So you’ve been invited to a destination wedding. Chances are you’ve got tons of questions! You’ll find some of the most frequently asked questions here.
Will my room be close to the other wedding guests?
The hotel tries to keep the guests as close together as possible. While we make every effort to ensure that your room and bedding requests are conveyed to the hotel, specific room locations and bedding requests are granted based on availability at the time of check-in at the hotel’s discretion.
How do I make changes to my current reservation?
All changes must be in writing. Please send an email to the agent managing your wedding group. Please note that changes made after final payment may incur a $50.00 change fee. Changes made less than 45 days before departure may not be permitted.
We want to stay at an alternate hotel. Can we still come to the wedding?
To attend the wedding, you will need to purchase a day pass. Day passes are an average of $100.00 per person. Day passes are not offered in advance and must be purchased at the hotel on the day of intended use. Please note that most hotels stop offering day passes if the hotel is at more than 80% occupancy. So if you don’t stay at the hotel, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to attend the wedding.
I am hoping to have a roommate, but I am not sure who at this time. What should I do?
If you are sure you will make the trip, whether you end up with a roommate or not, please go ahead and submit your deposit as a solo traveler. We can add another party and adjust your rate later.
I have a C-PAP machine and need distilled water. Can you ask the hotel to provide it?
We get this question a lot! I have yet to find a hotel that doesn’t charge for distilled water. We can ask the concierge to source it for you, but there will be an additional charge. Alternately, most hotels provide unlimited bottled water, and you’re welcome to use that for your C-PAP machine if you’re comfortable with it.
How do the payments work?
You can find the final payment date on your invoice and the wedding site in the “How It Works” section. You can find your balance due on your RSVP form and your confirmation. If you’d like to make monthly or occasional payments, please ask your agent for a payment link.
What if my roommate and I want to pay separately?
That’s no trouble at all. You can both use the same deposit link to submit your payment info and amounts.
What if I want a room or dates not listed on the wedding site?
We’re happy to request it. Just send us an email with the details.
I am a vegetarian, allergic to gluten, or have other special dietary needs. What should I do?
You will find that most hotels offer menus that cater to people with food allergies. Gluten intolerance, nut allergies, and vegan diets are much more common than they were a few years ago. You’ll find most hotels have already adjusted to offer menus that allow everyone to enjoy themselves.
Can we make restaurant and spa reservations?
Most hotels don’t allow you to make spa or restaurant reservations until you arrive at the resort. Once you’ve arrived, the concierge will be happy to assist you.
Can I bring my dog?
Because of rules for bringing an animal into another country vary so widely, we do not recommend or participate in bringing your pet into a location outside the US.
My roommate can’t make it. Can I bring someone else instead?
Typically, yes. We need to have it approved by the hotel. Changes made after final payment have a $35.00 change fee. Travel insurance is not transferrable.
My roommate wants trip insurance, but I do not. Is that ok?
Our group contracts require that both parties sharing a room either have insurance or both decline insurance. You can’t have one person in a room with it and one without it.
My roommate canceled. What happens now?
If you were booked as a double but are now traveling solo, your room will default to the single rate.
Are my transfers included if I book my own flights?
Yes, transfers are included no matter how you book your flights. Please send your flight confirmation to via the link on the weddings site no less than 45 days before departure.
What shuttle company do you use?
We use safe, reliable transportation in each destination. Please refer to the transfer section of the wedding site for specific details for your group.
Will our group all be on the same shuttle?
The transfer company makes every effort to shuttle everyone in the most efficient manner possible. However, you may be on a different shuttle than other guests, even if you arrived at the same time.
I am traveling with a little one. Do I need a car seat?
Car seat rules apply abroad just as they do at home. If you need a car seat, please send the weight of your little one so we can be sure that the shuttle company has the correct car seat. Car seats typically run $40.00 round trip.
We are staying at another hotel either before or after the wedding. Can we use our transfer to get to or from that hotel?
The transfers included in the group rate are from the airport to the host hotel only. However, we are happy to arrange a transfer to or from the alternate hotel. This transfer will incur an additional fee.
When should I book my flights?
Airfares change daily. We recommend if you find a rate you’re comfortable with, go ahead and book it.
How do I share my flight information with you?
The best way to share your flight information is to use the link in the flight section of the wedding site. We’ll also send out several email reminders that include this link as well.
Are baggage fees included?
Baggage fees are usually not included. Please refer to the airline’s website for the latest info on their baggage fees.
I have a TSA Precheck or Frequent Flyer number. Can you please add it?
You will need to add this information directly through the airline’s website. We also recommend that you download the airline’s app to your phone to keep you in the loop about schedule changes, etc.
Please note! It’s not uncommon to have your first and middle name show up as one long name on an airline’s website. If this happens, don’t panic! Just check in as you normally would.
When can we book excursions?
You’ll find a link to our preferred excursion vendor in the excursions section of the wedding site. Most of our excursions include transportation. We can book excursions anytime but usually do so around the final payment time. We’re happy to make recommendations for excursions we think you’ll enjoy during your trip.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction
As an expert in public speaking and communication, I can provide insights and information related to the concepts mentioned in this article. I have a deep understanding of effective communication techniques, including introductions, credibility, organization, and the use of evidence in speeches. I can also provide information on the Dunning-Kruger effect and the curse of knowledge. Let's dive into each concept and explore them further.
Introductions in Public Speaking
Introductions play a crucial role in public speaking. They serve to capture the audience's attention, establish credibility, and set the tone for the speech. Effective introductions can include various elements such as:
- An interesting quote or paraphrasing of a well-known source .
- A startling fact or statistic related to the topic .
- A reference to the occasion.
- A piece of folklore, a fable, saying, poem, or rhyme .
- A brief demonstration of a procedure or skill .
- An intriguing piece of multimedia, such as a picture or a short audio/video clip .
The goal of an introduction is to motivate the audience to listen and establish the speaker's credibility. Credibility is an important aspect of public speaking, as it influences how the audience perceives the speaker .
Credibility in Public Speaking
Credibility, or ethos, is a concept extensively researched in the field of communication. It refers to how the audience perceives the speaker. Even if a speaker is knowledgeable and passionate about a topic, if the audience does not perceive them as credible, their expertise and passion may not matter .
Establishing credibility involves considering how others see you and what that means for writing a speech. It is essential to project competence, confidence, and authority when speaking to gain the audience's trust and attention.
Organization in Public Speaking
Organizing a speech is crucial for clarity and effectiveness. A well-organized speech helps the audience understand the message and perceive the speaker as reliable and credible Disorganized speeches can lead to confusion and make it challenging for the audience to follow the speaker's arguments.
There are various ways to organize a speech, including:
- Chronological order: Presenting information in a time-based sequence.
- Spatial order: Organizing information based on physical location or arrangement.
- Topical order: Grouping information into categories or topics.
- Problem-solution order: Presenting a problem and then offering a solution.
- Cause-effect order: Explaining the causes and effects of a particular phenomenon.
Choosing the appropriate organizational structure depends on the topic, purpose, and audience of the speech.
Use of Evidence in Public Speaking
Using evidence is essential for supporting arguments and enhancing the credibility of a speech. Different types of evidence can be used, including:
- Examples: Specific instances or cases that illustrate a point .
- Statistics: Numerical data that provide quantitative support for an argument.
- Testimony: Quotations or statements from experts, witnesses, or credible sources.
When using evidence, it is crucial to ensure its accuracy, relevance, and reliability. Citing credible sources and providing proper attribution adds to the speaker's credibility and strengthens the arguments presented.
The Dunning-Kruger Effect
The Dunning-Kruger effect is a cognitive bias in which individuals with low ability or competence in a particular area overestimate their skills and abilities . This bias arises because these individuals lack the skills and cognitive abilities necessary to recognize their own incompetence.
The Dunning-Kruger effect has been observed in various domains, including public speaking. It highlights the importance of self-awareness and the need for individuals to accurately assess their own abilities.
The Curse of Knowledge
The curse of knowledge refers to the difficulty experts face in communicating complex ideas to others who do not possess the same level of knowledge . Experts may struggle to explain concepts in a way that is easily understandable to novices because they are so deeply immersed in their field.
In the context of public speaking, the curse of knowledge emphasizes the need for speakers to bridge the gap between their expertise and the audience's understanding. Speakers should strive to communicate their ideas clearly and avoid using jargon or technical terms that may be unfamiliar to the audience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, effective public speaking involves crafting engaging introductions, establishing credibility, organizing speeches, and using evidence to support arguments. Understanding concepts such as the Dunning-Kruger effect and the curse of knowledge can further enhance communication skills. By applying these principles, speakers can deliver impactful speeches and connect with their audience more effectively.
