I remember those days of calling hotels for our wedding guests, leaving messages, following up on cutoff dates and more. It was never ending. Enter Roomblocker: Roomblocker takes care of all that stuff and more – so you can busy yourself with more important things. They even request specific hotel contract terms that give you the most flexibility, and monitor those contracts so no one (aka you) is at risk for unfair situations. Wedding planning just became less stressful – sign us up!
1. Ask For A Courtesy Block
A courtesy block is like a free room block insurance plan – you won’t be on the hook financially for any rooms in your block that don’t get used. By default, Roomblocker always requests courtesy blocks on your behalf. Be sure to confirm with your hotels if they can offer a courtesy block and carefully review your contract (look out for any attrition/minimum commitment terms). While not every hotel will be able to offer courtesy blocks, some hotels are flexible and may be willing to revise their terms. But if not, then consider shopping around until you find better terms.
2. Start With 10 Rooms
One of the most common challenges is estimating how many rooms you’ll need. We always recommend starting with the minimum for group rates (10 rooms), so you can best avoid the risk of over committing. You can always increase your block later if it starts to fill up!
3. Request Shoulder Dates
We recommend booking rooms on the night of your wedding, and also the night before for close family members and the wedding party who will be attending pre-wedding activities. Aside from these two nights, ask the hotel to include shoulder dates. This means that guests who arrive earlier or depart later can book their entire stay at the group rate (subject to hotel availability), and you won’t be on the hook for these extra nights.
4. 21 Day Cutoff
The cutoff date is the official deadline for guests to reserve a room at the group rate. After this date, any remaining rooms will be released by the hotel for general sale and group rates will no longer be eligible. To give your guests ample time to arrange their travel, Roomblocker helps to request a cutoff date that is 21 days prior to arrival.
5. Concessions
Getting a discounted group rate is important (on average we see a 15% discount), but an often overlooked opportunity for savings is asking for concessions, like free wifi or even free room nights. Are you and your fiance planning on staying at the hotel? If so, then let the hotel know and ask for a complimentary room the night of, or a complimentary upgrade at the group rate. And whatever you do, definitely ask for a complimentary amenity for the night of your wedding – maybe you’ll have a bottle of champagne waiting for you at the end of your wedding night! Here’s some other concessions to ask for in order to hook up your guests:
● Complimentary guest room wireless
● Complimentary parking
● Complimentary breakfast
● Bonus reward points for the bride/groom (e. G. SPG points, Hilton Honors points, etc.)
● Complimentary gift bag distribution upon arrival
6. Consider Hosting An Event Onsite
If you’re planning on hosting any pre-wedding or post-wedding activities (ex. rehearsal dinner, after wedding brunch, etc.), then consider hosting it at the hotel in one of their event spaces or onsite restaurants. You’ll have priority over other groups who are only booking accommodations, and you’ll have more leverage to negotiate a better package all around.
7. The Golden Rule
Although wedding planning is stressful and contract negotiations can be a pain, always remember the golden rule: be kind. Don’t forget that hotel sales managers have stressful jobs too, and kindness goes a long way in negotiations. Plus, you want to make sure that you and your guests will be treated kindly during their stay.
View Slideshow
View Slideshow
ONGOING GIVEAWAYS + DISCOUNTS…
Skillshare
Animoto
Oh So Inspired
We’re excited to share that Shine invitations is currently offering FREE SHIPPING on orders over $500 (US orders only) as well as a free sample kit featuring the invitation of your choice, color charts, paper samples, and an example Save the Date! Don’t miss out!
THIS WEEK’S DISCOUNTS…
For our California Brides… Discounts from The Ranch at Laguna Beach and Weddings by Susan Dunne, and don’t miss the Weddings Unveiled event on September 11th!
For our Destination Brides… Discount from Hitch’d Weddings & Events
For our Tri-state Brides… Discount from Femina Photo + Design, giveaways from NST Pictures and OLLI STUDIO
Accommodation Advice: Roomblocker
© Style Me Pretty, 2016. |
Permalink |
Comments |
Add to
del.icio.us
Post tags: #SMPWedding101, Wedding 101
Post categories: Round-Ups, Slideshows, The Blog, Wedding Resources
Powered by WPeMatico
