More on Deposits

Depending on the timeline that you are working with, you may not have informed family and friends that you are having a destination wedding.  However, the deposit to hold rooms at the resort may need to be paid sooner rather than later, especially if there is a special rate of which you want to take advantage.  The bride and groom would put down $1200-$1500 to hold the rooms, much like placing a deposit on a reception facility.  As guests make reservations, the deposit is applied back to the bride and groom's balance. 

Ensure that you ask your agent how long the rooms can be held before you are responsible to pay for them in full.  The agent can release rooms that are not reserved back to the resort.  Always confirm with the agent that the rooms have been released back, so there are no surprises down the road.    

Book It

A travel agent can be a wonderful asset when planning a destination wedding.  A bride has plenty on her plate without the added task of assisting guests in booking rooms and flights.  Additionally, a travel agent is able to get group rates at the resort, as well as with airlines.  The best way to find an agent is by referral of a friend or family member.  You want someone who will be trustworthy and responsive to both you and your guest.

My aunt goes on a cruise vacation each year and she uses the same travel agency to book vacations.  I retrieved the information from her for Berman Travel.  The service was great and I would recommend them for your destination wedding booking.  My agent was Cindy and she was able to hold 10 rooms for our group and I didn't need to pay for all 10 rooms up front.  I asked our immediate families and friends who would definitely attend the wedding to call in and make deposits to ensure we secured as many of those 10 rooms as possible.  The remaining guests had 2 weeks to call Cindy to pay their deposit.  Cindy was also able to secure a group airfare rate, for which deposits were made as well.