If you’re diving into wedding planning, you’ve likely realized that logistics are just as important as the décor. One of the biggest questions couples and planners face is: How far in advance should I book a hotel room block for my wedding? The short answer is: as soon as you have your venue and date secured.
For a seamless guest experience, here’s everything you need to know about timing the booking of your hotel block. Even better, Where Will They Stay can take this daunting task off your hands completely, and for free!
The Ideal Timeline: 9 to 12 Months Out
For most weddings, the sweet spot for booking a room block is 9-12 months before the big day. This is especially critical if you’re having a large wedding, are getting married during peak wedding season (May through October) or in a popular tourist destination where hotels fill up quickly.
Why You Should Book Your Room Block Early
- Locked-In Rates: Booking early protects your guests from seasonal price hikes and fluctuating market rates.
- Availability: Hotels only allocate a certain percentage of their total room inventory to blocks. Earlier booking means more choices and more availability.
- Save the Dates: Having your room block info ready allows you to include it on your save-the-date cards and wedding website, giving out-of-town guests plenty of time to plan.
Can I Book a Wedding Room Block 3 Months Before the Wedding?
While you can technically book a block 3 to 4 months out, you run a high risk of limited availability and/or higher rates. If you’re in a pinch, a free service provider like Where Will They Stay can help navigate the remaining inventory to find the best possible deal.
When Should Guests Book Their Rooms in a Wedding Block?
Most room blocks have a “cut-off date,” which is usually 30 days before the wedding. We recommend encouraging guests to book at least 2 to 3 months in advance to ensure they get the negotiated rate before the block is released back to the general public.
Ready to free up your time and lower stress levels? Let us handle the research and negotiations for you for free!
Choose from our two packages
There are no hidden fees or charges to use Where Will They Stay to book your hotel block(s). It’s 100% free! We receive a commission from the hotels based on the number of rooms you book. And, there’s no commitment or pressure to book through us.
Signature Service: Free
This service level covers 95% of our clients. At this level, we identify rates at up to five hotels – these options can include specifically requested properties or ones we identify based on your parameters. The more information you give us to start, the more we can customize your proposal.
Premium Service: $249
Want more options? The premium service includes a report of 6-15 additional hotel options. It’s ideal for clients who want more than two final hotel blocks for their guests. Let’s discuss your needs and see if the service upgrade is right for you.
With the help of our experts, you no longer need to wonder, “Where will they stay?”