Well, with Dreams Riviera Cancun it might not just be that the bride and groom get a free room.  You can earn up to 3 free rooms depending on how many rooms you book through the block.  This is given to you as a refund so some brides and grooms have divided up the $$ and given it back to the guests.

Another thing to consider is that a group block is not just for the freebie or amenities.  It is so your rooms are blocked so that they are available to your guests.  I am sure you have read about brides freaking out 6 months before their wedding because the resort sold out (6 months BEFORE!) and there were no rooms left for their guests.

Hi Tammy! Thanks for the comment, so I get what you are saying, but I dont care about the free rooms. I would rather my guests save money on their flight and hotel. I dont want to have to give it back to them, they wouldn't book in the firs tplace if it costs too much.

I have read about brides with resorts sold out, however it seems that that is few and far between, usually only during peak season and at small resorts.....

I know they can track a resort to see how its full its getting and all I would have to do is email my guests to let them know how many rooms are left and oh well they dont make it, it's their fault. Im only having about 50 people there and need about 25-30 rooms not 100 rooms. :-)

It's just that I have yet to find a room block that is cheaper than air and hotel combined on orbitz or expedia. If I can find one that guarantees no one will find an online price cheaper, I would be all for it, but I have yet to find one.

Hi Lilgabri03 - I'm the same way re research, constantly thinking about my guests, creating spreadsheets that map out the pros, cons, and price differences etc...so much so i think DF was going to consider taking back the ring (j/lk)! LOL  So that I would stop obsessing and bugging him, he suggested we  price our top pick hotel/air against the top all-inclusive/air.  The hotel/air price/person was only cheaper by <$100 so the all-inclusives we liked won once factoring back in the cost for meals etc... for the guests during their stay. 

A friend got married in PR in November and had the sell-out situation happen.  She didn't realize a large conference was rolling in the weekend of her wedding so guests who didn't book early had to scramble to find rooms. if you are worried about this, I would check to see if anything conferences are happening around that time and pick a different date. 

Hi Lilgabri03 - I'm the same way re research, constantly thinking about my guests, creating spreadsheets that map out the pros, cons, and price differences etc...so much so i think DF was going to consider taking back the ring (j/lk)! LOL  So that I would stop obsessing and bugging him, he suggested we price our top pick hotel/air against the top all-inclusive/air.  The hotel/air price/person was only cheaper by <$100 so the all-inclusives won, especially once factoring back in the cost for meals, drinks etc... for the guests during their stay if we stuck with a hotel option. 

A friend got married in PR in November and had the sell-out situation happen.  She didn't realize a large conference was rolling in the weekend of her wedding so guests who didn't book early had to scramble to find rooms. if you are worried about this, I would check to see if any conferences are happening around that time and pick a different date. 

hope this helps!

Hi Girlin the city, thanks for the message! November, I think is busy season we are planning on April right after Easter. So what did you end up doing? did you do the room block or just had guests book as they went?

we are heading down next week to see the resorts, taste the food etc.. and will move forward with our contract then. our TA suggested doing the room block but making sure there are no penalty fees etc. if we fall under the number we guestimate booking. It just seems to make the most practical sense since I'd like for everyone to stay where we are getting married. This will make it easier to chat and visit with people outside of the actual wedding day.  

We were in the same boat and loved some of the hotels, but we were putting our guests first.  DR was amazing, but we ended up deciding on Beach Palace because we liked that it was located in the Hotel Zone so our guests have options.  Flight and hotel for 4 nights is about $1500 per person.  Plus they earn $750 resort credit to use as they would like once they arrive.  

We are in the midst of getting our contracts signed and all now.