Wedding guest accommodations can feel like a “nice-to-have” until you’re three weeks out and your cousin texts: “Where are we supposed to stay?” We’ve seen it over and over—couples can plan a gorgeous ceremony, a killer menu, and a dance floor that melts… and still have guests arrive late, cranky, and confused because lodging and transportation weren’t handled early.
A well-planned wedding hotel block is one of the simplest ways to make your day run smoother. It’s also one of the easiest places to accidentally lose money (hello, attrition penalties) or create unnecessary friction (hello, hotels that charge $40/night resort fees and surprise parking). In our experience photographing and filming weddings across the DC metro area—and plenty of destination weekends—your guests don’t need luxury. They need clarity, convenience, and a plan.
This article covers the real-world approach: how to negotiate blocks, courtesy vs contracted blocks, welcome bag essentials, transportation from hotels, info cards, destination wedding accommodations, budget guest options, and Airbnb coordination—plus timelines, scripts, and what not to do. If you’re also working through your full planning priorities, bookmark Wedding Planning Timeline 2026 and Wedding Budget Guide 2026—they pair perfectly with this.
The goal: make it easy for guests (and easier for you)
You’re not running a travel agency. But you are hosting people—some who haven’t traveled in years, some who will book the wrong date no matter how clear you are, and at least one person who will wait until two weeks before and then complain prices are high.
So what’s the actual goal?
A simple “guest experience” framework we swear by
We like to think of guest accommodations as three buckets:
- Proximity: Can guests stay close enough that they won’t miss the ceremony because of traffic or confusion?
- Price range: Do you have options at different budgets (not just one fancy hotel)?
- Information: Do guests know exactly where to book, how to get around, and what to expect?
If you nail those, you’ve already won.
What guests actually care about (hot take)
Here’s our hot take: most guests don’t care about your welcome bags.
They care about:
- A clean room
- A reasonable price
- Being able to get to the venue without stress
- Not feeling “lost” all weekend
Welcome bags can be lovely. But if your shuttle plan is a mess, no one’s going to remember the artisanal snacks.
Timeline: when to handle accommodations
For most couples, this is the sweet spot:
- 10–12 months out: Destination or peak-season dates (think DC spring + fall, beach towns in summer, ski towns in winter). Start researching immediately.
- 7–9 months out: Most local weddings with a sizable guest list (100+).
- 5–6 months out: Smaller weddings, off-season dates, or venues with lots of nearby hotels.
If you’re feeling behind, don’t panic. But move fast—rates and inventory don’t get better as your date approaches.
Wedding hotel blocks 101: what they are and why they help
A wedding hotel block is a group of rooms reserved at a hotel (or multiple hotels) for your wedding guests. The hotel usually holds those rooms until a cutoff date, and guests book through a special link or by calling with a code.
Why blocks matter (even if you don’t “need” them)
We’ve heard couples say, “Everyone can just book their own hotel.” Sure. They can. But here’s what happens:
- Guests scatter across five different hotels
- People book far away because it’s $15 cheaper, then get stuck in traffic
- Your shuttle plan becomes impossible (or wildly expensive)
- Your family and wedding party aren’t together for the weekend vibe
- You get 50 texts asking where to stay
Blocks reduce chaos. That’s the real value.
How many rooms should you block?
A rough, real-world estimate:
- 30–40% of your guest list might travel and need lodging for a local-ish wedding
- 50–70% for a wedding with lots of out-of-town guests
- 70–90% for destination weddings
But don’t block based on your total invited count. Block based on:
- Expected out-of-town guests
- Your VIPs (family, wedding party)
- How “hotel-dependent” your location is (rural venues = higher need)
A common starting point we see in the DC metro:
- 15–25 rooms at the main hotel
- 10–15 rooms at a budget option
You can often add rooms later if your pickup is strong. It’s much harder to undo a block with a contract.
Room block vs courtesy block (and why this matters a lot)
This is one of those topics that sounds boring until it costs you money.
Courtesy block: the low-risk option
A courtesy block (also called a “reservation block”) means:
- The hotel holds a set number of rooms for your guests
- No financial commitment from you (usually)
- Unsold rooms release back to the hotel at the cutoff date
In our experience, courtesy blocks are common in:
- Suburban hotels
- Off-season dates
- Locations with lots of inventory
But courtesy blocks often come with:
- Smaller number of rooms (10–20 is common)
- Shorter hold times (cutoff might be 30–60 days out)
- Less aggressive discounts
Contracted block: more perks, more risk
A contracted room block means you sign an agreement that may include:
- Attrition (you’re responsible if a certain % of rooms aren’t booked)
- A minimum pickup requirement
- More rooms held for longer
- Better rates and perks (suite upgrades, comp parking, welcome bag distribution)
Contracted blocks are common in:
- City hotels (DC, Baltimore, Philly, NYC)
- Peak season weekends
- Destination areas with limited lodging
Which is better?
Depends on your guest list and how confident you are about pickup.
Here’s the comparison we give couples:
| Feature | Courtesy Block | Contracted Block |
|---|---|---|
| Financial risk | Low | Medium–High (attrition possible) |
| Typical room count | 10–25 | 20–80+ |
| Rate discount | Small–moderate | Moderate–strong |
| Cutoff date | Often 30–60 days out | Often 60–120 days out |
| Perks (suite, comps) | Sometimes | More common |
| Best for | Smaller weddings, uncertain pickup | Big travel weddings, peak weekends |
Our honest opinion: If you’re not confident you’ll fill rooms, start with a courtesy block or negotiate a contracted block with very friendly terms (more on that next).
How to negotiate hotel blocks (real scripts, real leverage)
Negotiating a wedding hotel block isn’t about being aggressive. It’s about being prepared, asking the right questions, and not signing something you don’t understand.
Step 1: Start with a simple hotel shortlist
Pick 2–4 hotels:
- 1 “main” hotel (closest to venue, best experience)
- 1 budget option
- 1 wildcard (boutique, extended-stay, or a second area)
In DC metro weddings, we often see couples choose:
- A downtown hotel for out-of-town guests who want to explore
- A suburban hotel near the venue for convenience
- A budget-friendly chain 10–15 minutes away
Step 2: Ask for a proposal (and compare apples to apples)
Email the sales manager and request:
- Group rate for Friday and Saturday (and Sunday if it’s destination)
- Total number of rooms available
- Parking costs (self + valet)
- Resort/destination fees (yes, even in cities sometimes)
- Cutoff date
- Cancellation terms
- Attrition terms (if contracted)
- Perks (upgrades, comp rooms, hospitality space)
Here’s a script you can copy:
Email script (works):
“Hi [Name], we’re hosting our wedding on [Date] at [Venue]. We’re expecting about [X] out-of-town guests and would like to set up a room block for approximately [Y] rooms across Friday and Saturday nights. Can you send a group proposal that includes the group rate, cutoff date, parking fees, any additional mandatory fees, and whether the block is courtesy or contracted? We’d also love to know what perks are available based on pickup.”
Step 3: Negotiate the parts that actually matter
Couples fixate on the nightly rate (which matters), but these are the real levers:
Cutoff date
A cutoff that’s too early is a pickup killer.
- Aim for 60–90 days out for most weddings.
- For destination weddings, 90–120 days out is often more realistic.
Attrition and minimum pickup
If it’s contracted, negotiate:
- Lower attrition percentage (or none)
- A smaller minimum room night commitment
- A “sliding scale” where penalties only apply beyond a reasonable threshold
Real numbers we see:
- Hotels often start at 80–90% pickup requirement
- We like seeing 70–80%, or no attrition if possible
Fees that make the “discount” meaningless
A $189 rate isn’t a deal if there’s:
- $39/night parking
- $25/night “destination fee”
- $15/night Wi-Fi fee (yes, still a thing sometimes)
Negotiate:
- Discounted parking (even $10–$15 off helps)
- Waived destination fees for the block (rare, but ask)
- Free Wi-Fi in guest rooms
Perks
Perks aren’t just fun. They can reduce your budget.
Ask for:
- 1 complimentary room per 30–40 room nights picked up (common structure)
- Discounted suite upgrade for you
- Early check-in for wedding party (if available)
- Late checkout for Sunday (huge for after-parties)
Step 4: Use gentle competition
Tell Hotel A you’re considering Hotel B. Politely.
Example:
“We’re reviewing a couple of nearby options and should be able to make a decision by [date]. If there’s flexibility on parking fees or the cutoff date, that would help us finalize.”
Step 5: Read the contract like you’re signing a lease (because you are)
Before you sign, confirm:
- The exact cutoff date
- Exact attrition terms
- What happens if the hotel oversells (walk policy)
- Whether guests can book outside the block and still count toward pickup
- How changes are handled
If you don’t understand a clause, ask. If you still don’t understand, don’t sign.
How many hotel blocks should you book (and where)?
One block is simple. Two blocks is thoughtful. Three blocks can be amazing—or a logistical headache if you’re not organized.
Our sweet spot: two hotels
For most weddings:
- Hotel #1: closest/most convenient (mid-range or upscale)
- Hotel #2: budget-friendly within 10–20 minutes
Guests self-sort by budget and preference. Your transportation plan stays manageable.
Where hotel location matters most
- Rural venues: Put the main block as close as possible. If guests stay 30+ minutes away, your timeline will suffer.
- City venues: Pick hotels with easy transit/Uber access and clear pickup zones for shuttles.
- Beach/mountain towns: Prioritize walkability and limited inventory.
A practical DC-area example
If your venue is in Northern Virginia wine country, you might do:
- Main hotel in Leesburg/Ashburn (close, easy shuttle)
- Budget hotel in Sterling (cheaper, still reasonable drive)
If your venue is in DC:
- Main hotel downtown near guest activities
- Secondary hotel in Arlington/Alexandria near Metro (often better rates)
Budget guest options (without making anyone feel “less than”)
This is a big one emotionally. Couples worry that including a budget hotel will look tacky. It won’t. It looks considerate.
What counts as “budget” in 2026 terms?
In many East Coast metro areas, we’re seeing:
- Budget hotel: $129–$189/night
- Mid-range: $189–$289/night
- Upscale: $289–$450+/night
In peak DC weekends, even “budget” can hit $199+. That’s not your fault—but you can plan around it.
Smart budget options your guests will actually book
- Extended-stay hotels (bigger rooms, kitchens, good for families)
- Airport-area hotels (often cheaper; just be honest about drive time)
- Hotels just outside the “hot zone” (10–20 minutes can save $60–$120/night)
- Off-brand boutique inns (sometimes cheaper than big chains, sometimes not)
How to present budget options graciously
Language matters. On your wedding website, label options like:
- “Closest to the venue”
- “Best value”
- “Great for families”
- “Easy Metro access”
Not “cheap hotel.” Please.
Airbnb coordination (aka: the wild west)
Airbnb and VRBO can be fantastic for groups—if you plan for the chaos they can create.
The pros (why guests love it)
- Splitting cost among friends can be cheaper
- More space for families
- Kitchens, hangout areas, weekend vibe
The cons (what couples don’t anticipate)
- Addresses can be unclear (and change last-minute)
- Hosts cancel (it happens)
- Parking can be limited
- Noise rules can shut down after-parties fast
- Transportation logistics get messy
How to coordinate Airbnbs without becoming everyone’s manager
We recommend doing three things:
- Create an “Airbnb-friendly area map” on your website
List neighborhoods or towns that make sense, with drive times to the venue.
- Set expectations on transportation
If you’re doing a shuttle, be clear:
“Shuttle service will run only to/from the official hotel blocks.”
- Offer a planning “anchor”
Encourage wedding party and immediate family to stay at the main hotel if possible. It keeps the weekend organized.
Airbnb for the wedding party: yes or no?
Hot take from the trenches: a full wedding party Airbnb sounds fun and often becomes stressful. Hair and makeup turns into a parking nightmare. Someone forgets the bouquet. Somebody’s in the only bathroom.
If you want the group-house vibe, do it for:
- A casual welcome hang
- A low-key after-brunch
But for the wedding morning, hotels are usually smoother (elevators, lobbies, staff, reliable addresses).
Welcome bag essentials (what’s worth it and what’s a waste)
Let’s talk wedding welcome bags—because they’re cute, photogenic, and also one of the easiest places to overspend.
Do you need welcome bags?
No. Not unless you want them. And if you’re debating between welcome bags and transportation, pick transportation. Every time.
But if you do them, do them well.
Welcome bag essentials we’ve seen guests actually use
Here’s what consistently disappears (in a good way):
- Water (2 bottles per person is not crazy)
- Salty snack (chips, pretzels, trail mix)
- Sweet snack (cookies, chocolate, local treat)
- Pain reliever packets (Tylenol/Advil—include a note to follow instructions)
- Mints or gum
- Mini hand sanitizer
- A weekend info card (more on that below)
Optional but great:
- Liquid IV / electrolyte packets (hangover hero)
- Local coffee gift card ($5–$10) or tea sachets
- A small local item (DC: local chocolate; beach: sunscreen stick; mountains: hand warmers)
What’s usually a waste (we’ve watched it happen)
- Monogrammed koozies (half get left behind)
- Full-size candles (too bulky, guests don’t pack them)
- Fancy glass bottles (people can’t fly home with them)
- Printed itineraries that are 5 pages long (nobody reads them)
Cost expectations (real numbers)
If you’re doing welcome bags for 50 rooms, typical costs:
- Budget version: $6–$12 per bag ($300–$600 total)
- Mid-range: $12–$25 per bag ($600–$1,250 total)
- Extra version: $25–$45 per bag ($1,250–$2,250 total)
And yes, you can spend more. But we wouldn’t.
Delivery logistics: your hotel might not do what you think
Ask the hotel:
- Will they distribute bags at check-in?
- Do they charge a fee per bag? (We’ve seen $2–$7 per bag)
- Do they require you to label bags with guest names?
- Can you drop off 24–48 hours before?
If the hotel charges a handling fee and your budget is tight, consider:
- A welcome table in the lobby (with signage)
- Handing bags out at the welcome event
Information cards for guests (the unsung hero of hospitality)
If we could force every couple to do one thing for guest experience, it would be this: a clear, simple info card.
The two places info should live
- Your wedding website (always)
- A printed info card (for hotel welcome bags, or handed out at a welcome event)
Your website is essential, but plenty of guests don’t read it. A printed card saves you from 30 texts.
What to include on your info card (keep it tight)
We recommend:
- Your names + wedding date (obviously)
- Weekend schedule (3–5 bullet points max)
- Venue addresses (with city/state)
- Transportation plan (shuttle times + pickup location)
- Parking notes (especially if limited)
- Dress code (in plain language)
- Contact person (not you!) for day-of questions
- QR code to wedding website
One strong sentence we love:
“For day-of questions, please contact our planner/point person: [Name + phone].”
Not your phone. Not your partner’s phone. You’re getting married.
QR codes: yes, do it
A QR code that goes to your “Weekend Info” page is gold. Put it on:
- Info cards
- Welcome signage
- Shuttle signage (if you have it)
- The back of your ceremony program (optional)
Transportation from hotels (the part that makes or breaks your timeline)
Transportation is where accommodations meet reality. We’ve seen gorgeous timelines fall apart because guests couldn’t get from Hotel A to Venue B efficiently.
Do you need a shuttle?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Is parking limited at the venue?
- Are guests traveling from out of town and unfamiliar with the area?
- Will people be drinking (most weddings, yes)?
- Is Uber/Lyft reliable where you are at that time of night?
- Is the venue more than 20 minutes from the main hotel?
If you answered yes to two or more, a shuttle is usually worth serious consideration.
Shuttle cost ranges (what we see most often)
Prices vary by region and day, but common ranges:
- Mini coach (18–24 passengers): $120–$190/hour
- Shuttle bus (30–40 passengers): $160–$250/hour
- Motor coach (50–56 passengers): $180–$325/hour
Most companies have:
- 4–6 hour minimums
- Fuel surcharges
- After-midnight fees
- Extra cost for multiple pickup points
So a typical wedding shuttle package might land at:
- $900–$1,600 for one bus for 5–6 hours
- $1,800–$3,200 for two buses or longer coverage
The best shuttle schedule (in real life)
We like:
- 2–3 pre-ceremony trips (staggered)
- 2–4 after-reception trips (staggered)
Why staggered? Because guests don’t leave all at once. And if you do one “final shuttle,” people either leave early out of fear or miss it and get stranded.
One pickup location beats three
If you have multiple hotels, you have options:
- Run shuttles only to the main hotel
- Encourage guests at other hotels to Uber to the main hotel for pickup
- Or pay for multi-stop routes (more expensive and slower)
Here’s how it compares:
| Feature | Single Hotel Pickup | Multiple Hotel Pickups |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher (often 20–60% more) |
| Timing | Predictable | More variables, more delays |
| Guest clarity | Simple | Confusing if not communicated well |
| Best for | Most weddings | Very large weddings or remote areas |
Our opinion: Single pickup wins unless you truly need multi-stop.
Accessibility and mobility needs
Ask guests early (RSVP or outreach) if anyone needs:
- Wheelchair-accessible transportation
- Assistance walking from shuttle drop-off
- Early departure option
If your shuttle can’t accommodate, you may need:
- An accessible van
- A private car service for specific guests
Plan it. Don’t wing it.
Destination wedding accommodations (how to avoid a weekend of confusion)
Destination weddings are amazing. They’re also basically event production.
If you’re planning one, also check out Destination Wedding Photography Guide—destination timelines and travel days affect photo/video coverage more than couples expect.
The destination accommodation timeline (start earlier than you think)
We recommend:
- 12–14 months out: Research lodging zones, peak seasons, local events
- 10–12 months out: Secure room blocks or venue lodging
- 8–10 months out: Publish accommodations on your website
- 6–8 months out: Push guests to book (seriously)
- 90–120 days out: Block cutoff (typical)
Destination-specific hotel block strategy
You’ll usually need:
- A main hotel/resort (where events happen)
- One lower-cost option nearby (if possible)
- Clear instructions for airport transfers
And you’ll need to be realistic: some destinations don’t have a true “budget” hotel.
Resort fees, all-inclusive pricing, and sticker shock
Guests often get surprised by:
- Per-person all-inclusive packages
- Mandatory resort fees ($25–$60/night is common)
- High taxes (some destinations add 10–20% combined taxes/fees)
- Minimum stay requirements (2–4 nights)
You can’t control that, but you can communicate it clearly.
How to communicate destination accommodations without sounding bossy
We like wording like:
“We recommend booking by [date] to get the best rates and availability. This area fills up quickly during [season].”
And be honest if Uber isn’t reliable:
“Rideshares are limited in this area, so we strongly suggest staying at one of the hotels listed below.”
Destination transportation: don’t assume guests will “figure it out”
If the destination requires:
- Ferries
- Mountain roads
- Limited taxis
- Long airport transfers
…spell it out. Guests will thank you.
How to manage booking links, pickup, and guest communication (without losing your mind)
Once the block is live, your job shifts to monitoring and nudging.
Tracking pickup
Ask the hotel how often they’ll send pickup reports:
- Weekly is great
- Bi-weekly is fine
- Monthly is too slow if you’re worried
If you’re at risk of attrition, you need visibility.
The cutoff date: the most common guest mistake
Guests procrastinate. Then they pay more. Then they complain to you (because you’re the safe person to complain to).
We recommend sending reminders:
- 6 months out: “Accommodations are live”
- 4 months out: “Rooms are booking up”
- 2 months out: “Block closes on [date]”
- 2 weeks before cutoff: “Last chance for group rate”
And put the cutoff date on the website in bold. Not hidden.
What if your block fills?
Great problem. Ask the hotel to add rooms at the same rate. If they won’t:
- Ask for “best available rate” language
- Add a second hotel nearby
- Suggest nearby alternatives on your site
What if your block isn’t filling?
Don’t panic. Diagnose:
- Is the price too high?
- Is the cutoff too early?
- Did guests not receive the link?
- Are people booking elsewhere (Airbnb, other hotels)?
You can:
- Ask the hotel to lower the rate (sometimes possible)
- Reduce the block (if contracted, negotiate)
- Add a budget option
- Message guests directly with clarity
Red flags and what NOT to do (please learn from other couples’ pain)
We’ve watched couples get burned here. Avoid these.
Red Flags in hotel block contracts
- Attrition above 80–90% with no flexibility
- No clear language about cutoff date
- No mention of walk policy (what happens if oversold)
- Mandatory fees not disclosed upfront
- The hotel won’t put the group rate in writing
What NOT to do (common mistakes)
- Blocking 60 rooms “just in case”
That’s how you end up paying penalties or losing sleep.
- Choosing the hotel you like, not the one guests will book
A $379/night boutique is cute. Your guests might not agree.
- Hiding the budget option because you’re worried about aesthetics
People have real budgets. Give them choices.
- Assuming Uber will be available at 11:30pm in a rural area
We’ve seen guests stranded. It’s not fun.
- Putting your phone number as the day-of contact
You will regret it.
- Creating a welcome bag that weighs 7 pounds
People can’t fly home with that. And they won’t.
- Forgetting about parking
Surprise $45 valet fees cause serious guest grumbling.
Real-world accommodation scenarios (and what we’d do)
Scenario 1: Local wedding, 120 guests, 40 out-of-town
We’d suggest:
- Courtesy block of 15–20 rooms at the closest hotel
- Courtesy block of 10–15 rooms at a budget option
- No shuttle if parking is easy and Ubers are reliable
- Clear website page + QR code
Scenario 2: Suburban venue, 180 guests, lots of drinking, limited venue parking
We’d suggest:
- Contracted block at main hotel with modest attrition (or courtesy if possible)
- Budget hotel option
- Shuttle: one 40-passenger bus for 6 hours, staggered trips
- Info cards + signage at hotel lobby
Scenario 3: Destination weekend (beach town), 90 guests
We’d suggest:
- Secure lodging 10–12 months out
- Clear booking deadlines
- Airport transfer guidance
- A welcome event that doubles as “welcome bag distribution” (less hotel handling fees)
- Extra buffer in your photo/video schedule for travel delays (seriously)
Comparison tables: choosing accommodations and hospitality options
Hotel block type comparison (quick decision helper)
| Factor | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| You’re unsure how many guests will book | Courtesy block |
| You need 30+ rooms held on a peak weekend | Contracted block (negotiate attrition) |
| You want strong perks (suite, comp rooms) | Contracted block |
| You want minimal admin work | Courtesy block + one main hotel |
| Guests are price-sensitive | Two hotels: mid-range + budget |
Welcome bag vs welcome event vs “skip it” (what guests feel)
| Option | Typical Cost | Guest Impact | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome bags (per room) | $6–$25/room | Nice surprise, practical | Hotel-heavy weekends |
| Welcome table in lobby | $150–$400 total | Helpful, low effort | Couples on a budget |
| Welcome event (casual) | $1,000–$4,000+ | Big connection boost | Destination or travel-heavy weddings |
| Skip it, focus on logistics | $0 | Guests still happy if info + transport are solid | Most local weddings |
Action plan: what to do next (with deadlines)
If your wedding is 8–12 months away:
- Identify 2–4 hotel options near your venue
- Request proposals this week
- Compare: rate + fees + cutoff + attrition
- Confirm which hotel(s) can handle welcome bag distribution
- Draft your accommodations page on your wedding website
If your wedding is 4–7 months away:
- Finalize blocks ASAP
- Post links and booking instructions
- Add transportation info (even if it’s “Uber recommended”)
- Add a budget option if you don’t have one
If your wedding is 0–3 months away:
- Send a booking reminder before cutoff
- Confirm shuttle schedule and pickup locations
- Finalize info card text and print
- Assign a day-of contact person for guest questions
Need help mapping these tasks into the rest of your planning? Our couples love the structure in Wedding Planning Timeline 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
People Also Ask: How many rooms should I block for a wedding?
For many weddings, blocking rooms for about 30–40% of your guest list is a solid starting point, then adjust based on how many guests are traveling. If most guests are out of town, 50–70% is more realistic. We’d rather you start slightly conservative and add rooms than over-block and risk penalties.
People Also Ask: What’s the difference between a courtesy block and a contracted block?
A courtesy block typically has no financial obligation—rooms that aren’t booked release back to the hotel at the cutoff date. A contracted block involves signing an agreement that may include attrition (you pay if rooms don’t book) but often comes with better rates and perks. Always confirm cutoff dates, fees, and walk policies before committing.
People Also Ask: When should guests book hotel rooms for a wedding?
For peak-season dates or destination weddings, guests should book 6–9 months in advance if possible. For most local weddings, 3–6 months out is usually safe, but prices climb as inventory drops. If you have a block, encourage booking before the cutoff date—often 60–90 days before the wedding.
People Also Ask: Are wedding welcome bags worth it?
They’re worth it if you enjoy the hosting vibe and you keep them practical—water, snacks, and a clear info card go a long way. They’re not worth it if they steal budget from transportation or your core priorities. If you’re torn, do one bag per room or set up a simple welcome table instead.
People Also Ask: Do I need transportation from the hotel to the venue?
You don’t always need it, but it’s a great idea if parking is limited, the venue is rural, lots of guests will drink, or rideshares are unreliable late at night. Shuttle costs often land between $900–$3,200 depending on hours and number of buses. Clear communication and staggered departure times matter more than fancy buses.
People Also Ask: How do I include Airbnb guests in my wedding transportation plan?
The simplest plan is to run transportation only to/from your official hotel block and tell Airbnb guests to meet the shuttle at that hotel. If you try to do door-to-door pickups across multiple Airbnbs, your shuttle costs jump and timing gets messy fast. Put this in writing early so expectations are clear.
People Also Ask: What should I put on a wedding hotel information card?
Keep it short: weekend schedule highlights, venue addresses, shuttle details, parking notes, dress code, and a day-of contact person (not you). Add a QR code to your wedding website for live updates. Guests love clarity more than cute wording.
Final Thoughts: hospitality isn’t about fancy—it’s about thoughtful
Great wedding guest accommodations aren’t about booking the trendiest hotel or stuffing wedding welcome bags with expensive goodies. It’s about making your people feel taken care of: clear booking options, at least one budget-friendly choice, reliable transportation, and simple information they can actually follow.
If you want a smooth weekend, start early, negotiate like you mean it, and don’t sign a contract that makes your stomach drop. And if you’re building your overall plan and budget, Wedding Budget Guide 2026 is the sanity-check we wish every couple had on day one.
If you’re planning a wedding in the Washington DC metro area (or bringing us anywhere your love story goes), we’d love to help you capture it beautifully. Precious Pics Pro has been photographing and filming weddings for 15+ years, and we’re big believers in planning that protects your timeline—because the best photos and films come from a day that actually feels good. Reach out through preciouspicspro.com to check availability and get coverage recommendations tailored to your weekend.
Other internal link opportunities we’d naturally add next: Wedding Website Tips, Wedding Welcome Party Ideas, Wedding Transportation Guide, Wedding Weekend Itinerary, Hotel Block Email Template