In this article · 8 sections
In Punjab and North India, weddings fill hotels on the same nights every season. Group bookings for baraats, family functions, tours and sports teams bring big revenue, but also big risk if rooms are blocked and then released at the last moment.
Room blocks with clear dates
When a family asks you to "keep 15 rooms", put it in writing:
- Number of rooms by type and nights
- Group rate
- Advance (for example 25–50%) to confirm the block
- Release date: rooms not confirmed by name by this date go back on sale
- Cut-off for reductions without penalty
Rooming list
Ask for the rooming list (guest names per room) 7 days before arrival. It makes check-in faster and helps with ID collection. See guest ID verification.
Pricing
- Groups expect a discount, but don't give one on peak wedding dates when individual guests would pay full rate
- Include breakfast and early check-in in the package rather than cutting price
- Charge extra beds and extra persons clearly
Smooth arrival
- Keys and welcome kits ready in envelopes by room
- One staff member as group coordinator
- Separate check-in area if possible
- Share a single WhatsApp contact with the family's coordinator. See guest communication on WhatsApp
Payment and billing
Agree upfront who pays for what: the host family pays rooms; guests pay their own extras. Collect the balance before departure of the main party.
Cancellation
Group cancellation rules should be stricter than individual ones. See the group section in our hotel cancellation policy.
Market to wedding planners
Partner with marriage palaces, wedding planners and decorators. See marriage palace marketing.
FAQs
Should I take a group booking for the whole hotel?
It can be worth it, but check the advance and release terms carefully. Keep one or two rooms back for regulars if you can.
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