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Group vs. Individual Guest Reservations

Shelli Nornes
Author:
Shelli Nornes
CEO/Owner
Publish Date: January 23, 2025
Last Modified: May 27, 2025

If you’re planning to have guests join you for your destination wedding, you’ve probably wondered how group discounts and perks work and how to manage it all. Let’s break it down so you know exactly what to expect.

GROUP RESERVATIONS

The average destination wedding has about 50 guests, which works out to around 25 rooms. Travel agents who specialize in weddings (like us!) know how to navigate group contracts and explain all the fine print so there are no surprises. Be sure to read everything carefully before you sign, because assumptions can lead to big headaches later.

Most group contracts start with a 10-room minimum. This means you’ll need at least your room plus nine more. If your group ends up smaller than that, you’ll either need to cover the difference yourself or risk having the entire block canceled. If you can’t be certain you’ll have 10 rooms, it’s best not to sign a group contract. Remember, even though guests pay for their own rooms, the group is considered yours, so you’re responsible for meeting the terms.

Group contracts also include set booking and payment deadlines. These aren’t negotiable, but they actually help you. Deadlines encourage guests to book early, which means you’ll know sooner who’s really coming. And knowing your final guest count is essential for planning your wedding events!

LET'S PLAN MY WEDDING!

Why Group Rates Are Worth It

Group rates usually aren’t dramatically lower than regular prices, but the perks make them worth it! Here’s what you can expect:

  • Locked-in rates so you’re not chasing fluctuating prices and all guests pay the same.
  • Guaranteed inventory, so you don’t have to worry about the resort selling out before your guests book.
  • Freebies like complimentary rooms, upgrades, extra nights, event credits, or resort perks. These vary by resort but can add up to thousands of dollars in savings.
INDIVIDUAL RESERVATIONS

If a group contract doesn’t feel right for you, you can have guests book individually. But keep in mind this comes with downsides. Guests will all pay different prices, rates can change overnight, and resorts do sell out, which means some guests might not be able to attend even if they want to. And unfortunately, you won’t earn any perks.

That’s why nearly all of our couples—about 95%!—choose group blocks. They make it easier for everyone to book, give you peace of mind, and unlock valuable extras.

Ready to Set Up Your Group?

A destination wedding is about creating unforgettable memories with your favorite people. Don’t get bogged down in the stress of managing group contracts and room blocks. That’s what we’re here for! You focus on planning your dream wedding, and we’ll take care of the travel and group details.

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