The Guest Accommodations

The Brice Hotel courtyard. Courtesy The Brice Hotel

The Details

You’re engaged! You’re thrilled. You’re in love. You’re ... overwhelmed. Whether you’ve dreamed of the big day your whole life or never thought about it until the moment you said yes, the actual process of planning your wedding is uncharted territory. Let this guide be your road map — and leave the details to us.
A wedding is a pricey affair — not only for yourself and your family but for your guests, too. From wedding and shower gifts to travel expenses and proper attire, your guests are making both a financial and an emotional commitment to be part of your big day. One way to streamline their planning is to book accommodation blocks in at least two hotels and price points, just as you would for your bridal registry. Booking room blocks at a high-end hotel and a more reasonably priced hotel allows your guests to pick their poison.

Typically, guest accommodations are announced on save-the-date cards sent out six to eight months prior to the wedding. With this in mind, reserving a room block for your guests must be done well in advance. If your ceremony and/or reception will be held at a hotel, onsite guest accommodations should be reserved once the venue is confirmed.

“By booking the hotel room blocks nine to 12 months out, you are able to lock in the best rates available,” says Larissa Szynski, director of catering at The Brice Hotel in Savannah. “This will
also give your guests plenty of time to make their travel arrangements.” The Brice offers a variety of accommodations, ranging from well-appointed guest rooms to larger suites with living spaces (perfect for those family members staying beyond the weekend).

Szynski recommends booking a block just big enough for the number of guests likely to book hotel rooms. Some hotels charge penalties if the room block is not booked completely — and unforeseen expenses like this can add up.