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Savvy November 2020

Booking Hotel Rooms for Guests

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Samantha, on March 13, 2019 at 3:12 PM

Posted in Planning 27

Hi folks. November 2020 bride here, so plenty of time to plan, but I'm curious about other people's experience with one aspect of our wedding that will likely be a huge part of our budget: booking hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.

We will need to book at least 5 rooms, maybe more, for friends and family to stay in for 2 nights (Fri & Sat). Does anyone have any experience with doing this? Do you get a multi-room discount at most places? How far in advance do you need to book? What should we look for/ask places when choosing a hotel? Anything else to keep in mind?

I know lots of people usually just suggest hotels for guests to book themselves but I really want to provide a place for our guests to stay so that it won't be an obstacle for anyone. Some of our most beloved friends and family will be invited (from across the country) and we want to do everything we can to make it easier for them to come.

Thanks for your input!

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27 Comments

Savvy November 2020
Samantha · on March 13, 2019 at 4:01 PM
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Yes, exactly. I would LOVE to be able to pay for everyone's rooms, but unfortunately, weddings are already expensive without doing that and I am not rich by any means lol soooo glad I learned about room blocks though. Thank you!!
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Savvy November 2020
Samantha · on March 13, 2019 at 4:03 PM
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Huh, sounds like I've been missing out!!
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Savvy November 2020
Samantha · on March 13, 2019 at 4:07 PM
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Okay so:
1.) Compare costs and policies
2.) Book in different 3 different price ranges
3.) Share info on website/with guests
4.) Check w/hotel near RSVP deadline
5.) Add rooms/reach out to guests who haven't booked

Whew. I think I've got it. I totally understand now why people here wedding planners
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Savvy November 2020
Samantha · on March 13, 2019 at 4:09 PM
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Oh my. So sorry if I skipped replying to anyone. Thank you so much for all of your advice! This whole wedding planning thing can be very overwhelming. Glad I have a great community to turn to
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VIP June 2019
Danielle K · on March 13, 2019 at 4:10 PM
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Lol I know it's a lot and yes a planner would have been nice but I feel like I have learned a lot and can be proud of how things come together because I did it my self
it's not so bad because the hotels make it simple. the most important rule is to only book room blocks with hotels that do not hold you accountable to pay for unused rooms. That would be a horrible surprise cost at the end of planning
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Expert October 2019
Samantha · on March 13, 2019 at 4:27 PM
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I just signed the contract for our room blocks at a hotel. I actually used wedding wire to do this, I put in my wedding date and location and how far I would allow the hotel to be from the venue. It sent out a general email to the hotels I chose and then I started getting bids back. I went with a hotel where we will not be held financially responsible, so no deposit or charge for unused rooms. Guests have to book rooms by a certain time and if they don't then they lose the discount that's offered to our guests. It was so simple and not stressful at all. I'm so glad I found it on here and the lady who helped me was terrific with checking in on me and how everything was going. I'm so glad its done now so our guests can start booking, I know a lot of hotels won't allow you to block rooms if the event/wedding is more than 8 months out. Hope this helps!
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Legend July 2019
MrsD · on March 14, 2019 at 1:32 PM
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I haven't ever heard of the bride & groom paying for out of town guests accommodations. I WISH! We've gone to 6 out of state weddings haha. I would set up a hotel block, preferably two (one higher end, one lower end) so guests know where to book. Our hotel is great, they gave us a 15 room complimentary block then we added rooms 5 at a time as the block filled up.
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