Planning a destination wedding is an exciting opportunity to combine a celebration of love with a memorable getaway for your guests. However, one of the key components of planning a successful destination wedding is securing wedding hotel blocks for your guests. Not only do hotel room blocks simplify travel and accommodations for guests, especially for those first visiting the destination, but they can also be a great way to foster a sense of community and enhance the overall wedding weekend experience.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to maximize your wedding hotel blocks for a destination weekend, focusing on planning activities and group deals that will elevate your event and ensure that your guests have an unforgettable time.
1. Start Early to Secure the Best Hotel Blocks
When planning a destination wedding, the earlier you can secure hotel room blocks, the better. Popular wedding destinations often book up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so you’ll want to lock in the best options as early as possible.
How to Do It:
Book 10-12 months in advance to ensure availability for your wedding weekend.
Negotiate group rates: Hotels often offer discounted rates for large groups, which means you can pass along savings to your guests while also benefiting from having a dedicated block of rooms as specific hotels.
Choose a hotel close to the wedding venue: If your wedding is at a specific location, such as a beach resort or historic property, try to secure hotel blocks within walking distance or a short shuttle ride from the venue. This will make it easier for guests to attend all events without worrying about transportation logistics.
By starting early and negotiating the best rates, you ensure your guests have convenient and affordable accommodation options.
2. Offer a Range of Hotel Options
While a single hotel may seem like the easiest choice, providing your guests with a range of hotel options at different price points can increase the likelihood that everyone finds something within their budget. Not every guest can afford a luxury resort, and some may prefer a more budget-friendly option nearby.
How to Do It:
Offer both mid-range and budget hotels: Select a mix of options, from upscale resorts to affordable inns or vacation rentals, giving guests the flexibility to choose based on their preferences and budget.
Book multiple properties near each other: By offering options that are still within a short distance of each other, you make it easy for guests to meet up and enjoy the destination together.
Create a dedicated wedding website: This is where guests can find details about the hotel block options, with a simple booking link and descriptions of each property’s amenities. Include important details like cancellation policies and booking deadlines.
By offering various choices, you’re accommodating different needs while also strengthening the overall wedding weekend experience for all.
3. Organize Group Deals & Special Offers for Wedding Guests
Maximizing your wedding hotel blocks isn’t just about securing rooms for your guests—it’s also about making sure they feel special and appreciated. A great way to do this is by negotiating group deals and exclusive perks for your guests. These deals can range from discounts on room rates to special access to amenities like free breakfast or spa discounts.
How to Do It:
Exclusive group rates: Ask the hotel to offer your guests a special room rate that’s lower than the standard price. Some hotels offer these rates for a limited period or when guests book within a specific timeframe, so make sure to promote the deal early to ensure maximum savings.
Complimentary perks: Negotiate extras for your guests, such as free breakfast, room upgrades, or access to hotel amenities like the pool, spa or fitness center.
Group activities and events: Many hotels or resorts offer group experiences, such as welcome parties, private dinners, or organized tours. Work with the hotel to offer discounted rates or free access for wedding guests.
These added incentives make your guests feel valued and give them something to look forward to, beyond just attending the wedding.
4. Plan Group Activities for a Memorable Wedding Weekend
One of the best parts of a destination wedding is that it provides an opportunity for your friends and family to travel together and enjoy the area beyond the wedding day. Planning group activities can help foster a sense of community and give your guests something fun to do when they’re not attending wedding-related events.
How to Do It:
Welcome Party or Cocktail Hour: A welcome party is an excellent way to kick off your wedding weekend. Consider hosting a casual meet-and-greet at the hotel, or a fun cocktail hour on a rooftop bar with stunning views of the destination.
Day Trips or Excursions: If your destination offers outdoor adventures, tours, or cultural experiences, consider organizing a group excursion for your guests. Whether it’s a boat tour, a wine tasting, or a sightseeing trip, these activities give your guests a unique and memorable experience.
Group Fitness Classes or Yoga Sessions: For a more relaxed experience, you could arrange a group yoga or fitness class at the hotel. This is a fun, healthy way for your guests to bond while also getting in a little physical activity during their trip.
Brunch or Farewell Dinner: Plan a casual brunch or dinner to wrap up the weekend and thank your guests for attending. This could be at the hotel’s restaurant or a local spot, and it’s a great way to share memories and make final connections before everyone heads home.
Not only will these activities help your guests bond, but they’ll also create lasting memories of the wedding weekend that extend beyond the ceremony.
5. Coordinate Transportation and Logistics for Convenience
While your guests may be excited about attending your wedding in a beautiful destination, they may not be familiar with the local area. This is where transportation coordination comes in. Providing easy access to transportation between the hotel, wedding venue, and group activities is key to making the weekend run smoothly.
How to Do It:
Hotel shuttle service: While many hotels discontinued shuttle service post- Covid, some hotels may still offer a shuttle services to and from the wedding venue or nearby attractions. Work with your hotel to arrange shuttle transportation for your guests, especially if the venue is a bit of a drive away.
Car rentals and group transportation: If your wedding is in a remote area, consider organizing group transport like charter buses or private vans to take guests from the hotel to various activities or the ceremony.
Provide maps and local information: Include maps of the area and transportation details on your wedding website or in a welcome packet for your guests.
Efficient transportation ensures that guests can easily get around and enjoy the destination, allowing them to fully participate in your wedding weekend without worrying about logistics.
Conclusion: Make Your Destination Wedding Unforgettable with Hotel Blocks & Group Activities
Securing wedding hotel blocks is a critical part of planning a destination wedding. However, by taking the extra steps to offer group deals, provide a variety of accommodations, and plan memorable activities, you can maximize the experience for your guests and make your wedding weekend unforgettable.
From booking hotels early and securing special group rates to organizing fun group excursions and coordinating transportation, these strategies will ensure that your destination wedding is smooth, stress-free, and full of unforgettable memories.
Ready to start planning your dream destination wedding? Contact us today to help you secure the perfect hotel blocks and plan an unforgettable wedding weekend for you and your guests!
Keywords:destination wedding hotel blocks, wedding hotel block tips, maximizing wedding hotel blocks, group deals for wedding guests, wedding weekend activities, destination wedding planning, destination wedding group activities, booking wedding hotel blocks
Comments