Courtesy vs contracted wedding room blocks
The two kinds of hotel room block, what each costs you if guests don't book, and which resorts publish which.
What is a courtesy room block?
A courtesy (or "non-contracted") block is a set of rooms a hotel holds at a group rate until a release date. Rooms your guests don't book by that date go back to general sale, and you owe nothing for them. Hotels usually keep these blocks smaller and may offer a smaller discount.
What is a contracted room block?
A contracted block is a signed agreement in which you commit to a number of room nights. In exchange the hotel may offer a better rate or perks (for example complimentary rooms per number booked). If guests book fewer rooms than allowed by the attrition clause, you can be billed for the shortfall.
Which should you choose?
If you aren't sure how many guests will travel, start with a courtesy block, or a contracted block with a generous attrition allowance. For destination weddings where the resort ties a free or discounted wedding package to a minimum number of room nights, the room-night rule usually works like a contracted commitment, so read it carefully.
Questions to ask before signing
Ask for: the release (cut-off) date, the attrition percentage and how it's measured (per night or total), the deposit and cancellation policy, whether rooms booked outside the block count, and whether the rate is guaranteed for extra nights before and after.
Resorts that publish these terms (1)
| Resort | Group minimum | Courtesy block | Contracted terms | Perks | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Velas Vallarta Puerto Vallarta | Not published | No | Not published | Not published | Oct 26, 2026 |
FAQ
What is a courtesy room block?
A courtesy (or "non-contracted") block is a set of rooms a hotel holds at a group rate until a release date. Rooms your guests don't book by that date go back to general sale, and you owe nothing for them. Hotels usually keep these blocks smaller and may offer a smaller discount.
What is a contracted room block?
A contracted block is a signed agreement in which you commit to a number of room nights. In exchange the hotel may offer a better rate or perks (for example complimentary rooms per number booked). If guests book fewer rooms than allowed by the attrition clause, you can be billed for the shortfall.
Which should you choose?
If you aren't sure how many guests will travel, start with a courtesy block, or a contracted block with a generous attrition allowance. For destination weddings where the resort ties a free or discounted wedding package to a minimum number of room nights, the room-night rule usually works like a contracted commitment, so read it carefully.
More guides: Room-block hub · Room-block calculator · Free room-block quotes