How to remind guests to book their room

[Renewedbride]

$1,000? Ouch! Bases on experience, would you recommend couples collect the deposit themselves before booking with the TA then add about 5 rooms to their count? For example, if we collect $50 from 10 people we have cash on hand for 5 rooms. We would then only use $500 of our own money to reserve 5 additional rooms for people who could not make our "deposit" deadline. I'm trying to see how things like this could be avoided.

If you could do that and your family and friends would go for it that would be best. You just don't want to be stuck with rooms you can't fill. Also if you want a large presence at your destination wedding choose a well traveled location with very affordable resort and flight rates.

[Renewedbride]

Awesome! That's good you didn't have to use your money to place the deposit. We sent out close to 90 save the dates.

[Renewedbride]

I am at a loss as to how to get people to hand over money in a timely fashion, because I am in the same boat, even family members that say they are coming are procrastinating and YES it is frustrating!!!! Keep your head up and carry on is all that you can do.

Yes, you have to know your guest list. Those I thought were definitely coming were unable to. If I knew then what I know now it would've been very different.

[BARB2014]

Originally Posted by VanessaBB 

 

 

I think the more information you can give to your guests the better it is and you will get feedback from guests who for sure want and can afford to come. On my website I posted prices from Montreal and Toronto which do differ about 100$. I also posted prices for upgraded rooms and surprisingly everyone who's booked have booked the most expensive rooms!

I'm taking the stance.....for my sanity, of course.  You know the place, date and time.  We'd love to have you, but understand if you can't make it.  Those who love you and want to share your special day will be there......no matter what.  I am letting them do it all themselves, no travel agents or anything.  I hope everybody leaves it last minute, (within 2-3 months) to get better deals, that's what I'm doing.  (Mind you to be fair, this is second time round for us.....and a lot more laid back than 1st time 21 yrs ago.)  lol

 

Good Luck and enjoy your special day!!!!!

[violaaustin]

i think if someone is really serious for coming ,they will remember themselves
 

[Backy]

thank you for the great advice.

[ucfjennifer]

We sent the save the dates last month and had 7 rooms booked after that. I'm going to send invites this fall and expect most of the bookings to happen then. The RSVP will have three options, "coming and booked," "unable to attend," and "planning on joining, but waiting for a last minute deal" or something like that. Those are the people I will follow-up with. I also started a Facebook group and randomly post stuff there.

[itsjuliez]

All these posts are getting me nervous of what's to come! But I am preparing myself mentally to not stress too much if people are unresponsive. Whoever is def planning on making it will book far enough in advance.

[ChocoTaco7568]

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.

[jlynn149]

Thanks for the tip, I am going through the same thing and just sent out a mass email! Hopefully I hear from some of my guests!