TA Wendy

TA Wendy here... I just returned last night from 2 nights at the Royal Cancun and 2 nights at the Royal PDC with a group of travel agents invited specifically to visit with the wedding staff and to see a couple of "mock weddings". So we got to watch a Mayan ceremony as well as a Christian ceremony held in the Gazebo. I have to say the Mayan was just amazing. Calling in all of the elements, of earth, water, air and fire, ... very spiritual and unique! We also got to have a full reception dinner in one of the ballrooms, and one in Pelecanos as well. We saw a couple of real weddings going on, one on the beach and one on the grassy center courtyard area. Everybody was most obviously having a fantastic time. Throughout the resort, the staff is fantastic, food delicious, rooms spacious and beautiful and the beds soooo comfy! (Love the pillow menu!) The Royal remains one of my very top picks for resorts in the area. They really have it together and will make your special day just amazing! Best wishes to all! TA Wendy

Hi KJ, I would be happy to see what options there might be for you. I will post when I return next week, or if you would like you can also contact me at [email protected] Regards, TA Wendy

Hi Royal Brides, TA Wendy here... I just wanted to let the brides on this part of the forum know that this next week I am going to Cancun / Playa Del Carmen to attend a special Familiarization trip just for TAs like me who specialize in Destination Weddings. It is specifically put on by the Real resorts group, and I will be meeting with the on site wedding coordinators at the Royal Cancun, Gran Caribe, Royal Playa Del Carmen and the Gran Porto. We are staying 2 nights up at the Royal Cancun and then 2 nights at the Royal Playa Del Carmen. I love working with the Royal Playa Del Carmen especially... it is such a great place and one of my very favorite spots! If anyone has any questions I can get answered for you while I am there, of if anyone would like to give me a mission, I would be most happy to do for you all. Best regards, TA Wendy

Hi all, TA Wendy here... I am going down to Cancun/Playa Del Carmen this next week, Dec 1-5 to attend a site event geared just to agents like me who do Destination Wedding Travel. I will be visiting with the wedding planners at the Royal Cancun, Gran Caribe, Royal Playa Del Carmen and Gran Porto. If there is anything I can ask or if anyone would like to give me a mission to investigate an aspect of any of the 4 Real Resorts properties, just let me know and I would be happy to do that for you. When I return I will have lots of up to the minute information on all 4 resorts! I love working with the Royal Playa Del Carmen, it is one of my favorite properties, and I think the Gran Porto is just a fantastic gem of a place. I am looking forward to meeting with and working more closely with the Wedding Coordinators of all of the properties. TA Wendy

I would love to help! How can I assist you both? Please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or via a PM on the forum either one. I look forward to talking with you! TA Wendy

As Travel Agents, we are able to shop around for you and find the best rates via numerous sources. We can also monitor and let you know if the price does drop, or if there are any specials or extra ammenities that you qualify for. Using a travel agent, especially one who specializes in Destination weddings is a smart thing to do because we are also YOUR agent, looking out for you and your guests and working on your behalf to make sure everyone has a smooth travel experience and gets the very best prices. I love working with Le Blanc, know the wedding folks there, and have a great relationship with them. If I can answer any questions for anyone, I would be delighted! TA Wendy

Lindsey, you are just teasing with the few pictures! I want to see more! You looked sooo beautiful, the table settings were incredible and Le Blanc was really the most perfect backdrop and setting for your wedding. I am so glad that was the resort you picked!! Last night I attended a seminar put on by Palace Resorts, and all of the Palace Resorts including Le Blanc are offering a bonus of $1,500 per couple to be used on site for tours, spa, wind, and room upgrades on stays of 5 nights or more... what a nice bonus! Also, as you know, if I book it as a group, the bride and groom can get a $250 bonus back from the tour operator after the trip is over. It was so much fun to work with you and your guests... Thank you again for allowing me to be of help to you! TA Wendy

Awww... thanks, you guys! I love my job! TA Wendy

My pleasure! It is all a lot to take in and process and decide. If as a TA I can make it easier on my clients, then I feel like I have done my job!

Hi all, Here is a link with information on the new Dollar/ Peso questions! http://www.applevacationsblog.com/2010/09/new-mexican-law-on-accepting-us-dollars/ Best regards, TA Wendy

Hi all, TA Wendy here, I wanted to let the ladies on this thread know that I have had a number of wedding groups at the Royal PDC and the Gran Porto, and happily, things came off without a hitch... with the exception of a couple of guests who chose to book themselves through the booking engine of Expedia. When the hotel filled to capacity, those were the guests who found themselves bumped to not so great alternate hotels. One of the big advantages of using a travel agent is that you do have someone looking out for you and someone to turn to if problems do arise. The hotels know that with reservations booked by Expedia or Orbitz or other computer booking system, a guest really has no one to go to bat for them or to have a personal stake in their trip. Those are the guests who dont get any special or good treatment and often find themselves bumped or with other mishaps. The Real Resort group knows of the BDW forum, and of the agents who work here. They know that our bridal couples will be posting reviews on the site that will be seen by many many potential clients. I think that brides booked by the BDW TAs get some extra good treatment because the resort wants to see those good reviews and for us to continue the good relationship we have with them. I recently spent 5 nights at the Royal PDC in August and have just accepted an invitation from the Real Resorts management to attend a Wedding Familiarazation trip just for hand selected TAs where for 4 days we will be conducting site inspections of each of the resorts, meeting with the on site wedding coordinators in depth and attending a mock wedding/reception. It is my hope that by continuing to foster the good relations with the WCs on site and the resort management as a whole, that we BDW TAs can always provide our brides with exceptional personal service as well as excellent value for their travel dollars. It is certainly my goal to always provide the very best service possible and to have brides who not only come back to me for other trips, but who recommend me to their friends. If I can be of help to anyone who is looking for a way to book at the Royal, Gran Porto, Royal Cancun or Gran Caribe I would be happy to assist.

You are going to love the Royal! Incredible service, beautiful rooms with the most comfy beds, fantastic food, and great location. It is a winner!

Actually one more thing... AshleyL above makes a good point that there should be a list of questions to ask of a TA prior to hiring them. I think that is an excellent idea and I would add that there are also questions an agent should be asking you! Here is my off the cuff list for both: Questions you should ask your TA: 1. How long have you been in the business? 2. Do you specialize in groups and specifically Destination Wedding Groups? 3. Are you very familiar with the resorts available at my destination? 4. Have you visited yourself? 5. Will you be there from the start of this booking all the way through till the wedding, and can I call you with my questions when ever I need answers? 6. Can you get good prices for myself and my guests at the resort and if prices drop after I have booked can you get price adjustments? Â Questions a TA should ask you: (and if they dont... buyer beware!) 1. In selecting a resort what is important to you... that it be large, small and boutique, near night life, on the best beach, quiet, great food, price? 2. Where do you envision your wedding... on the beach, a terrace, gazebo, beautiful gardens, in a chapel? 3. Will you be doing a symbolic ceremony or legal ceremony? (Greatly effects how long you must be on site prior to the wedding). 4. May I tell you the differences between booking a group block and booking yourself and guests individually? If you sign a contract rate you need to fully understand what your financial responsibilities may be. 5. May I tell you about the option of Cancellation/ Travel insurance, and exactly how much you stand to lose should you or a guest need to cancel once booked? Could be up to 100% cancellation penalty for late cancels! 6. How many guests are you anticipating? 7. Will there be children or all adults? 8. What is your budget? Â No travel agent should steer you right to a property or make a recommendation to you without asking all of the above. Additionally, any recommendation should be based solely on what is best for the individual client, not the agent's favorite, for whatever reason. I am sure you all may think of more to add to the list... any thoughts? Â

One last thing, and I will step off the soap box! ; ) Just as there are good and terrible building contractors, plumbers, dentists etc out there, the same holds true for the Travel Agent community. It is up to you as a consumer to pick an agent that gives you the answers you are looking for, is knowledgeable about what they are selling, and who you will be able to feel comfortable working with. Not really fair to trash the whole profession even if you have had a less than great experience with a TA you have chosen. TA Wendy

Speaking as someone who has been a TA for many years, and specializes in Destination Weddings, I think the key to a good client/agent relationship is for both to be very clear on expectations and communication. Many clients dont realize that we are working for them for no charge to them whatsoever. Our source of payment is from the hotels, tour operators, and cruise lines we book for our clients. We do not typically get paid anything until the completion of the clients travel, and with destination weddings that can mean we work for 9 months, a year or longer before we ever see commission money on the booking. That is what we have elected to do by being in this business.- Not complaining, just informing. When I work with a new couple I make a point of discussing the pros and cons of going with a contracted group block vs having the guests just book individually as they are ready. There are certainly advantages to using a contracted rate, including the fact that free, or upgraded rooms or parties or other events are negotiated right from the start and written in black and white. You always know that your rooms are going to be there for the guests, even if the hotel fills up, and you know the price is not going to increase on you. But the catch for you is that deposit money must be paid right from the start, often a second deposit is due at some point a few months in, and final payments plus rooming lists are typically due 60 days prior to your departure. That would all be in the contract and should not be a surprise to anyone. Also, the hotel is giving you a lower rate and throwing in goodies because you are guaranteeing that you will give them a minimum of 10 rooms. Hotels can be sticky about last minute cancellations of group space and even things like name changes can (if the hotel wants to be brats about it) be cause for change fees. As a bride and groom you are much more actively involved in group contracted rooms because your money is on the line. If that is not for you, then it is best to let your guests book individually and they get the price available the day they make their booking. It could be that the hotel will raise prices or sell out, but you do not have a financial stake in the process. For my brides and grooms that choose to go the individual route, I still gather all of the names of the group and I contact the hotel and introduce the guests and ask for amenities and courtesies to be extended especially to the wedding couple and immediate family. Because I know many of the on site group and wedding coordinators, I am usually successful in getting some special treatment for the group, but this is not guaranteed, just hoped for. It sounds like a lot of the frustration I am hearing from the brides in this discussion comes from the fact that they might not have been really clear on what a group contract really means in terms of what is expected from them and their guests. Just like airlines have become really tight about changes, and cancellations, the hotels can be that way too. The key is finding a TA who is really familiar with the ins and outs of Destination Wedding travel, and who will take as much time as necessary to make sure you know what you are getting into with group rates, and who will answer all of your questions with patience and respect.

No problem at all! I am just glad you had a good experience! Best regards, TA Wendy Wright Travel

Hello, its TA Wendy here... Bride2B22, if you are having troubles finding where to click I am very happy to answer your travel questions directly if you would like to contact me! I am one of the TAs working with the BDW forum, and would love to chat with you! You can either PM me or send me a direct email at [email protected] . I look forward to talking with you! Also, tsmitty5672 and everyone in general, you all may not know that the entire BDW forum and website is created and owned by Tammy Wright who owns Wright Travel Agency... and for whom we all work! While it is wonderful that you had a good experience with an agent from destinationweddings, they actually are direct competitors, so we would try not to publicize endorsements of agents who are outside those working here with/for the forum. As for those of us working here, with the bestdestinationwedding.com forum, Tammy selected us because of the personal knowledge we have of the areas we sell. Many of us were married ourselves in destination weddings and we have visited the resorts and areas you are interested in! We would love to help you and be of service for those looking for a travel agent who has expertise in the unique aspects of Wedding Travel. Best wishes to everyone! TA Wendy

Hi, TA Wendy here... I just stayed at the RIU Palace Las Americas and toured both the Caribe and the RIU Cancun. Of all the RIU properties the RIU Caribe is the only one they purchased already built and operating. So it does not look like the other RIUs or have the same Europeany / Spanishy decor. I felt like it was a good option for a lower priced property, it certainly has a lovely position on the beach, with many/most rooms offering excellent views. It also had by far the largest ballroom facilities I saw anywhere if you are looking for large indoor space. Of the two properties, however, I think I preferred the RIU Cancun, just for the look of the hotel in general, beautiful lobby, great pools, restaurants, and fun nightclub. Hope that helps! Best regards, TA Wendy

Something good to know when you are shopping prices is that as Travel Agents we have access to many tour operators who will price match to Expedia or Orbitz or other online engines. Companies we use to make client bookings will price match individual reservations with the only stipulation being that to price match Expedia who requires full payment at time of booking, the tour operators I use would also require payment in full at time on booking. If they are not doing a price match then only a deposit of $150 per person is required at time of booking, and final payment would not be due until 45 days prior to your departure. Perhaps the rates you are getting are from checking group block pricing... sometimes group rates can be lower than what you get as an individual, but not always. Group contract rates would have any amenities you are being offered built right in, though. (IE free rooms, upgrades, free parties etc.) So it all depends which way you choose to book... if you and your guests book individually, you can always get a price match to Expedia/Orbitz, but there is no guarantee that the rooms will be available if guests wait too long to reserve. TA Wendy

All of the agents on this site have been hand selected by owner Tammy because we specialize in Destination Weddings. We have visited the sites, know the on site wedding coordinators and will stay with you right through the wedding to make sure you and your guests have the very best experience and get the best price possible for your Destination Wedding. Click the link at the top, or anyone wishing to reach me personally can send me an email at [email protected]. Happy planning! TA Wendy

If anyone needs a hand securing rooms at good rates at the Royal or Gran Porto, give me a yell. I have done weddings at the Royal and just returned from staying there and full site inspection last week. Love that property! I would be happy to help get your rooms set up for spring 2011. Reach me at [email protected] TA Wendy

Hi Primavera, I happen to be at the Royal right now,just across the street from the Gran Porto... we had dinner over there last night and watched the great show they had on the stage overlooking the pool. Lots of people in the pool and watching while having a swim...very fun! There was also a little crafts fair going on with fun stuff to look at. If there is anything you would like to see photographed at the Gran Porto just shoot me an email at [email protected] and I will be happy to try and get a photo for you! Regards, TA Wendy

Sounds great, Azadeh, you are in expert hands! Today I checked out The Grand Palladium Resort and also visited Dreams Tulum... I got amazing pictures, (well, my husband did), and I will be posting LOTS of hotel reviews when I get home! Best wishes, TA Wendy

Hi Cherazi, I would love to work with you on your wedding travel plans for PVR. I am actually in Playa Del Carmen at the moment, doing some hotel inspections and I actually am going to attend one of the weddings and meet with another of the brides I have been working with! Very cool!! I will be back at my desk Aug 13, and you can reach me via email at [email protected] . I look forward to talking with you! Regards, TA Wendy

Hey Lindsey, Just wishing you happy travels, and the wedding of your dreams! Looking forward to hopefully meeting you on Monday the 9th when we will be visiting the resort around noon-1ish. If you guys are not off site I would love to visit and hear about the wedding! It has been a pleasure to work with you and your guests! TA Wendy