How necessary are hotel blocks?

I’ve never viewed hotel blocks as necessary/required. Maybe 50% of our guest list is out of town or out of country, but there’s no telling who’s actually coming until invites and rsvps are out. Sure, it’s a kind gesture, but I personally don’t think it’s necessary

We got married in Carmel and no place here would do a courtesy block so we skipped it. We absolutely did not want to be held financially responsible for rooms that were over $300 a night. Everyone figured out a place to stay and it was fine.

Thanks ladies!!

Blocks that require you to pay for unbooked rooms are ridiculous! That could be thousands of dollars. I’m glad to hear that it isn’t necessary.

We had a destination wedding so we had a room block. The hotel gave us a certain number of rooms for a period of time before we were responsible for them and we could add more as they were booked. It worked out great for us because we wanted guests to stay where we got married.

I think it’s simply a courtesy and never a requirement. I know some guests will probably use the blocked rooms and some will find other accommodations.

If the hotel will do a courtesy block, there is really no reason not to. It at least allows an option for those guests who like staying in a hotel and are willing to pay the price. However, you should not be asked to pay for rooms not booked.

We only sent five invitations locally, and while we did make recommendations for which hotels might be good choices, we did not make a hotel block. What we discovered was that the block rates we were able to get were higher than the prices we could find online (and they were not courtesy blocks, so we would have had to pay for any rooms that didn't get used, which was another reason we didn't go with one).

You definitely don't need room blocks. If people ask you for recommendations then feel free to suggest, or list a few options on your website.

I am having a destination wedding where all our guests will be from out of town, so we are providing two (one nicer one and one budget). Luckily, our blocks hold the rooms until a month out and does not charge us for any unbooked rooms.

Blocking rooms simply means "holding them" for a time period to ensure your guests can be accommodated. It is likely the price will not differ by blocking them and you are not responsible for any unused room. They will go back up for grabs for other customers after a set time frame of not being reserved by your guests. I did not block rooms, but I included a few options on my accommodations card that sent with the invite, that way people had a general idea of where to stay but they could pick their price point.

I got a discount on the price by setting up a hotel room block

The hotel we are getting married at doesn’t do hotel blocks they just give us a discount code for booking purposes. So people will get the discount but we aren’t on the hook for rooms that aren’t booked. It expires a month before the wedding.

Wedding blocks help with discounting prices. For instance, rooms that would’ve gone for a much higher rate are 10% less because of the wedding and if all of our guests book, we get another discounted rate. I would’ve attempted especially, since you have 60% of your guests coming from out of town. They’re already traveling the distance and putting forth money. It’s almost like “that’s the least you can do.” Also, most hotels do not charge you for those rooms. It’s solely up to the individuals who book. If rooms aren’t booked, you’re not financially responsible. That’s included in the contract. Wedding blocks just suggest that there’s a large party coming and you want to reserve rooms for this party. I wish you the best and happy wedding!

We got a courtesy block for 20 rooms, meaning they were "held" up until a month before the wedding, at which point those rooms went back on the market. In addition, the room rate was fixed at the price from the date we got the courtesy block. As the bride and groom, we were also entitled to book a suite at the regular room rate.

Only 30% guests coming to our wedding were from out of town, and only two families booked a room using the courtesy block. Funnily enough, four other families slow to make their plans booked rooms at the hotel AFTER the courtesy block had expired!

You really need 🏨🔳s.

Just make sure that you’re not responsible for the cost if they’re not all booked.

I chose not to do a block because we would be required to pay if a certain number of rooms weren’t booked. I just suggested a hotel on our website.

It's no big deal. The discount on a room block isn't even that great. Just make sure you give your guests information about the area and options for places to book their stay.

Since so many of your guests are coming from out of state, I would absolutely set up 2 complimentary blocks for guests so they aren't just randomly picking hotels not knowing what the best areas are. Then on the website, you can suggest airbnb options but at least guests have a choice.

Thanks everyone!

I'll call around and see if hotels would be willing to block off a few rooms for the wedding. But will only take them if I don't have to pay a deposit/pay for unused rooms.

Otherwise, I will have a list of hotels on my wedding website that they can select from.