I hate Tourist Season!

Hazel_B

I know I'm crazy early to set up a room block for August 2012. However, how can they already be sold out of two double rooms?

I'm torn. I feel like I need to get my act together and get things done but I also feel like I shouldn't have to considering I'm a year and a half out.

What planning dilemma are you encountering?

motoLyn

Hazel I know what exactly you are feeling.  After being on this board I thought to myself don't need to start planning now this was back in February.  I would start in June when its about a year out for me.  That way I still had plenty of time and wouldn't need to stress about it now.  Well I wanted to just look into some small details like the venue and coordinator while I had some free time to look.  Then I realized that I NEEDED a coordinator NOW, because the venue I want books up quickly and they only allow a certain number of weddings a month.  June being a popular month.  I can't book the venue without a coordinator because the coordinator usually has the 2 million dollar insurance policy that the venue requires.  So for a little over a week now I've been contacting  coordinators and talking on the phone and looking over quotes to see which one is right for me and isn't going to charge me an arm and a leg.  I swear I feel like this has been going on for two weeks instead of one.  I gave myself a stress headache last week over this.  And this is the first thing that I'm suppose to secure, next is catering and photography.  Bleh!

AudgiePodge

That sucks. We still need to do our cake. Hopefully we're going to knock that out tomorrow.

Hazel_B

Well, all I can do is try my best and if people get upset I can say well I itred my best in March of 2011 and this was the result.

I'm hoping to get a contract and deposit in order for the photographer this week and hopefully secure some sort of room block.

Sigh.

It didn't help that the budget was making me want to cry over the weekend.

calindi

Hotels in our area won't take reservations until a year out, and so we'll make the room block exactly a room in advance.  It's definitely tourist season where we'll be, too, but I think that will be a bigger problem in arranging the rehearsal dinner.  And traffic!

But yeah, I definitely was thinking, "A year is plenty of time!"  Until I found out that vendors were already closing their books for all of 2012... yep!  Crazy!  My venue now has a wedding booked for every single weekend from June 1 through September 31!

Hazel_B

Cate - I'm seriously in shock. I know the smaller motels/hotels don't book until 1 year out, but they also don't do room blocks. There are only a couple of places that do room blocks and this is one of them. Also, my budget is wanting me to really cry.

heyimbren

Is there any reason you can't book the blocks now? I don't know much about room blocks, but if they're booking up that fast and you're able to, could it hurt to block a few?

What's going on with the budget?

calindi

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_hate-tourist-season?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:a17510df-d4c1-4b0b-82d4-6551c61a8276Post:f0a5ef9b-b82d-4220-956e-4ed75d70e2e7">Re: I hate Tourist Season!</a>:
[QUOTE]Cate - I'm seriously in shock. I know the smaller motels/hotels don't book until 1 year out, but they also don't do room blocks. There are only a couple of places that do room blocks and this is one of them. Also, my budget is wanting me to really cry.
Posted by Hazel_B[/QUOTE]

Deep breaths, you can do this!  Remind yourself it's just a party, and if you have to cut back on certain things to fit the budget, then it'll still be a really fun party!!!

Don't stress too much about the hotel blocks - you might not end up with all your guests at the same hotel, but they'll all find places to stay.  Are you sending out STDs?  If so, perhaps include something about how hotels go quick, so they should consider reserving their room now!  And include your wedding website information and put a list of hotels (big and small) that they can contact in the area.

Hazel_B

Bren - I can book a block with only two places. I'm trying to get one of them, the lady and I are playing phone tag. As for the budget, I did really well on the wedding dress but went over for the photographer. It's upseting because I was hoping that I was estimating on the high side for a lot of things and was hoping to always come under. The photographer was my only real splurge item, so hopefully it gets better now. The HST makes everything soooo much worse than I initially think it'll be. For example, we were in budget for the photographger before the HST was added in.  

Hazel_B

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_hate-tourist-season?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:a17510df-d4c1-4b0b-82d4-6551c61a8276Post:a5305ca5-b6df-463b-8901-21e01ee85d37">Re: I hate Tourist Season!</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: I hate Tourist Season! : Deep breaths, you can do this!  Remind yourself it's just a party, and if you have to cut back on certain things to fit the budget, then it'll still be a really fun party!!! Don't stress too much about the hotel blocks - you might not end up with all your guests at the same hotel, but they'll all find places to stay.  Are you sending out STDs?  If so, perhaps include something about how hotels go quick, so they should consider reserving their room now!  And include your wedding website information and put a list of hotels (big and small) that they can contact in the area.
Posted by calindi[/QUOTE]

I know I need to relax about it. Problem is FI was so nonchalent about everything and then he saw the budget and his attitude changed a bit. Um, yeah, why do think I've researching so friggin much?

As for STDs, we haven't decided. We will be doing something either calling people or sending something out physically. I already have a write up for the accomodation section, just need to get a contract for the room block.

motoLyn

Hazel don't fret about your budget, we all do.  I know it sucks to see how tight things are getting.  I really wish I had a bigger budget and I'm afraid that I'll be having a wedding where it won't be worth it for all the guests that are flying from all over the world to join us.  The photog, the venue, catering and the coordinator are sucking up the majority of the budget.  The flowers, and my dress have come in second.  I'm getting to the point where my dress is so low on my list.  I'm afraid.  But I'll deal with that when the time comes. 

calindi

I'm petrified by the cost of caterers.  My guy has big hopes for our menu, and I have a feeling we'll be doing some significant compromises to fit in the budget!  I don't think he understands how or why (and to be honest, neither do I) the catering would cost over $100 per person!  Geez!  If that included the open bar, that would be one thing.  And it doesn't even include TAX!  Then we have the 20% service charge!!!  GAH!

desertsun

I think that when you plan on a shorter timeline, you can have a more limited selection when it comes to vendors, but you can still make it work. You might have to block rooms in more than one hotel. You may have to spend more on a caterer and less on dress and flowers.

But what matters is you and your FI getting married. Everything else is secondary.

Keep the priorities straight, girls, and try not to get too stressed! 

Hazel_B

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_hate-tourist-season?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:a17510df-d4c1-4b0b-82d4-6551c61a8276Post:72292c9a-1d92-412c-9df7-097a0dbf8f5a">Re: I hate Tourist Season!</a>:
[QUOTE]Hazel don't fret about your budget, we all do.  I know it sucks to see how tight things are getting.  I really wish I had a bigger budget and I'm afraid that I'll be having a wedding where it won't be worth it for all the guests that are flying from all over the world to join us.  The photog, the venue, catering and the coordinator are sucking up the majority of the budget.  The flowers, and my dress have come in second.  I'm getting to the point where my dress is so low on my list.  I'm afraid.  But I'll deal with that when the time comes. 
Posted by motoLyn[/QUOTE]

In my estimates we are over where we want to be, so I need to start getting creative. Very creative. The tent, caterer and photog have been the worst for us so far, with portable toilets not being far behind.

In terms of creativity, I got the supplies to make the string lanterns that are in my bio. I had been look at paper lanterns on luna bazaar and mid size budget lantern were $2 each, if you bought 50 of them. I know I don't NEED lanterns, but based on the supplies I have for the string lanterns they will be less than 50 cents a piece but I still need to get the glue and vaseline which shouldn't be too expensive, the dollar store will work for that. My sister's input "umm, how much is your time worth?" Gee Sis, thanks for being so supportive.

Hazel_B

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_hate-tourist-season?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:a17510df-d4c1-4b0b-82d4-6551c61a8276Post:01147613-7662-490f-b814-ada7b89bdbd9">Re: I hate Tourist Season!</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm petrified by the cost of caterers.  My guy has big hopes for our menu, and I have a feeling we'll be doing some significant compromises to fit in the budget!  I don't think he understands how or why (and to be honest, neither do I) the catering would cost over $100 per person!  Geez!  If that included the open bar, that would be one thing.  And it doesn't even include TAX!  Then we have the 20% service charge!!!  GAH!
Posted by calindi[/QUOTE]

The way my friend's FI put it, going from good food to great food for a large number of people isn't easy and is the huge increase in expenses worth it?

I'm so glad I've gone casual, that is one thing I'm not stressing about nearly as much.

Things'll work out Cate, when these big things are dealt with you can relax for awhile.

Hazel_B

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_hate-tourist-season?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:136Discussion:a17510df-d4c1-4b0b-82d4-6551c61a8276Post:7e37b234-7d12-45f8-8c0b-4fd11ed23214">Re: I hate Tourist Season!</a>:
[QUOTE]I think that when you plan on a shorter timeline, you can have a more limited selection when it comes to vendors, but you can still make it work. You might have to block rooms in more than one hotel. You may have to spend more on a caterer and less on dress and flowers. But what matters is you and your FI getting married. Everything else is secondary. Keep the priorities straight, girls, and try not to get too stressed! 
Posted by desertsun[/QUOTE]

Desert, thanks for reminding me...I do need that. I'm going to move this quote "Don't let the details become bigger than the purpose" to be right in front of my face...all the time.

As for the hotel, there are only two that do room blocks in the city. So, I don't have many shots at this one.

motoLyn

I got quotes back from caterers, and they are reasonable but I asked them try to trim it a  bit more for me.  What my priorities are is the venue (so that we can have a nice environment for guests to enjoy), the caterers (because i want out guests to be fed and happy) and the photog (because the day is going to pass in a blur and I want to see what it looked like) I don't care so much about my dress, I'll rock what I'll get.  And I won't need too many floral decorations, its an outdoor wedding on a plantation next to the beach.  Its the extra $$$$ that I didn't account for in what a wedding coordinator costs that is sending me for a loop.  So I have to be creative with my DIY projects, down side is I can't pack and take things like center pieces and lighting with me to a DW.  So i'll probably sacrifice some of the florals and bride pampering like hair and make up to cut costs.  As for booze it'll be beer, wine and signature cocktail.  Else I start chopping people off the list.  We're at 46 adults and 3 kids.  With 20 people form Fi's side, 10 from my side and 14 are our friends. 

About 13 of his side are coming from Denmark, and if they are braving 20 hours of flying then I will make it worth their while!

Elle1036

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_not-engaged-yet_hate-tourist-season?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:136Discussion:a17510df-d4c1-4b0b-82d4-6551c61a8276Post:94bbe96f-9b22-40be-a809-4a21b1bc623b">I hate Tourist Season!</a>:
[QUOTE]I know I'm crazy early to set up a room block for August 2012. However, how can they already be sold out of two double rooms? I'm torn. <strong>I feel like I need to get my act together and get things done but I also feel like I shouldn't have to considering I'm a year and a half out.</strong> What planning dilemma are you encountering?
Posted by Hazel_B[/QUOTE]

Ditto the bolded statement.  That's exactly how I feel.

I also feel like the things I'm most excited to do (dress shopping and some DIY projects) are the things that I definitely don't need to be thinking about yet, while the one thing I should really be focusing on (venue shopping) is making me crazy and I just don't want to deal with it.

Hazel_B

Update - I got freaked out for nothing! The lady thought I was talking about August 2011, not 2012. So, I have nothing to worry about for the time being!

Hazel_B

Elle - I'm definitely excited about the DIY stuff, I just want to get these big things out of the way and then I can relax and take my time about my little projects.

desertsun

I'm sorry y'all are finding planning so stressful! 

I'll offer a couple more bits of advice then leave you all to vent.

Figure out your venue, caterer, and photographer (and for you Hazel, the hotel situation) and then take a little break. All the other stuff really can wait a little while longer. 

Also, find a day to spend with your FI and make a promise to each other not to talk wedding all day. Just have fun. Remind yourself why you're doing all this -- so you can be married to this amazing person you love and who loves you back.

You can do this, girls! Stay strong!

::HUGS::

motoLyn

*HUGS* Thanks Desert, I promise once I get the venue down I'm taking a long break. 

calindi

Oh, I'm not overly concerned or stressed about the whole thing.  I've got an amazing amount decided in a short period of time - we're about to book our photographer, videographer, DJ, and florist in the next few weeks!  After that, the only big thing left is the caterer and furniture/tent rental.  But the caterer is our biggest budget buster, and I'll feel a lot better about staying in our budget after we talk to caterers about how to make that happen.  All these hidden charges have me nervous! 

We're going away for the weekend as a belated birthday present to my guy, and we don't plan to talk about weddings at all.

Hazel_B

Thanks Desert!

jemmini6

FI and I got engaged in September and started touring venues in October.  We really wanted to get married 11/12/11, but when we went to book in October, that day was already booked so we had to do it the weekend before on 11/5/11.  Then when we went to book the photographer that my FI really wanted, the only day they had booked in November, was the 5th.  So those were the 2 things that fell through for us.  It worked out though, 11/5 will be a good day and the photographer we ended up going with is awesome.

We booked our venue, DJ, photographer and officiant as soon as we could and really haven't been doing anything wedding related since.  It's nice to not have to be 'wedding, wedding, wedding' all the time.