Wedding Room Blocks - Enjoy Big Discounts When Booking in Bulk

Weddings are stressful enough without worrying about where everyone's going to stay. That’s why getting hotel rooms in bulk, also known as a room block, can be a real game changer. It keeps your guests close to the wedding venue and can even save them (and you) some serious coin. If you've been to a wedding where half the guests ended up scattered across town, you know the struggle. Here's everything you need to know about wedding room blocks—and how to secure them.

What’s a Hotel Room Block?

Think of a room block like this: you’re holding a bunch of rooms for your guests at a set rate, so they don’t have to hunt for a place to stay. All your people in one place, at a discounted rate? Yes, please! It keeps things organized and makes sure everyone is nearby for all the wedding fun.

How Do Room Blocks Work?

Here’s the deal: once you reserve a room block, the hotel sets aside a certain number of rooms for your guests. They get a special link or code, and when they book, they automatically get the discounted rate. The hotel holds these rooms until a certain date, so no one has to rush (unless they're really last-minute types, in which case, no promises).

Benefits of Reserving Hotel Rooms in Bulk

Why go through the hassle of setting up a room block to begin with? Let’s break it down together:

• Discounted group rates (hello, savings!)
• All your wedding guests stay close to the event
• You typically only have one hotel to deal with, making your wedding logistics way easier
• Hotel perks like room upgrades or free breakfast (who says no to free pancakes?)
• Flexibility for any last-minute stragglers

On top of all that, it makes you look super organized, which—let’s be real—every wedding planner needs.

Can I Block Rooms at More Than One Hotel?

Absolutely. If your guests are coming with a range of budgets or preferences (we all know that one friend who needs “luxury”),blocking rooms at more than one hotel can give them options. That way, everyone's happy. Just remember: you’re not the hotel concierge, so let a booking platform help you out with the coordination. With over 750,000 group booking hotel partners, it doesn't matter where your venue is, we have hotel partners nearby.

How Many Rooms Should I Book? How many rooms is considered “bulk”?

Here’s a little trick: plan to block rooms for about half of your guest list. So, if you’ve invited 200 people, think about booking 50 to 60 rooms. You don’t need to go overboard, but it’s always nice to have a cushion for last-minute RSVPs. And don’t forget, some hotels require you to block ingroups of 10—another reason why getting this sorted early is a smart move.

Does It Cost Money to Block Rooms Off?

Here’s the good news: most hotels don’t charge to set up a room block. The catch? Some might ask for a deposit or a contract, especially if you’re reserving a lot of rooms. Always ask upfront about fees. Trust me, you don’t want surprises later. A booking platform can help sort out the fine print, so you’re not stuck with extra costs.

Steps to Set Up a Block of Rooms

The whole process is pretty straightforward. Here's how to get started:

1. Submit your travel details to Engine Groups
2. Estimate how many rooms you’ll need (50% of your guest list is a safe bet)
3. Engine will send your request to our hotel partners near your venue
4. Receive offers from various hotels. Each having a unique set of perks, features, and pricing
5. Choose the hotel(s) that best suit you and your guests
6. Share booking info with your guests (email, wedding website, smoke signals—whatever works)
7. Track your bookings and adjust if needed

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Boom. You’re done. Easy, right?

Frequently Asked Questions About Booking Rooms in Bulk

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Are Rooms Cheaper When Booked in Bulk?

Oh, 100%. Hotels love filling multiple rooms at once, so they'll usually give you a discounted group rate. Plus, it’s a lot easier on your guests' wallets, which means happier friends and family all around.

How Much Can We Save?

The savings depend on the hotel and time of year, but most couples score a 10% to 20% discount. It’s not just a win for your guests—it's also a win for you when your guests have fewer things to stress about. Using a booking service like ours can help you get an even better deal, which is always a nice bonus.

How Far in Advance Should I Reserve My Rooms?

The earlier, the better! Especially if your wedding is during a busy season, you want to lock those rooms down. Six months out is a good timeline. It gives your guests plenty of time to plan (and procrastinate, if we’re being honest).

How Do I Pick the Right Hotel?

You want a hotel that fits your style, budget, and guest needs. Think about proximity to the venue, whether they’ve got decent amenities, and what they’ll charge. Make sure it’s somewhere you’d want to stay—because, let’s face it, no one wants a wedding horror story about a terrible hotel experience. Compare a few options to see what fits best.

Key Questions We Ask the Hotel

Before you commit, ask these questions so you know exactly what you’re getting:

• Are there any fees for setting up the block?
• How long will the rooms be held for our guests?
• What perks can we get for booking a block?
• What’s the cancellation policy for guests?
• Can we add or remove rooms if things change?

Asking these questions upfront will save everyone a lot of headaches later on. If you have any specific questions just ask your account manager.

How Does the Room Block Process Work?

Every hotel has a slightly different process, but it's generally the same. You pick a hotel, decide how many rooms you need, and share any special requests. Our Engine staff will handle the back-and-forth, so you don't have to stress over all the little details.

What Perks Do Hotels Offer for Bulk Reservations?

Here’s where it gets fun. Some hotels offer free upgrades, complimentary breakfasts, or even a free room for the wedding couple. And if your wedding venue’s far away, some might throw in shuttle service for your guests. These perks and upgrades will be included in your Engine offers, making it easy for you to choose the best offer.

Who Pays for the Rooms?

Your guests are usually responsible for paying for their own rooms. You just need to set up the block framework for them and make sure they can book at the discounted rate. Of course, if you’re feeling generous, you can always cover rooms for close family or VIPs, but that’s totally up to you. Just let us know what you want and we’ll make it happen.

That basically covers wedding blocks. Ready to get booking?

That pretty much covers all the most common questions and concerns regarding room blocks for weddings. If you’re ready to begin the booking process and start receiving offers from multiple hotels, head over to our group booking service and submit your details. It really is that simple.

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