Post # 1
Member
7 posts
Newbee
I am having trouble deciding on when to send out my wedding invitations. The town we are getting married in is very small and caters to outdoor adventurists and boaters. Tourism is all they have. We will be having 120 guests and everyone will need accomodations. My wedding is August 24th, but the booking deadline for guest rooms is April 30th! When do I send out my invites? Some family members say we should send them out end of Feb/beginning of March so they have time to book their rooms, but I think that is super early! That’s 5 months! Way over the 6-8 week standard. I just don’t know how to get around it. Please help.
Post # 3
Member
1227 posts
Bumble bee
What about Save-The-Date Cards that ask guests to check your wedding website, and explain it further on there?
Post # 4
Member
46600 posts
Honey Beekeeper
I would send a STD asap so those who know for sure they want to attend can book their accommodation.
Post # 5
Member
418 posts
Helper bee
I actually sent a newsletter type deal after I sent the STD’s, but before I sent the invites that had all kinds of travel information, rental car, hotel block info, etc., that way people could get a head start on travel plans before the invites went out.
Post # 6
Member
4803 posts
Honey bee
Typically I’d agree with @SeaSalt‘s suggestion to put it on the wedding website, but I don’t think it’s a good idea in your situation based on the fact that not all guests will bother or have access to it – I know barely any of ours looked at our site, and in your situation it’s crucial that your Out of Town guests get this information. Is it a destination wedding? How many people from your guest list live far away enough that you anticipate them wanting to book a hotel room? I guess I just don’t understand why it has to be so early…who has set the deadline of April 30th? Surely there is more than one hotel in the area, it just seems strange that they’re telling you that your guests can’t book rooms for August unless they do it by the end of April.
Post # 7
Member
418 posts
Helper bee
@Wonderstruck:
My guess would be since it’s a small town and they make the bulk of their money on tourism, they want to reserve the right to book and fill their rooms during prime vacation time while still trying to accommodate the bride who may want her guests to stay at that particular hotel. Sounds odd that they want 4 months notice, but if that’s the way they make their money, then I suppose I could get it. Maybe. LOL
Post # 8
Member
9053 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
@toner2b: Do a save the date that notes that room blocks are available until April 30.
Post # 9
Member
7 posts
Newbee
Maybe I should give a few more details. We moved accross the country 1.5yr ago and chose to get married back home for everyone else’s convenience (flights are expensive) however we wanted to marry outisde in the bush. We found an amazing venue and it will cater to all of our needs, except guest rooms, they only have 15. There is one hotel with 20 rooms, a couple B&Bs, and some beautiful cabins. We have reserved everything and there is lots of space. However, due to the touristy nature of the town, these places book up very early. many the year before-hence the April 30th deadline. I have discussed a website with the fiance and he does not like the idea, he hates it. Save the dates could work, but it is just so much information. I am also getting tons of pressure from his side to send them out early.
Post # 10
Member
7901 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
- Wedding: March 2012 - Pelican Grand Beach Resort
Invitations should not go out until about 2 months before the wedding, so to deal with your booking issues, you shoudl send save-the-dates with a packet or insert about accommodations right away and put info on a website. Then you should also call your nearest and dearest and make sure they understand the hotel siutation.
Post # 11
Member
2390 posts
Buzzing bee
I still don’t understand why you would need guests to book the rooms SO early – most people won’t commit to something like that 4 months in advance!
Also, if you have the room blocks reserved, what’s the issue? I’m confused.
Post # 12
Member
7 posts
Newbee
The rooms must be booked by guests by april 30th, otherwise they become available to the public. the reservation expires april 30th. we are talking 5.5 months in advance! i have spoken to the lady who runs the hotel and asked to extend the date but i was told no.
Post # 13
Member
7901 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
- Wedding: March 2012 - Pelican Grand Beach Resort
To add something:
Look into reservation policies and see up until what point your guests can cancel with no penalty and let those who are unsure know that they may want to book by April 30 in case, but can cancel up until the Thursday before the wedding or what-have-you if they find they are unable to attend.
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