Guaranteed" Wedding Hotel Blocks: Understanding The Commitmen

A guaranteed room block is a type of hotel reservation for weddings where the couple is financially responsible for booking a certain percentage of rooms, known as the attrition rate. This means that if the couple doesn't meet the minimum booking requirement, they will be charged for the remaining unbooked rooms in their block. The attrition rate is typically between 70% to 90%, and the cut-off date for bookings is usually 30 days before the wedding.

For example, if a couple contracts for 20 rooms for two nights with an attrition rate of 80%, their group would need to fill 32 room nights by the cut-off date. If those rooms aren't filled, the couple will be charged for the unbooked rooms. Guaranteed room blocks offer the benefit of guaranteed rooms for the group and often include upgrades and special promotions. However, the couple is obligated to fill a certain percentage of the rooms to avoid penalties.

What is a guaranteed block?

A guaranteed block is a type of hotel room reservation for events such as weddings. It guarantees a certain number of rooms for your group, and your group will be required to book a percentage of these rooms, known as the attrition rate. This is usually between 70% and 90%. For example, if you have a guaranteed block of 20 rooms for two nights and the attrition rate is 80%, your group would be responsible for filling a total of 32 room nights by the cut-off date. This is typically 30 days before check-in. If those 32 rooms aren't filled, you will be charged for the unbooked rooms.

The pros of a guaranteed block are that rooms are guaranteed for your group and can't be given away to others outside of your group. Hotels also offer more upgrades and promotions for guaranteed room blocks. These blocks are great for high-demand destinations and dates. The cons are that you are obligated to fill a percentage of the rooms.

The alternative to a guaranteed block is a courtesy block. This is a designated number of rooms set aside for you with a cut-off date for when the rooms can be booked. After the cut-off date, any unbooked rooms will be released, and you will not be financially responsible for filling them. The pros of a courtesy block are that there is no financial obligation, which saves you money if you don't have as many bookings as expected. The cons are that rooms are not guaranteed. The hotel can sell out and/or offer them to another group.

What is a courtesy block?

A courtesy block is a type of wedding hotel block that is offered as a "sweetener" to a wedding package. It is a courtesy offered by the hotel, meaning that the couple is not financially obligated to fill the rooms, even if it is part of their contract. This is different from a contracted room block, which requires that negotiated terms be met, such as a deposit, cancellation policy, or minimum bookings.

With a courtesy block, the hotel sets aside a block of rooms for the wedding guests at a discounted group rate. Guests can call the hotel and state that they are with the wedding party to book their rooms at the discounted rate. The couple will not be charged for any rooms that are not booked by their guests. However, the hotel is also not obligated to hold these rooms, and they may sell them to another group if they wish.

Courtesy blocks typically do not require a contract, but the hotel may opt to take down payment information if an attrition rate is involved. An attrition rate refers to the percentage of rooms that need to be filled to avoid a penalty fee. For example, if a couple requests a block of 50 rooms, the attrition rate is 80%, and only 35 rooms are filled, the couple will be required to pay for the remaining 5 rooms.

Courtesy blocks are a popular option for weddings because they offer flexibility and can save money for the couple if they don't have as many bookings as expected.

What are the pros and cons of each?

Hotel Room Blocks:

A hotel room block is a group of rooms set aside by a hotel for an event at a pre-negotiated group rate. The rooms are then booked and paid for by the attendees. The minimum number of rooms that can be blocked is usually 10, with the maximum being 30.

Courtesy Block:

A courtesy block is a type of hotel room block that comes with no financial obligation. This means that if there are any unbooked rooms in your block, you won't have to pay for them. This is a popular option for weddings as it saves money if you don't have as many bookings as expected. However, the rooms are not guaranteed and the hotel can sell them to another group.

Pros:

• No financial obligation for unbooked rooms.
• Saves money if you don't have as many bookings as expected.

Cons:

Rooms are not guaranteed and can be sold to another group.

Guaranteed/Contract Block:

A guaranteed or contract block is a type of hotel room block where you are required to pick up a percentage of rooms, known as the attrition rate. This is usually between 70-90%. For example, if you contracted for 20 rooms for 2 nights and the attrition rate is 80%, your group would be responsible for filling 32 room nights. If those rooms aren't filled, you will be charged for the unbooked nights.

Pros:

• Rooms are guaranteed for your group and can't be given to others.
• Hotels offer more upgrades and special promotions for guaranteed blocks.
• Great for high-demand destinations and dates.

Cons:

You are obligated to fill a certain percentage of rooms.

Overall:

Both options have their advantages and disadvantages. A courtesy block can save you money if you don't have many bookings, but the rooms are not guaranteed. On the other hand, a guaranteed block offers more security in terms of room availability, but you will be responsible for any unbooked rooms. Ultimately, the decision depends on your specific needs and budget.

How do I choose which type of block to go for?

When it comes to choosing the type of hotel block for your wedding, there are a few options to consider:

Local Hotel vs Destination Wedding

If you're having a local wedding, it's a good idea to reserve a room block at a nearby hotel that is easily accessible from your venue. This will make it convenient for your out-of-town guests to get to and from the wedding. On the other hand, if you're having a destination wedding, the resort or venue may include a room block in their package. This is usually a courtesy block, which means you're not financially obligated to fill the rooms.

Courtesy Block vs Contracted Block

The main difference between these two types of blocks is whether or not you are financially obligated to fill the rooms. A courtesy block is more flexible, as it allows you to reserve a block of rooms with a cut-off date, usually about 30 days before check-in. If any rooms are unbooked by that date, they are released back into the hotel's inventory without any financial penalty for you. This is a popular option for weddings. A contracted block, on the other hand, means that you are required to meet certain negotiated terms, such as a deposit, cancellation policy, or minimum bookings.

Guaranteed Block

A guaranteed block is a type of contracted block where you are required to pick up a certain percentage of rooms, known as the attrition rate. For example, if you contract for 20 rooms for two nights and the attrition rate is 80%, your group would be responsible for filling 32 room nights. If those rooms aren't filled, you may be charged for the unbooked nights. The advantage of a guaranteed block is that the rooms are guaranteed for your group and cannot be given to others. These blocks often come with upgrades and special promotions, making them ideal for high-demand destinations and dates.

When deciding which type of block to choose, consider your guest list, budget, and the location of your wedding. It's also important to read the contract carefully and understand the financial obligations and cancellation policies before making a decision.

What are the financial implications of each?

Financial Implications of Courtesy Blocks:

Courtesy room blocks are a popular option for weddings as they offer flexibility and no financial obligation. This type of block involves the hotel holding a set of rooms for your group until a cut-off date, usually 30 days before check-in. If there are any unbooked rooms at the cut-off date, the hotel will release them back into their inventory without any cost to you. This means that if you don't have as many bookings as expected, you won't be charged for the unbooked rooms. However, it's important to note that the rooms are not guaranteed, and the hotel may sell them to another group. Courtesy blocks also rarely offer discounted rates for your guests.

Financial Implications of Guaranteed/Contract Blocks:

Guaranteed or contract room blocks are ideal for high-demand destinations and dates. This type of block guarantees a certain number of rooms for your group, and they won't be given to anyone outside your party. Hotels often offer more upgrades and promotions for these blocks. However, you are financially obligated to fill a percentage of the rooms, typically between 70% to 90%. If you don't meet this attrition rate, you will be charged for the unbooked rooms. Guaranteed blocks usually come with lower rates and larger blocks, and they may require a deposit or credit card to secure the reservation.

Financial Tips for Wedding Hotel Blocks:

When considering the financial implications of wedding hotel blocks, it's essential to book as early as possible to secure the best rates. It's also beneficial to offer your guests a choice of two to three hotels with different price ranges to accommodate different budgets. Additionally, you can negotiate with the hotels to add rooms to the block or drop the rate. You can also inquire about deals such as a complimentary room for the couple or discounted rates for auxiliary events. By carefully considering these options, you can optimize your financial planning for wedding hotel blocks.

Frequently asked questions