How to remind guests to book their room

[cocoluv]

I just sent out the below email to all of our stragglers who have yet to RSVP/book. The money for the hotel is due in a month and I had to get into nagging mode. We'll see if it works! As of right now we have 29 people who have said they are coming, but only a handful have actually put down their room deposits. love your website... love some of your wording (which i will be using by the way).. Thanks for sharing... Hello Friends & Family! By now you should have received our save the date and invitation to our upcoming wedding in Jamaica. I know RSVPing and booking a hotel room is probably the last thing on your mind right after the craziness of the holiday season, but as we're only a few months away we wanted to reach out and see if you'll be able to join us. Our wedding will be Saturday, April 27th at Secrets St. James http://www.secretsresorts.com/stjames/index.asp. We are working with a travel agent to book a block of rooms for wedding guests (at no extra cost to you) and since we will be getting a lower group rate, she needs a final headcount and payment for the hotel by February 22nd, 2013. In case any of you were unaware of that date, we thought it might be a good idea to reach out and let you know. We made the RSVP date a month prior to account for this, but we haven't heard from you so we're going slightly stalker and contacting you directly. You're welcome/we're sorry. We realize Jamaica is a long way from here and that not everyone will be able to make it. That's OK! We totally understand! But if you could be so kind as to let us know either way if we should expect you, either by replying to this email, sending a text, posting a Facebook message, sending a homing pigeon or dropping the RSVP card in the mail (we even put a stamp on it for you already!) that would be delightful. Our website has a lot more info: https://alexisandjoseph.modwedding.com/  http://alexisandjoseph.modwedding.com/site/pages/153951 and Joe and I are always here should you have any additional questions! Much love, Alexis and Joe  

[cocoluv]

My one girlfriend started a "wedding" chat on facebook invited all people who were invited into  the group chat (which went on till the day of the wedding) and discussed all planning/traveling and just about anythign people had concerns or questions about. It was actually really helpfull. She also made one for bridesmaids only...we were from all over so it was hard for people to get together. It allowed us to post pictures keeping us on point with getting fittings ect. Its not the most formal way to do it but just about eveyone used it and was involved in the chats.  

excellent excellent idea!!! im about to do that right now!!!... lol

[cocoluv]

I just wanted to chime in and share my experience... No Save the Dates Invites sent 9 months out RSVP 12 weeks out Booking reminder sent 10 weeks out Group Rate Expired 8 weeks out Of the 24 invitations sent (42 Guests), I received a total of 3 RSVPs; 2 declines and 1 acceptance. I hoenstly didn't know who was attending my wedding until our group rate expired. Of the 22 guests that committed to our DW, 14 of them booked within 48 hours of our group rate expiring and another booked her trip independently (airfare and accomodations) within 48 hours of departing for our wedding. While logic would dictate that those who care and have intentions of coming will RSVP and book far in advance.  The truth of the matter is, those who care will book by the deadline.  We put a lot of effort in planning our weddings but remember, it's our wedding and one of the greatest milestones in our life, not our guests.  Every detail will be a priority from the moment we're engaged until our wedding day.  As far as our guests are concerned, our wedding doesn't become their priority until they board the plane.

PREACH!!!!!!!

[cocoluv]

it is definitely annoying when people wait on the last minute. i've heard other say " i don't know yet. it depends on our savings/budget". i mean, not to be a bitch but if you REALLY have the intention of going shouldn't you start saving for it? that's precisely why we're telling you a year in advance! :BangHead:

I would take that answer as a no... lol

[cocoluv]

Hi all, The more I read about RSVP's the more I get worried. I plan on making OOT bags and I promise, I will only make the number needed by the RSVP date, if anyone books after that, those will not have an OOT bag, that way they will remember next time to be prompt and responsible, and I will make sure when I distribute the bags in front of everyone to say that I only got enough for the people that RSVP'd by the due date since I didn't know if any other guest would be coming. I don't have any extra money laying around for rude's people extra bags. SMH 

**cracking up** (not nice tho..).. too funny

[cocoluv]

I hope it's ok that I vent for a second. I'm so glad to hear that I'm not the only one dealing with people who are all "Sorry, even though we got your invitation in the mail OVER a year ago, and have a reminder card and email sent to us, we just weren't able to save up the money". I also don't mean to be a bitch, but I had SOOOOO many people in the beginning tell me "oh yes, we would be able to afford to come, we will absolutely be there" and then flake out when it came down to booking. Two of the couples who pulled that, had DW weddings themselves and we attended BOTH. I just wish that people could be adults about it and just tell me they aren't planning on coming, instead of avoiding me all together. Grrr....I know in the end, the people who really matter will be there. But still.....SO frustrating!  Rant over.

true indeed.... im sure many people have the same rant girl...

[cocoluv]

I have decided that I am NOT going to let people stress me or my daughter out. Our expectations are low after reading through all of these threads. She started out wanting a small wedding and that was the main reason for having a destination wedding to begin with.We keep reminding ourselves of that daily. If just immediate family and several close friends are the only ones that show up we will have hit the 25 that the package covers and that would be perfect for us! We certainly don't want anyone there that wouldn't want to whole-heartedly be there. We will send invites to everyone that she would have invited to an at-home wedding but honestly, I hope they don't show up! 

My sentiments EXACTLY!!! There are only about 25 people that are 'my definites" (people who have to be there)....anyone else who drags their feet with RSVPing or booking... its all good..less mula for me to shell out...

[pongyang2001]

I would take that answer as a no... lol

haha yeah i pretty much scratched her off my list as soon as she said that. i mean just have the balls to say "no we can't go, our budget doesn't include going to your wedding". instead of "pretending" you're going to try.

[cocoluv]

haha yeah i pretty much scratched her off my list as soon as she said that. i mean just have the balls to say "no we can't go, our budget doesn't include going to your wedding". instead of "pretending" you're going to try.

I have a feeling I'm going to be doing that a few times as well...smh

[preciousblue]

Yeah I'm getting to experience all of this too right now... I still have many outstanding RSVPs (deadline is September 9) and people seem to be avoiding giving an answer. Like, just a simple yes, or no now. And some outstanding replies are people who had destination weddings themselves so they of all people should know how important numbers are!!! And I am so sick and tired of hearing people say they just can't afford to go. Apparently 14 months notice isn't enough. And some of my favourite excuses are 'Sorry, getting a hot tub put in' and 'Sorry, we've decided to go to Cancun instead because it's cheaper.' By family too, of all people. *sigh*