A Comprehensive Guide to Booking Hotel Blocks for Your Wedding Guests

Hey there, lovebirds and soon-to-be-wed couples! As you dive into the whirlwind of wedding planning, don't forget about one of the most important details: accommodations for your guests. Let's talk hotel blocks! 
1. What Exactly is a Hotel Block? A hotel block, also known as a room block, is a set of rooms reserved at a specific hotel for a particular event, such as your wedding. These rooms are earmarked for your guests, often at a discounted rate, ensuring they have convenient lodging close to your venue.
2. Why Should I Consider Booking a Hotel Block? Well, aside from being a total lifesaver for your out-of-town guests, booking a hotel block ensures everyone has a comfy spot to crash after boogying down at your reception. Plus, who doesn't love scoring a deal? Discounted rates make it easier for your squad to join in the celebration without breaking the bank. It also makes things much easier if planning on providing transportation if everyone's in one place
3. When Should I Start Booking Hotel Blocks? It's advisable to start the process as soon as you've confirmed your wedding date and venue. Trust us, the early bird catches the worm (or, in this case, the best room blocks). Peak wedding seasons can be a frenzy, so get ahead of the game and secure those rooms ASAP.
4. How Many Rooms Should I Reserve? The number of rooms you reserve depends on your guest list and the percentage of out-of-town guests you anticipate. A general rule is to estimate the number of guests needing accommodations and reserve a few extra rooms to accommodate unforeseen circumstances.
5. What is Attrition, and How Does it Affect My Booking? Now, let's tackle the elephant in the room: attrition. Attrition refers to the difference between the number of rooms booked within your block and the number of rooms actually occupied. Many hotels include an attrition clause in their contracts, stipulating that if a certain percentage of rooms within the block are not booked, you may be responsible for paying for those unoccupied rooms.
6. How Can I Mitigate Attrition Risks? To mitigate the risk of attrition, ensure clear communication with your guests about the hotel block and encourage them to book their rooms early. Negotiate with the hotel to minimize attrition penalties or consider options such as a sliding scale, where the penalty decreases as the occupancy rate within the block increases.
7. What Happens if Not All Rooms in the Block Are Reserved? Most hotels have a cutoff date by which guests must book their rooms to receive the discounted rate within the block. Any rooms remaining unreserved after this date may be released back to the hotel's general inventory. Communicate the cutoff date clearly to your guests to encourage timely bookings.
8. Can I Customize the Booking Process for My Guests? Many hotels offer customizable booking options, such as personalized booking links or codes for your guests. This simplifies the booking process and ensures that their reservations are counted towards your room block. Most hotels will also distribute your welcome bags to your guests (Keep It Sweet Studios can help you design one of a kind welcome bags filled with goodies for your crew!)

Booking hotel blocks for your wedding is a thoughtful gesture that enhances the experience for your guests. By understanding the FAQs and considering factors like attrition, you can navigate this aspect of wedding planning with confidence, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable stay for all. Cheers to love, laughter, and happily ever after! 🥂💕

​Pro tip: Don't feel like doing the research yourself? No problem! Kleinfeld's hotel block service is completely free and does all the legwork for you. They use their relationships with top hotel companies to get you and your guests the best prices.

Kleinfeld's Hotel Block Services