I wish I had had time to visit the lodging that I recommended to my wedding guests. Instead, since I was planning a destination, I just sent everyone to one big hotel downtown that offered a group discount... and regretted it. Most of my family booked at a smaller place further away from the wedding, which still ended up being cheaper, so they could save money and all be together. And I ended up driving around to multiple hotels dropping off welcome packages before the rehearsal.
I'd be so much happier to know they were all receiving warm welcomes, yummy breakfasts, and local flavor in your care. You'll be a knock-out!.
sometimes a bride calls ahead of time.
sometimes a couple (and parents) have just come to the door.
when this happens, they are usually serious about booking and think they have to do it in person. first year, we had a reputation to overcome of 'that old wreck of a place' so i wanted to show it wasn't a wreck any more!
i much prefer to know they are coming so i can tell them when it is good to come. but have shown the place on less than stellar days and they still booked the whole place. i go with my instincts on whether or not to show the place without notice. sometimes, it's because they just came from another place in the area because they didn't realize there aren't many rooms to be had close by ..... and that place SENT them to me. i really like it when the other innkeeper or whomever calls me first. but, it's still nice to get recommended!
i get a deposit from the bride (or whomever) and then as each guest calls (they have to call because webervations now shows all rooms unavailable) i get a deposit from the guest and then refund that portion of the deposit to the bride. so far this has worked out.
first year, absolutely miserable weather i spotted a couple outside walking around and went to the door. nothing was open. not even the general store. engaged couple. i gave them tea and coffee and loaned them umbrellas so they could go explore (we had NO guests at the time) some of the rooms were in winter hybernation mode ... really stripped down but they understood that. they returned the umbrellas and left. i thought, oh well, no sale. about a week later, the bride got in touch and booked all the rooms for her guests. it felt so good to look at some months down the road and see a booking ... i still remember that feeling! like, maybe i CAN do this.
