Hotel block? Pro or con?

Better rates, easier for the travelling guests, and doesn't cost you anything if you do a courtesy block. I see it as a win win!

Countless people do not have hotel receptions but utilize them for guest accommodations. They may not be cheaper but they guarantee a room available until a certain cut off date, especially in high tourist areas where lodging can book up fast.

I would definitely recommend doing a hotel room block! If you setup a courtesy block, you personally won't be responsible for the cost of any rooms (used or unused). The way courtesy blocks work is this: the hotel sets aside a set number of rooms (usually 10 or 20) in the block, and sets a deadline (usually a few weeks before your wedding). The rooms are often given at a discounted rate. You do not need to pay anything. When your guests call to book the room, they mention the room block name, and they get one of the rooms in the block. The guest covers the cost of their own room. If all rooms fill up before the deadline, then the hotel will set aside more rooms (depending on availability). Any rooms not booked by the deadline are released back to the hotel. It's a good way to guarantee room availability for guests if they don't know where else to stay.

The rates will be cheaper! Ask for a courtesy block at the local hotels and compare prices

Courtesy blocks don’t cost you anything, but will ensure your guests will be able to find accommodations for your wedding. This can be super important if there aren’t many hotels in your area, if you live in a tourist location, or if there are any big events during the week of your wedding. Some hotels will give a special discounted rate for a hotel block, but definitely not all of them; and oftentimes only when you have your ceremony or reception there.

I’m a big fan of the courtesy block. Saves your guests the trouble of having to find somewhere to stay. It also allows guests to be in a place all together. They can have people to hang out with (or carpool).

I am always team room block! You typically get better prices and it makes it easier for your guests. They are very simple to set up, so you really have nothing to lose. We chose two different hotels, with two different price points, and set up room blocks at both. This gave our guests options.