is it worthwhile to hold off on the group booking or even skip the group booking altogether? We will still use our TA of course and suggest our guests use her as well.

Thoughts anyone?

I would go with a group booking. Well I actually did go with a group booking. With the swine flu out break in Mexico I would be weary of something like that happening again causing you to have to move your wedding like it did to some brides this time. My TA advised that it's much easier to move a group then random bookings. Yes your guests could save money that way but think of the extra bit of a group price insurance. Its to ensure that no matter what happens before 2010 your group will always be together and be there on your big day!

Happy planning.

I would suggest the same thing. We did a group booking and actually locked in 10 rooms at a certain price which was really nice for our guests as the prices could go up. Our TA also recommended this because in case of a fire in the resort, or any other emergency (swine flu), it's WAY easier to move the whole group. then everyone would be together, instead of all over the place which would make for a crappy vacation for anyone.

We are also doing a group booking. I really like the idea because it makes it a lot easier to keep track of who is actually coming vs who says they are coming - there can be a difference! What we did is book enough spots for the amount we were sure to get and then people can call the TA after, so it does not have to be done within the 7 days.

We went with Sunwing as our tour operator. Originally we were told the 7 day thing too. However our TA said their policy changed and that as long as you book the minimum 10 people, that the price will stay the same for people who book later, unless it goes down, then they get the cheaper rate. Wit our group rate too, for every 15 people, we get a free seat!

Why we went ahead and booked 32 spots, most have names to them and some don't but we know we will be able to fill them. The reason we did this is because the tour operators only have so many rooms at the hotel, and others had booked for the same week with Sunwing. By booking as a group, my TA has told me it is easier to ensure that we get our group reserved.

Of course we're still waiting for the final confirmation, which is scary....my fingers and toes are crossed.

I did a group booking as well and it makes me feel better that I did. I secured swim-up suites for only $10 more than the standard rooms because I caught it at Swine Flu time when rates plummeted. Now I have fancy rooms for my wedding party and a really great price =)

Are you be required to put a downpayment for a minimum number of guests?

We did this, because 14 people already told us "for sure" they were coming, and we figured by inviting 80 people, we'd be likely to find 6 more people to fulfill the minimum of 20. Unfortunately, that didn't work out. Only 10 people booked and came, and we lost half our deposit, so $3000...

If you have to give a downpayment for a group booking, make sure that your "for sures" are really "for sures"!

Chantal

Chantal - that sucks so bad! We had that question with our TA also because we booked and put down deposits for 10 rooms. She told us if we didn't fill all the spaces, that she would try to sell them as best as she could to other clients.

you can get really good deals with group booking. My only concern as expressed by several other ladies is that I won't be able to fill all the rooms and we'll lose $$$