What if most of our guests are local and we don't need a big room block?

The goal isn't to fill a hotel, it's to make travel easy for the guests who are coming from afar. A small, low-risk room block ensures your VIPs stay connected without adding 'unfilled room fees' to your wedding budget.

If most of your wedding guests live nearby, it is completely normal to wonder whether booking a hotel room block is even worth it. Many couples worry about over committing, paying for unused rooms, or adding yet another task to an already long planning list.

The good news is this: local guests change how you approach hotel blocks, not whether you should think about them at all. With the right strategy, you can offer convenient hotel options for out of town guests without stress, risk, or wasted money.

Why couples with mostly local guests still consider room blocks

Even if the majority of your guest list lives within driving distance, weddings almost always include a handful of travelers. Think about:

• Immediate family members
• College friends coming in from out of state
• Wedding party members who want to stay close to events
• Guests who prefer a hotel over driving home late

These guests often expect clear guidance on where to stay, especially for weddings at popular venues or during busy weekends. A small hotel block provides that guidance without requiring a large commitment.

When you probably do not need a big room block

You can usually skip a large or contracted block if most of these apply to you:

• Over 75 percent of guests live within 30 to 45 minutes
• Your wedding is not during a peak tourist season or major local event
• Hotels near your venue rarely sell out
• You are comfortable with guests booking on their own

Rather than taking on the stress of a large room count that may go unused, you can opt for a courtesy block.

Courtesy blocks are often the perfect fit for local heavy guest lists

A courtesy block gives you the best of both worlds: guaranteed rates and availability for your guests, but zero liability for you. Once the booking deadline passes, any remaining rooms are released back to the property, simple as that.

Why courtesy blocks work well for mostly local weddings

• No penalties for unused rooms
• Lower pressure to predict exact guest behavior
• Guests still receive a group rate and booking link
• You avoid awkward questions about where to stay

Many hotels, including familiar names like Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, and IHG properties, offer courtesy blocks when availability allows, especially for weddings that need flexibility.

How many rooms should you actually request?

For weddings with mostly local guests, a conservative estimate is best.

A simple rule of thumb:Start with rooms for your inner circle: immediate family, wedding party, plus a handful of rooms for anyone else making the trip.

Example:

• Parents and close relatives: 6 to 10 rooms
• Wedding party members: 6 to 12 rooms
• Buffer for additional travelers: 4 to 6 rooms

That usually puts you in the 15 to 25 room range, which is often ideal for courtesy blocks.

You can always add more rooms later if demand is higher than expected.

When booking early still matters 

Local guests do not eliminate hotel competition. Weddings often overlap with:

• Other weddings
• Sports tournaments
• College move in or graduation weekends
• Festivals and conventions

Booking 9 to 12 months in advance gives you:

• Better rates
• More courtesy block options
• More flexibility with cut off dates

Waiting too long may force guests to book higher priced rooms farther away.

Common mistakes couples make with mostly local guest lists

Overbooking out of fear

Couples often worry about being unprepared and book too many rooms. This is where attrition penalties can sneak in.

Skipping hotels entirely

Guests still appreciate recommendations, even if they live nearby. Not everyone wants to drive home late.

Booking without comparing options

Rates, parking fees, and perks vary widely. One hotel may offer free parking or discounted suites while another does not.

How Room Blocks by Engine makes this easier

Planning even a small block can feel overwhelming when you are emailing multiple hotels, comparing fine print, and worrying about commitment.

Room Blocks by Engine simplifies the process by:

• Letting you request multiple hotel options at once
• Organizing rates, fees, and perks side by side
• Helping you choose courtesy or low risk options
• Allowing you to start small and scale up if needed

You stay in control without having to negotiate or manage logistics on your own.

A smart, low stress approach to wedding guest accommodations

If most of your guests are local, your hotel plan should reflect that: simple, flexible, and low risk. A small courtesy block or a few recommended hotels is often all you need.

Ready to find your perfect room block without the stress?
Start comparing hotels with Room Blocks by Engine today by first choosing the city where you are getting married and letting us do the heavy lifting for you.