When planning a wedding, one of the thoughtful gestures you can extend to your out-of-town guests is to secure a block of hotel rooms for their stay. Not only does this offer them convenience and potential cost savings, but it can also lead to perks for the happy couple, such as complimentary rooms. Here's a detailed guide with tips and tricks to help you navigate the process of blocking hotel rooms for your wedding, ensuring comfort for your guests and benefits for you.
Securing a block of hotel rooms for your wedding guests is a considerate move that can significantly enhance their experience. It simplifies their planning process and can also be more budget-friendly. Moreover, couples often receive enticing incentives from hotels when they reserve a certain number of rooms.
For parties requiring more than ten rooms, group rates are available, which can be substantially lower than standard rates. Instead of contacting hotels individually, you can streamline the process by using services like GroupTravel.org, which allows hotels to send you their rates directly after you fill out a request form. Mentioning date flexibility can sometimes lead to even better deals.
Many hotels offer a free room for the bride and groom if a specific number of rooms are booked for guests. When negotiating, inquire about this perk and try to upgrade to a bridal suite at no extra cost.
Check if the hotel provides shuttle services for airport transfers and ask if they can extend this service to transport guests to the wedding venue. This can be a significant convenience and cost-saving feature for your guests.
Travel expenses can add up quickly, so ask the hotel to waive Wi-Fi fees for your guests. This is a common courtesy that many hotels are willing to provide.
A courtesy room block is a commitment-free option where the hotel reserves a set number of rooms without requiring a deposit. This is typically available for blocks of fewer than 20 rooms per night and comes without an attrition clause, meaning you won't be financially responsible for unbooked rooms.
Many guests may arrive on the wedding day and will appreciate the ability to check in early. Discuss this with the hotel and consider adding a clause in your contract to guarantee early check-in for a portion of your room block.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your wedding guests have a comfortable and affordable stay, while you potentially enjoy some extra perks. Remember, the key to a successful hotel room block is clear communication, both with the hotel and your guests, and a good understanding of the contract terms.
