George Boyle
Planning a wedding can be an expensive endeavour, so it's no surprise that couples are often on the lookout for deals and discounts. One way to save money is to negotiate a group rate for hotel rooms for wedding guests, particularly if the wedding is at a destination that requires guests to travel. While hotels may not offer significant discounts for large groups, they often provide concessions or freebies for wedding parties. Additionally, booking a block of rooms at a hotel can sometimes result in a discounted rate, especially if the wedding reception is held at the hotel or if there is a large number of guests. It's important to compare rates and shop around to find the best deals, as well as to consider the needs and budgets of your guests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hotel deals for weddings | Hotels may offer deals for weddings, but this is not guaranteed. |
| Concessions | Hotels may offer concessions (freebies) for wedding groups, but this is not always the case. |
| Discounts | Some hotels may offer discounts for wedding groups, but the amount varies. |
| Room blocks | Reserving a block of rooms for wedding guests is common, and hotels may offer special rates for these blocks. |
| Group rates | Hotels may offer group rates for wedding guests, but it is important to compare rates before booking. |
| Wedding planners | Working with a wedding planner can help secure concessions or discounts. |
| Early booking | Hotels may offer discounts for guests who book early. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Hotel room blocks
A hotel room block is a set of hotel rooms that are set aside for a group at a pre-negotiated rate. This is usually done for events like weddings, where a large number of guests are travelling from out of town. The smallest block typically starts at 10 rooms, but can go up to 30.
There are two types of hotel room blocks: contract/attrition blocks and courtesy blocks. With contract/attrition blocks, you are financially responsible for a certain number of rooms, and will be charged if they are not booked. With courtesy blocks, the hotel holds the rooms for your guests until a certain date, after which they are released for the general public to book. Courtesy blocks are a safer option, as you won't be stuck with a large bill if your block doesn't sell out. However, they may not get you the best rate, especially if your reception is not at the hotel.
Some hotels do offer discounts for room blocks, but this is not always the case. The discount is usually minimal, ranging from 5-25% off the normal rate. However, you may be able to get a deeper discount by taking on the risk of a contract/attrition block.
To reserve a hotel room block, it is recommended to narrow your search to two or three hotels and give them a call. Provide the room block coordinator with the dates and any special requests. The hotel will then give you a unique link to share with your guests so they can book their rooms.
A Perfect Union: Will and Sarah's Wedding
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Discounts for guests
When it comes to hotel deals for weddings, there are a few ways to secure discounts for your guests. Firstly, consider reserving a block of hotel rooms for your guests. This not only ensures that your guests have a place to stay near the wedding venue, but it can also result in discounted rates. Many hotels offer discounts for group bookings, and having a block of rooms can make it easier to negotiate a better rate. Keep in mind that the amount of the discount may vary depending on the hotel, the season, and the number of rooms booked. It's a good idea to reserve blocks in two to three hotels to give your guests options and secure enough rooms.
Another way to get discounts for your guests is to work with a destination wedding travel agent or a wedding planner. They may be able to negotiate concessions or freebies from the hotel, such as complimentary upgrades, a welcome drink, or discounts on spa treatments. Some hotels may also offer a free room for the bride and groom or a refund for every 11th guest. Additionally, travel agents can help with other perks like flight refunds, dedicated websites for guests, and complimentary airport transportation.
When booking hotel rooms for your wedding guests, it's essential to compare prices and shop around. Online booking sites like Trivago can sometimes offer similar or even better rates than the hotel's standard rate. It's also worth asking about any membership discounts, such as AAA or AARP, as these can provide additional savings.
Finally, if you're getting married at a venue with accommodations, don't hesitate to ask the venue manager about possible discounts for early bookings. This can be an easy way to secure a lower rate for your guests without having to reserve a separate block of rooms. Communicating these options clearly on your wedding website will enable guests to make an informed decision about their accommodation choices.
The Wedding Supper: A Heavenly Feast with Jesus
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Concessions and freebies
When it comes to weddings, hotels may offer concessions (or freebies) when you bring in a group. These concessions may differ depending on the hotel, and some travel agents or destination wedding planners may not offer them, instead keeping them as part of the booking fee.
It is a common misconception that hotels will offer significant discounts for large groups. However, this is rarely the case as your group is just a small portion of the hotel's total capacity. Nevertheless, some hotels do offer discounts for wedding groups, especially if you are holding your reception at the hotel or utilising their banquet space.
To get the best rates, it is recommended to reserve a block of rooms for your guests at special rates at one or two select hotels well in advance. This ensures that your guests have a place to stay and that the hotel doesn't sell out. It is also beneficial to choose hotels with different price ranges to accommodate varying guest budgets. Reserving room blocks at two to three hotels gives your guests a choice and helps secure enough rooms.
Some hotels may offer a refund for every set number of guests, which can help offset wedding costs or be refunded to individual guests. Additionally, some hotels may provide a complimentary shuttle service for guests staying in the room block, making transportation to and from the venue more convenient.
When negotiating with hotels, it is essential to consider the season and local events that may impact room rates. For example, if your wedding coincides with a popular local event, room rates may be higher, and it is advisable to book well in advance to secure better rates.
Wedding Restrictions: When Will We Dance Again?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Group rates
Hotels may offer group rates for weddings, but this is not guaranteed. Group rates are more likely to be offered when the wedding is at a hotel with exceptionally pricey rooms, or when there is a larger-than-average guest list (more than 140 people).
When reserving a block of rooms for a wedding, hotels usually require a minimum of 10 rooms, and as many as 30 rooms can be blocked. This ensures that the wedding party has access to rooms even if the hotel sells out. It also locks in the rates for those rooms, so guests can book and pay for their rooms at a pre-negotiated rate.
Some hotels may offer discounts for blocking rooms, but this is not always the case. Discounts may range from 5-25% off the normal rate, but they are usually minimal, around 10%. Hotels may also offer concessions (freebies) when a group books a certain number of rooms. For example, for every 11th person, the couple may be entitled to a refund of a certain amount, which can be used to offset wedding costs or refunded to guests.
To get the best group rates, it is recommended to reserve rooms at two to three hotels to give guests a choice of location and rate, especially if the wedding is in an area with lots of accommodation options. It is also important to consider the needs of guests, such as proximity to the airport or venue, and to choose hotels with different price ranges to accommodate different budgets. Providing links to hotel options on the wedding website can make it easy for guests to book their rooms.
Weddings: When Will We Get the Green Light?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Booking methods
There are several ways to book a hotel for a wedding. One way is to contact the hotels directly, either by calling them or using the special requests box on their website. Another option is to use a booking platform or online travel agency, or even a destination wedding travel agent.
When booking, it is important to consider the number of rooms needed, the type of rooms, and the length of stay. It is also worth asking about any discounts or concessions that may be available for group bookings.
If you are booking a local wedding, it is recommended to reserve a block of rooms at a nearby hotel with easy access to the venue. For a destination wedding, it is common for the resort to include a room block in their package.
When negotiating with hotels, it is best to avoid mentioning a specific budget. Instead, ask politely if there is any room to negotiate on the details that are important to you. It is also a good idea to reserve rooms early, as popular hotels can book up quickly.
Once you have secured your room blocks, be sure to share the details with your guests through your wedding website or invitation suite. Provide them with the hotel name, address, phone number, reservation name, booking deadline, and room rate.
Additionally, if you are looking for something special for your wedding night, it is recommended to speak directly with the concierge. They may be able to offer special touches like rose petals, champagne, or flowers.
Fixing Your Wedding Hair: Trial and Error
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Hotels may offer discounts for weddings, but this is not guaranteed. It depends on factors such as the hotel's location, the season, and the number of rooms booked. It is more likely that discounts will be offered if the wedding reception is held at the hotel or if a large number of rooms are booked.
To get a good deal on hotel rooms for your wedding guests, it is recommended that you reserve a block of rooms at a special rate. This can be done by contacting hotels directly and negotiating a group rate. It is also beneficial to offer your guests a choice of two to three hotels with different price ranges.
A hotel room block is when a hotel sets aside a block of rooms for a specific group, such as wedding guests. This ensures that guests have a place to stay near the wedding venue and can often result in a discount for the group.
