Hi there!  My name is Elaine Flick and I am available via phone, text, or email to answer any questions for clients (brides, grooms, guests, etc.).  The questions answered below will hit some highlights to get you started!

Feel free to email me at: elaine@destinationcelebrations.com

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1.     Why should I trust you with my travel and/or destination wedding plans?

• We have worked in the hospitality/tourism industry for over 25 years.
• We have worked in federal procurement, negotiating contracts for 13 years.  Our combined travel and negotiating experience lend themselves to a unique skill set as your dedicated travel consultants.
• We invest our time and business $ toward visiting the destinations we sell, vetting client options and recommending only reputable choices.
• We only use reputable tour operators, cruise lines, and hotels.  If you request a destination, cruise line, resort, or supplier that we do not recommend, we will explain why and make alternative recommendations based on your desired interests, budget, and vacation goals. 
• Our primary mission is to inform and consult on options that lead you to a great vacation experience.  We will not “sell” you anything for profit.  We value your experience as if it were our own!

2.     What destinations do you offer?

• Our specialties are Mexico, the Caribbean, Costa Rica, and Tahiti.  We have traveled extensively to these locations. 

3.     Can you assist us with planning a wedding or vacation at destinations that you have not been to yourself?

• The world is a big place!   For those destinations we have not previewed personally, we have an extensive network of colleagues and resources to consult with on your travel plans.  We have destination experts we work with around the globe on your behalf! 

4.     Can we do a destination wedding on a cruise?

• Absolutely!  There are many benefits to doing a destination wedding on a cruise.  You can get married at the port of embarkation for those wishing to attend the wedding only, and you can also get married on the ship itself or at a location visited on the itinerary.
• Cruise groups are placed at large tables so your group can dine together every night whereas resorts may only do this as a private function or for an extra charge.
• Many cruises do not include alcoholic beverages in the cost.  This permits guests with more modest means to attend within their budget.
• Getting to the port of embarkation in the US can be more affordable than flying internationally, and you benefit from a diversified international island experience.
  

5.     Why do you charge a $350 planning fee?

• We charge a one-time non-refundable planning fee that can be applied toward your Group/Vacation package at the time of final payment because we are providing our service and expertise.  We will do a complimentary consultation prior to assessing a fee so you can decide if we are a good fit prior to making this investment.
• Advising on wedding packages, resort options, securing dates, negotiating group contracts and wedding concessions is very labor intensive.  You are paying for our time, expertise, and resources.
• We are committed to presenting you with the best options and the best value.  We charge this non-refundable fee because we want to work with clients who are committed to working with us and value our service.
  

6.     What benefits can we get by booking through your agency under a Group Contract?

• Smaller up front deposits for guests.
• More flexibility with date changes for your guests.
  
• Competitive group rates that are locked in for your group if rates go up after you have held the space.
• Group and/or wedding concessions that would not be offered outside a group contract.
• Coordination of your guests’ travel so you can focus on planning your wedding/group activities.
• Detailed “insider” knowledge of wedding packages, resorts and destinations that are not available to the public.
• The services of a Destination Management Company available to your group 24-7 while traveling at your destination.
• The guarantee that if your hotel oversells, your guests will never be “bumped.”
• The services of a professional travel consultant who is available 24-7 to support any issues that arise while you are traveling.
  
• NOTE: Guests who book their travel outside of the group contract will not receive the group amenities offered to the rest of the group nor will their stay be used to calculate any room or wedding concessions offered by the resort.

7.     Why do you recommend all-inclusive resorts and cruises for weddings and groups?

• They offer the best value for you and your guests.
• Guests can arrive at their destination with no added expenses, no pulling out wallets or credit cards to pay for meals/drinks, or to split bills.  It is effortless!
  
• They offer better pricing on group and wedding functions since you have already paid for food and beverages as part of your package.  Private functions are still at an added charge since you have dedicated service and catered functions, but the rates are more affordable than they would be outside the all-inclusive model.

8.     What is the deposit process?

• The $350 non-refundable deposit is paid prior to presenting group and/or wedding contracts.  It is charged after the initial consultation for clients wishing to proceed with our services.
• Once a resort or cruise options has been selected, a group deposit is required to block the space.  Group deposits vary but it is generally $50 per passenger to secure the space.  This deposit is paid by the Group leader to Destination Celebrations to secure space at the Group rate.  This deposit will be credited to the Group Leader and their travel prior to their final payment.
• Individual guests will be responsible for their deposits and payments as well as any penalties should they cancel their trip.  They will pay Destination Celebrations directly and we will handle all communications relating to the payment process keeping you informed with periodic guest summaries.

9.     How do you communicate with our guests?

• We communicate with your guests via phone, email, text, and/or our customer relationship management database.  We recognize guests utilize different modes of communication and we communicate in their preferred format.
• In order to rally the group, we send out notices in Constant Contact.  We will time this with your Save-the-Dates, deposit/payment deadlines, and to coordinate transportation services, etc. leading up to your Group’s departure.
• We request an Excel spreadsheet with contact information prior to proceeding with your group contract as we find this is instrumental in facilitating streamlined communication.  We do not sell lists and guests can opt out at any time should they not desire any further communication.

10.  Do you price match competitors?

• We do not price match internet booking engines because our business model is not based on selling large volume with small margins and limited service.
• Our model is based on providing service, value, and a quality experience.
• When we put together group contracts, we research group rates with reputable tour operators who provide service at your destination.   We work with them to get you competitive rates and the best value while not compromising on-the- ground support at your destination.  When you’re in another country it is a HUGE comfort to know you are not alone!  We advocate for all your needs!
• We feel your vacation dollars are important and know you are investing precious time and resources to get a quality experience.  We do not take this lightly.  We are always available by phone, email, or text to assist!
• Internet providers do not build service into their pricing so we are not offering the same experience.  We do not compete on price alone.
• We understand your need to get the best value for your money and we provide value in ways that Internet sources cannot compete ;). 
  

 
11.  If the rates drop on our hotel or package after we sign a contract, can you revise our rates for our Group?

• Once a Group Contract is signed, your rates are locked in.  It is similar to buying an airline ticket.  Rates ebb and flow based on supply and demand and once purchased, should airline rates drop, you will not receive a credit.  It is all about timing.
• The benefit of a group contract is that you are locking in several rooms at early booking bonus rates on your group’s behalf.
  
• Internet sources often have limited inventory to sell at rock bottom rates, especially when they have rooms or air they need to dump at the last minute.  They never have the capacity to accommodate your entire group.  You or members of your group may see these low rates from time-to-time, but fragmenting the group for a few to save a little money will compromise their service and your group amenities/concessions.
• In rare instances when resorts drastically drop rates after your contract has been signed, if you are not in a penalty phase we will ABSOLUTELY request a contract revision.  We have seen this happen only 2 times in the last few years.

12.  Can guests arrive and depart on different dates?

• Of course!  When we negotiate your group contract we always negotiate a group rate that is available a few days before and after your core dates of travel.

13.  What if our Group does not all want to stay at the same resort?

• We highly encourage all guests to stay together.  If you are at an all-inclusive resort and guests stay off property, every time they come to the resort for wedding functions or to spend time with the group they will be required to pay a resort fee ($80+ per person, per day).
• Often times the cost and inconvenience to get from their resort to yours will negate any savings. 
• You may want to honor guests’ desire to pick a place where they prefer to stay.  In this instance we always recommend guests stay with the group the days there are wedding functions and we can always relocate them to another property of their choice for an extended vacation.
• As a final note, half the fun of a destination wedding is sharing this experience will all your guests in one place.

14.  Can you book AIR?

• We do not book air when we create the group contract since guests come from multiple destinations and often arrive and depart on different dates.  Group AIR is only possible when you have a minimum of 10 guests arriving and departing on the exact same flight. 
• Guests can find air independently with ease at published rates that tend to be lower than the group so we encourage them to book themselves, provide us the itinerary, and have us coordinate their transportation.
• If guests prefer we research air options for them we are happy to accommodate their request and provide this service for a small fee of $25 per ticket.

15.  Is there a penalty if we, or our guests cancel?

• For the bride and groom the $350 planning fee deposit to Destination Celebrations is non-refundable should you cancel.
• When the group contract has been executed with the resort, there are additional time sensitive cancellation and attrition penalties that apply.  We monitor the contract timelines and keep you informed of these deadlines so you can release unneeded space without penalty.
• There does become a point in time where suppliers are at risk of not being able to sell cancelled space and penalties are unavoidable.  It is for this reason that we always recommend that guests purchase cancellation insurance.

16.  Can we revise our dates of travel or room category after we have booked?

• We will revise dates on guests’ rooms upon written request at anytime with no change fee.  These requests can be honored based on availability.

17.  What role do you have in assisting with the planning our wedding?

• We will consult with you on your wedding vision and advise you on various wedding packages and approximate costs that will meet your budget.  We have inside knowledge of options and nuances based on our experience and contacts in this niche, and can get you answers quickly to help you select a location.
• We will set up the wedding contract and introduce you to the coordinator assigned to your Group once it has been executed.  After this introduction, the wedding coordinator will work directly with you on your detailed plans.

18.  Are additional wedding planning services available?

• Our skill and benefit is in negotiating concessions on group contracts and coordinating travel for your group.
• We are happy to answer questions about wedding package inclusions.

• Many resorts and cruise lines have wedding packages and wedding coordinators on staff to work directly with you on your detailed plans and no further coordination is required.
• For those who have a large group or who plan several private functions surrounding the wedding, we are happy to refer you to Certified Wedding Coordinators who we have partnered with to meet these specific needs.

19.  Do you attend the wedding?

• It is not necessary for us to attend your wedding since Wedding Coordinators will work closely with you leading up to, and the day of your event(s).  Should you like us to attend to address your guests’ requests and needs at their destination we are happy to do so should our travel and per diem be covered.

20.  Do you book honeymoons?

• Absolutely!  We specialize in destination weddings and honeymoons!