When to reserve hotel room blocks

I would go ahead and do it, just in case that weekend turns out to have a major event or convention in your area.

I used www.hotelplanner.com - you set up an account, and put in yuor event specs, and hotels send in their bids. The site sorts them by distance/price/etc. It was great.

Thanks, Shannon! I'll check that site out.

I reserved blocks last month. And guests have until a month before to book a room

I've read that is actually better to have two hotel options for people's budgets. Great idea.

I am already calling for my hotel and its more than a year away!! (holiday weekend thought)

We reserved our room blocks probably a year out 'cause people were asking us. If people are asking you, don't hesitate to do it, even if there's a while until the wedding still. (Especially since since you sent STDs.)

We also reserved room blocks at 2 hotels because most people will be traveling. People were asking for a block at a Marriott so we did one there, but that was twice the cost of the Holiday Inn Express down the road... having been to weddings where they've suggested expensive hotels, we wanted to have a more affordable one too. We figured having two options wouldn't be a problem and if people want to shop around further, they can do that too. They don't even have to know about the other. The only problem has been people asking us "well which one should we stay at" and "which one is everyone staying at"... it's like... uh... whichever you prefer and ask the people you want to stay at the same place as. We're not keeping a list of where people are staying!

Shannon, I wanted to thank you for telling me about hotelplanner.com. I have reserved a block of rooms at a nice hotel, and got a great deal.

Ladies, if you weren't aware of this site already I would recommend checking it out.

Im so glad someone asked this! It is something that slipped my mind but now I should start researching. the venue I am having my reception can have 3 other weddings at the same time so I guess it doesnt hurt to block out some now. Thanks ladies!!!!!

Definitely look as early as possible, we're getting married on 9/24/2011 and I made room blocks at two different hotels to accommodate budgets, gas, and preferences back in February. The sooner the better, there are so many things going on other than weddings so the rooms book quickly.

Kerry,

Here is what I think:

Question 1: Book as early as possible. You'll get the best deals as hotels are looking to fill their rooms

Question 2: Feel free to book at as many hotels as you want. Just remember that the more you spread out the guests, the less of a discount each hotel will give you. Also, consider getting a courtesy room block at each hotel where you don't have to pay any discount and are not financially responsible for unused rooms. Here is more info: http://grouptravel.org/wedding/what-is-a-courtesy-room-block-do-i-need-one-for-wedding-guests

I would suggest setting up your room blocks as soon as you book your venue. Depending on the time of year of your wedding or other events that may be coinciding the weekend of your wedding, the longer you wait, there may not be any availability left at the hotels. I know of a great company, JC Room Blocks. They negotiate the blocks for you and get you the best rates. My friend used them and she was able to get complimentary shuttle service to and from her venue plus a free bridal suite. JC Room Blocks' services are also free. Here's the website: They also work nationwide:

http://jcroomblocks.com/

I second JC Room Blocks. I've posted somewhere else on weddingwire about them but they were amazing and I want to spread the word! They took on almost all of the room block planning process for us (as I had no idea what I was doing), All FOR FREE. They helped us figure out how many rooms to block, gave me a detailed report of area hotels (along with special rates they had negotiated), and set up and the entire reservation process. Highly recommend!