Is a deposit for a hotel block of rooms normal?

I think it depends on where you live (or where the wedding is). Around here, no, it's not normal. But, I have seen other brides post about it.

I have 15 blocked for Friday night and 25 blocked for Saturday (day of). It required nothing. The only stipulation is guests have to book by one month before the wedding and then any unused rooms get released.

If possible, I would suggest splitting your blocks between the two hotels. It is always better to give guests a choice, and that way you hopefully won't have to put as much of a deposit on the second hotel.

I've heard of people doing it, but I wouldn't. Why do it when you can block off rooms for free at the other hotel

I didn't have to put a deposit down all I had to do was sign a piece of paper that said if the rooms aren't book by 9/11 then they go back into the hotel's available rooms.

You can tell people you have rooms blocked at ABC HOTEL at $XX rate, but other hotels in the area are, and list them (maybe with phone numbers, but no rates).

I didn't/wouldn't put down a deposit. Especially not $1,500. That's ridiculous.

Some require a deposit, some don't. Definitely try to find one that doesn't.

It depends on the hotel, I've heard of it for some.

We blocked out a Marriott and no down payment was needed!

No deposit here either just the pretty standard the rooms are released if not booked 30-days prior to the wedding date.

I setup blocks for clients out of town guests all the time I don't ever recall a deposit needed from the couple.

Most hotels I've worked with required some, but less of an amount. A lot of times if you "block them" you have to pay for unsold rooms, but you can try to get a discounted rate and then tell people to book early, which shouldn't cost you anything.

As others have said, it depends on the hotel. That is a lot of money and if there are other options available, I would look into one that doesn't require a deposit. Did you ask if they will waive it? Sometimes that is a possibility. Also depends on how busy they plan on being. I used to book room blocks for sports teams and the Hilton and Marriott never required a deposit. However, the Embassy Suites (which is part of the Hilton chain) does. it's also nice to give your guests 2 different pricing options.

I agree with @Personalized Labels by Kari

it is good to give your guests two options. I usually do not see hotels in the States charge a deposit that high for a group room block unless it is a resort. However; most of the hotels do require a contract. Marriott's and Starwood hotels usually do not require a deposit and some Hiltons do not.

I worked in the luxury hotel industry for about 10 years, many of those included managing wedding blocks.

as has been mentioned - there are various factors as to whether a deposit is required and how much it would be. some hotels will do what is called a "courtesy block" which does not require a deposit, and does not make you liable for unreserved rooms. these blocks typically have a cutoff date of 1 month or more - meaning andy rooms not blocked 1 month prior to your wedding date are released into inventory at no penalty and sold at prevailing rates. even if this is the route you choose - be SURE to get all of the conditions in writing and countersign it with the hotel.

many hotels will only contract your block as they would any other event or company, which requires deposits, guarantees of occupancy, attrition, and other cancellation clauses.

the amount of deposits and when they are due are completely discretionary to each hotel, and sometimes vary even within the same hotel.

I'm in Grand Rapids, MI and they generally don't charge. However my wedding is during a huge festival so all the downtown hotels required this. I called around and found one 15 minutes away that was free. Just gotta call around...

I definitely wouldnt put down a deposit. I work at a hotel and we dont take deposits from room blocks. Thats why they get released after a certain date if no one books them.

NO! Don't do it!

What the second hotel is fairly common for room blocks of more than 30 rooms. However, you should know that many hotels will offer you a courtesy room block which requires no deposit and does not hold you responsible for unused rooms.

What I would do is find a hotel that is willing to offer a courtesy room block and then ask your original hotel is they are willing to match the offer from the other hotel. In many cases, the first hotel that wanted to charge you for a deposit will give in because they don't want to lose business.

And if they don't give in then go with the hotel that is offering you the courtesy room block. You can read more about getting this kind of block here: http://grouptravel.org/wedding/what-is-a-courtesy-room-block-do-i-need-one-for-wedding-guests/

Good luck!