Did you use a travel agent?

[IrishgirlinNY]

Hi everyone

 

I am planning a May 2011 wedding, so I have time. I just wanted to take a quick survey..

 

Did you go through a travel agent for all of your plans and your guests? It definitely seems like it would make everything easier, but not necessary.

 

Just wondering.

 

Thanks Shannon

[mswhatever]

I choose to go with a TA. TAs are able to arrange payment plans to make the financial burden easier for guests. There are lots of TAs on this forum that I am sure would like to help you.

[diamondpooch]

You ABSOLUTELY want to use a travel agent. It's one of the best things I ever did. I found my TA, she gave me quotes for a few different options (7 nights, 4 nights, etc) and I compiled an informational email and sent it out to all my invited guests with the pricing quotes, the deadline to book in order to get the group rate and her contact info. I haven't had ONE single person bug me about travel and 38 ppl have booked already and I'm not getting married until May! I put it in a nice way that it was in their best interest to book with the TA and that they wouldn't find a better deal. I sent out the email two weeks before the deadline that required a $50 deposit to hold their spot at the discounted rate. Then, the day before I sent out a reminder email that the deadline was the next day, and it worked out perfect! Maybe I'm just lucky!

[scrouse]

I have to agree with the others...go with a TA!! They take care of everything for your guests, and hopefully can score you a great group rate. Plus there's no charge to use their services. I think you will have enough to worry about...you don't need to be helping others with their travel arrangements!!

 

That's just my opinion, but maybe others who haven't used a TA can provide a different view...

[super19]

Hi Shannon - We are using TA Jennifer from this forum. So far, she's been a lifesaver and has taken so much stress off of me. From dealing with the resort WC's to answering our guests travel questions she really just does it all. I would say, get a TA!

[IrishgirlinNY]

How long prior to the wedding did you start working with the TA? I already got in contact with the resort and I can't book anything til at least March of next year for a May 2011 wedding. Did you start a year in to the wedding? I'm just not sure how you get the best deals and when the prices are best for everyone attending.

[super19]

I started working with mine right away (about 9 months before the wedding). I recommend contacting one of the TA's on the forum now to get their expert advice on when you should get the ball rolling.

 

Good luck!

[diamondpooch]

I hired a TA about 8 months out. If you hire one too early, they may get hung up on not being able to get air quotes because some airlines don't release their flights yet. But, when big travel groups request bulk flights, they usually open then up.

[Erika J]

I am using Tammy (host) from this site. It was the best decision of the wedding process.

 

First, Travel agents (esp ones who have a long standing and good relationship with the resort) can often negotiate extra perks for your stay into the room block contract.

 

Second, when rate dropped for my resort after everyone had put down deposits, my travel agents work diligently to renegotiate my rates to match and beat them. Saving me and all my guests money.

 

Also they have been there to answer questions (travel, wedding) It has been an increidible resource.

[bholthof]

Yes, we went with a TA. For us, it takes some of the strain off of having to make all those arrangements. People don't have to call us to find out travel information, they can pester her and we don't have to deal with that stress.

 

If we were having a smaller group, we would probably have not used a TA. But in my mind there are enough people going that it is worthwhile. Plus our TA is absolutely wonderful and I love her.