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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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Frequently Asked Questions About Booking Rooms in Bulk

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Question: Are Rooms Cheaper When Booked in Bulk?

Answer: Absolutely. Hotels love filling multiple rooms at once, so they typically offer a discounted group rate. It’s not only easier on your guests’ wallets, but it also makes for a smoother experience for everyone involved.

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Question: How Much Can We Save?

Answer: Savings vary depending on the hotel and season, but most couples see a 10% to 20% discount off standard rates. Working with a group booking service like Engine can help you secure even deeper discounts. It’s a win for both your guests and your planning budget.

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Question: How Far in Advance Should I Reserve My Rooms?

Answer: We recommend booking room blocks at least six months in advance, especially if your wedding falls during peak travel seasons. This gives your guests plenty of time to plan and ensures availability before things fill up.

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Question: How Do I Pick the Right Hotel?

Answer: Focus on what matters most: price, proximity to your venue, available amenities, and overall guest experience. Choose a hotel you’d be happy staying at yourself. Compare multiple options, read reviews, and ask about group-specific offerings before deciding.

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Question: Do you offer venue rental?

Answer: We do. As said before, we have 800k hotel partners and some of those partners have beautiful wedding venues you can rent. If you'd like to book your lodging & venue together in one package, you can really get the savings going. See this page for more info on bundling your venue and guest lodging into a single package. To see some general examples of our wedding venue options, take a peek at our Miami listings.

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Question: Key Questions to Ask the Hotel

Answer: Before locking in your block, be sure to get answers to these important questions:

• Are there any fees for setting up the block?
• How long will rooms be held for our guests?
• What perks are included with the room block?
• What’s the cancellation policy for guests?
• Can we adjust the number of rooms if plans change?

These questions will help avoid surprises later on. If you’re using Engine, your account manager can handle this step for you.

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Question: What Perks Do Hotels Offer for Bulk Reservations?

Answer: Hotels often throw in valuable extras for group bookings. These can include:

• Discounted Group Rates
• Free Room Incentives (e.g., one free room per 20 booked)
• Flexible Cancellation and Payment Terms
• Complimentary Parking
• Free or Discounted Meeting/Event Space
• Upgraded Rooms or VIP Perks
• Free Breakfast or Wi-Fi
• Custom Booking Links or Rooming List Management

All these perks will be highlighted in the offers you receive from Engine, so you can compare and choose the best deal.

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Question: Who Pays for the Rooms?

Answer: Typically, your guests pay for their own rooms. Your job is just to reserve the block and make sure they have access to the discounted rate. However, if you want to cover rooms for close family or VIPs, you absolutely can—just let your Engine rep know, and they’ll handle the logistics.

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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 tool and submit your details. You'll receive multiple offers at once from your chosen hotels. You then compare the offers and what the hotels are each offering, including perks and upgrades, and then choose your winner. It really is that simple.

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