How many hotel rooms do you need to block?

How destination wedding room blocks work

A room block is a set of hotel rooms reserved at a negotiated group rate for your wedding guests. The resort holds them under your name for a set period — usually until 30–60 days before arrival — after which unreserved rooms release back to general inventory.

Courtesy block vs. contracted block

A courtesy block has no fill obligation — if guests don't book, nothing happens. This is what you want for most destination weddings under 40 rooms. A contracted block requires an attrition guarantee (typically 80–90% of rooms must be booked or you pay for the difference). Never sign one until you have strong RSVP confidence.

What does "free to the couple" mean?

All-inclusive resorts pay travel advisors a commission (10–21% depending on the brand) for coordinating group bookings. The couple and guests pay the same rate they'd find booking direct — sometimes less, because group rates are typically discounted. BeachBride acts as the travel advisor and earns that resort-paid commission. There is no charge to you.

When should you book your room block?

12–18 months before your wedding date for peak season (November–April in Mexico/Caribbean). 8–12 months is fine for shoulder season. The earlier you lock in the rate, the more flexibility you have if guest counts change.