Long Distance family members

Thats the norm you book a block of hotel rooms, when you do this you can get a discount. I am doing the hotel in downtown philly, just because if they want to do shopping and tourist stuff, they can and will be in the middle of everything. I heard save the dates go out 4-5 months in advance, but don't quote me on this.

If you are paying for their accomodations, yes I would book a block of rooms close to the venue. However, you don't have to pay for the accomodations. If you send out save the dates no later than 6 months before your date then I believe it is your guests' responsibility to find accomodations. Yes they live far away but they are adults and can book their own rooms.

It's always a nice gesture to provide accommodations for your out of town guests. I'd definitely block off a group of rooms for your guests because they get a discount. Also, it would be nice to have all of your guests in one spot. As far as if you should have them near family or the venue that depends on if you are inviting them to a rehearsal dinner or any activities near your home I'd think.

I am researching a few hotels in the area for out-of-towners and sending it with my invites, that way they can book their room when they receive the invitation.

I have had 2 different types of hotels reservations... some are sent with the save the dates and others are sent with invitations. save the dates should be sent out 4-6 months before the wedding!

I didnt have enough family members that wanted to stay in a hotel locally to book a block, but I sent out e-mails to all out of towners letting them know that if they get to me with where they want to stay soon enough I would try and get them a discounted rate. I then put up a list of local hotels and B&B's on the website. They all ended up doing their own thing.

I set up a hotel block at a discounted rate and sent this information with the invites. I am not paying for the hotel but I was able to get them a $59 per night rate at a really nice hyatt with really nice rooms.