Wedding hotel room blocks, explained: courtesy vs. guaranteed

What is a room block?

A room block is a group of hotel rooms held for your wedding guests, usually at a discounted group rate. Guests book their own rooms using a code or link, before a cut-off date. It makes finding a place to stay easier for guests, and keeps everyone close together.

Courtesy vs. attrition blocks

Courtesy block (no penalty)

The hotel holds rooms for you, and any rooms not booked by the cut-off date are simply released. You don’t pay for unbooked rooms. Courtesy blocks are usually smaller, and not every hotel offers them — especially on busy weekends.

Attrition or guaranteed block (contract)

You sign a contract committing to a certain number of rooms. If guests book fewer than the agreed share, you may be charged for the shortfall. In return, hotels offer larger blocks and sometimes perks.

Read the attrition clause carefully. Look for the percentage you must fill, the cut-off date, and whether rooms booked by your guests outside the block count toward it.

How many rooms to block

Start with how many households — not people — will need a room. Then:

• use a courtesy block at one or two hotels when you’re unsure;
• with attrition blocks, reserve a little less than you expect and ask to add rooms if they fill;
• offer two price points, so every guest has a comfortable option.

Timing the cut-off date

Cut-off dates are commonly around 30 days before check-in. Plan around it:

• tell guests about the block with your save-the-dates;
• remind them before the cut-off, not after;
• set your RSVP deadline so you know who has booked in time.

When hotels won’t offer a block

On holiday weekends and in popular wine regions, hotels may refuse group blocks entirely. It’s not a failure — just tell guests clearly and early:

“Our wedding falls on the Labour Day long weekend, when hotels don’t offer room blocks. If you plan to stay overnight, please book early to secure the best rates and availability.”

List several nearby hotels with their distance from the venue, and include a shuttle or taxi note if relevant.

Sharing it with guests

Guests should never have to hunt for the booking code. For each hotel, share:

• name, address and distance from the venue;
• the booking link and group code;
• the cut-off date and rate;
• parking and shuttle information.

In a LIT VOW app, the Where to Stay page shows each hotel with its distance from the venue and a “Book now” link — so guests can reserve in two taps.

Sources

• The Knot — Hotel room blocks 101
• Engaged Sourcing — Courtesy vs. attrition room blocks