hotel room blocks

This topic is always up there as the most confusing for the majority of my brides and families. I totally get it. It's a logistical nightmare if you don't know at least the basics of setting up a hotel room block for your wedding. So here's the skinny:

It is always a great idea, especially if you're having a lot of out of town guests.

When receiving negotiated rates from the hotel, keep in mind that this may not be the lowest price they'll offer. While it ensures all of your guests will have a room at a set, discounted rate, if the hotel still has rooms available closer to your wedding date, they may drop the price to big internet discounters.

If you'd like to reserve more than about 10 rooms (varying with each hotel) you will need a contract. Read it carefully and keep aware of the cut off date. While most hotels just drop the rooms from your specific hotel block at a certain time, some make you financially responsible for the unbooked rooms. Ask if you can make the cut off date earlier, so that you are not responsible for paying for your irresponsible guests.

If you are going to distribute welcome bags to guests, be aware many hotels charge for this service.

Often hotels offer an incentive for the bride and groom if a certain number of rooms are booked by their guests--like a free wedding night hotel room!

Be very aware of how you label your room block with the hotel and be clear with this label to your guests. If a guest calls in and asks for the Smith Wedding Block, it could be under the Smith-Jones block and they'll miss out on your discounted room rate--and the possible welcome bag from you!

Select your hotel that you'll offer to your guests based on things like location, parking, and shuttle services. Your guests will appreciate ease of transition into a new city!

Did you set up a hotel room block for your wedding? Was it an easy process or did you find it challenging? How have your guests responded to the hotels you've booked?