All You Need to Know About Hotel Room Blocks for Your Wedding!

Hello Gorgeous!

Welcoming out-of-town guests to your wedding requires thoughtfulness on the part of the host and it begins with hotel room blocks and accommodations. Securing a hotel room block helps your guests find a comfortable place to stay while simplifying the booking process. However, understanding the nuances of the process, including the difference between standard and courtesy blocks, attrition rates, and guest preferences, is essential for a successful arrangement.

Standard Block vs. Courtesy Block: Understanding the Difference

When considering a hotel room block, couples may encounter two main options: standard blocks and courtesy blocks.

Standard Block: In a standard block, the couple commits to reserving a certain number of rooms at a negotiated rate. Guests are responsible for booking their rooms within the block, and any unreserved rooms are released back to the hotel closer to the event date. If a certain number of those rooms are not reserved by the guests, the couple is financially responsible for the remaining rooms.

Courtesy Block: A courtesy block, also known as an uncommitted block, holds a designated number of rooms for guests at a slightly discounted rate, but there is no financial obligation if the rooms go unbooked. The unbooked rooms are released back into the hotel inventory without penalty.

Understanding Attrition Rates

Attrition refers to the difference between the number of rooms reserved and the actual number booked by guests. Hotels often include attrition clauses in their contracts, requiring couples to pay for a certain percentage of unbooked rooms to compensate for potential revenue loss. Understanding attrition rates and negotiating favorable terms can help couples avoid unnecessary expenses. A hotel room block agreement for a standard block will have an attrition clause to look for, but a courtesy block agreement will not.

Guest Preferences and Alternatives

While hotel room blocks offer convenience, it's essential to consider guests' preferences and alternative accommodations when determining how many rooms to block. Many guests may utilize hotel membership benefits or points when traveling, regardless of whether a room block is available. Additionally, some guests may prefer alternative lodging options such as Airbnb or VRBO rentals for a more personalized experience. The CWPs at Infinity Events encourage couples to think through the options and the guests specifically when choosing how many rooms and properties they would like to secure for their guests.

Avoiding Overestimation and Costly Mistakes

Speaking of, one common pitfall couples encounter is overestimating the number of rooms needed for their guests. Overestimation can lead to costly expenses if the couple is held responsible for unbooked rooms or attrition fees. To avoid this mistake, couples should consult with their Certified Wedding Planner to analyze guest lists, travel patterns, and potential accommodation needs. By understanding the idiosyncrasies of their guests, couples can make informed decisions and proceed with the wedding planning journey with no regrets.

You don't have to tackle this alone. We are here for you and consulting with a Certified Wedding Planner provides valuable expertise and guidance throughout the process.

Understanding the difference between standard and courtesy blocks, negotiating attrition rates, considering guest preferences, and avoiding overestimation are essential when making the decisions associated with hotel room blocks