We’ve all heard of bridezillas, but we encountered something different with a client in August…her guests almost ruined her destination wedding!
First, let me explain how a typical destination wedding is organized. It begins when the wedding couple contacts us and we start to figure out the details- dates, location, resort, number of rooms to reserve, etc. Then, the guests are invited, notified of the details, and given our contact information to book. Usually we handle these bookings as a group, which allows for extra discounts and special offers. The bride estimates the number of rooms that will be needed, and we reserve them in advance with a deposit- as guests contact us to book, the rooms fill up and whatever is left over by the deadline is released back into the market. A few may book through other sources, but most follow the bride’s suggestions. It’s usually a very easy process…
Our bride started her planning about a year in advance, and everything seemed normal at first. Most of her guests booked through us, but the best man, a few friends, and some of the groom’s family said they had booked elsewhere online. The group booking deadline passed, the extra reserved rooms were released, and everything seemed fine- until a month before the wedding. One by one, those guests that had said they booked elsewhere contacted us- to book their trips, which they hadn’t actually done yet!!!! Unfortunately at this point, the resort was completely sold out- and so were the resorts next door. The bride and groom had been lied to, and weren’t very happy. Guests started contacting them in a panic- adding more stress in the weeks leading up to the wedding. With only two nearby hotels being available, they either had to choose a very expensive resort or a 3-star family-friendly and then take a cab to the resort for the wedding. On top of that- resorts charge extra for wedding guests that aren’t staying at the resort!
In the end, the best man didn’t show, and his 20+ year friendship with the groom never recovered. The other guests and family were divided between the 5-star and 3-star resorts, and the bride made those guests pay for their own transportation and admission to the wedding. On top of that, had these guests simply booked with us before the deadline, the bride and groom would have had enough rooms to qualify for several wedding upgrades and the guests would have gotten discounted rates. Fortunately, the bride and groom were able to get past the drama and have an amazing wedding by focusing on what’s important- their love and marriage.
We doubt most guests would be this clueless, but just in case, let your guests know the benefits of booking as a group through a travel agent.
- Reduced room rates
- Special dinners and receptions may be offered, but only to guests that booked within the group. Anyone who booked elsewhere will not be invited.
- The bride and groom get room upgrades, free private receptions, spa services and other special offers based on the number of rooms booked by the group, and may even get a free stay. Think of it like an extra wedding gift you give just by booking with the group.
- The bride and groom get updates and information about who has booked, saving them from having to coordinate and double-check their guests’ plans. They have enough stress!
If you have a guestzilla story- share it in the comments below. Your experiences can help other brides and grooms!
Honeymoons, Inc. 