Ultimate Guide to Wedding Room Blocks
Discover the advantages of reserving room blocks for your wedding guests and how it can make your special day even more memorable.
Why Book Room Blocks for Your Wedding?
Booking room blocks for your wedding has several benefits:
1. Convenience for your guests: By reserving a block of rooms at a hotel, you ensure that your guests have a convenient place to stay near the wedding venue. This eliminates the hassle of finding accommodations on their own and ensures that everyone can easily attend your special day.
2. Group discounts: Hotels often offer discounted rates for reserving a block of rooms. This can save your guests money and make attending your wedding more affordable for them.
3. Guaranteed availability: By reserving a room block, you ensure that your guests will have a guaranteed room available. This is especially important if your wedding is taking place during a busy season or in a popular destination.
4. Quality accommodations: By selecting a reputable hotel for your room block, you can ensure that your guests will have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. This adds to the overall experience of your wedding.
Overall, booking room blocks for your wedding can provide convenience, cost savings, and peace of mind for both you and your guests.
Golden wedding rings on the white rose from the wedding bouquet
Room Block Rates, Policies & Inclusions
Room block rates and policies vary depending on the hotel. Here are some common terms and policies for Wedding Room Blocks at the Courtyard by Marriott Edgewater / NYC Area.
1. Minimum Number of Rooms: The hotel does require a minimum number of rooms to be booked to qualify for a room block. We typically set up room blocks for guests requiring 10 or more rooms per night. We start these groups off with the 10 rooms and then potentially add more rooms to the block but only after all rooms have been reserved (additions subject to availability).
2. Booking Links: All Wedding Room Blocks will receive a complimentary booking link that can be shared with friends and family to book directly into the block at the discounted group rate.
3. Reservation Deadline / Cutoff Date: The group rate would only be available up until 1 month before the arrival date of the room block. We call that the “Cutoff Date”. At that date, the hotel will remove any un-reserved rooms from the block and place them back in the hotel’s general inventory. Anyone needing a room after the cutoff date would pay prevailing rates.
4. Cancellation policy: The hotel’s standard cancellation policies would apply to any reservation within a Wedding Room Block.
5. Mix of Rooms: Room blocks are typically made with a mix of both single king rooms and double queen rooms so guests can book whichever they prefer.
6. Welcome Bags: The hotel can distribute welcome bags to guests when they arrive for no charge as long as the bags are provided to the hotel at least 24 hours in advance. The bags are unable to be personalized, so each guest would need to receive the same bag.
7. Ancillary Events: The hotel has perfect spaces for Rehearsal Dinners and Newlywed Breakfasts so make sure to inquire if interested. These do not need to be contracted with the wedding room block.
Managing Room Blocks for Your Wedding
Managing your room block for your wedding requires effective communication and organization. Here are some tips to help you:
1. Consider creating a room block website or information sheet: Provide your guests with all the necessary details about the room block, including the hotel name, reservation instructions, and booking deadline. This can be done through a dedicated website or a printed information sheet.
2. Follow up with your guests: Send reminders to your guests. This will ensure that everyone has made their arrangements in a timely manner. The earlier the guests book their rooms, the better the odds of being able to add more rooms to the block.
3. Coordinate with the hotel: Maintain open communication with the hotel to ensure that everything is running smoothly. Confirm the number of rooms booked and make any necessary adjustments. The hotel can provide rooming lists as well upon request.
By effectively managing your room block, you can ensure that your guests have a seamless experience and a comfortable place to stay during your wedding.
Tips for Maximizing the Benefits of Room Blocks
To maximize the benefits of your wedding room blocks, consider the following tips:
1. Offer room block information early: Provide your guests with the room block information as soon as possible, preferably when you send out the save-the-date cards or wedding invitations. This gives them ample time to make their arrangements.
2. Communicate the benefits to your guests: Clearly explain the advantages of booking through the room block to your guests. Highlight the convenience, cost savings, and guaranteed availability they will enjoy.
3. Plan activities for your guests: Take advantage of having your guests stay at the same hotel by planning additional activities, such as a welcome reception or post-wedding brunch. This will enhance the overall experience for everyone.
By implementing these tips, you can ensure that your wedding room blocks provide the maximum benefits for both you and your guests.
