A destination wedding is what so many couples envision for their perfect wedding day, but it’s essential to know the difference between a contract vs. a flex group.
For many couples, the dream of spending multiple days with their closest friends and family is one of the top deciding factors behind their decision to have a destination wedding! A beautiful beach setting with all your loved ones around you is a magical place to share your vows. And even better, you all get to enjoy vacationing with the most important people in your lives in an amazing destination! Of course, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is how you will handle your guest accommodations.
This most important thing is to ensure there will be enough rooms for your guests. Imagine a close family member being unable to attend your wedding. It might be because the resort was sold out, or there were not enough guest passes available that day. What a nightmare that would be!
Depending on the size of your group and what you feel is the best fit for you, there are two options that you can consider for your destination wedding.
- Contract group
- Flex group booking. A flex group is sometimes also called a group code group.
Contract Group
If your group is larger and you need at least ten rooms, a contract booking may be the right choice.
Reserving a wedding room block will ensure all your guests can stay at your resort. This helps them avoid searching for a vacancy nearby, or paying higher rates.
A contract group guarantees space for your group. All their bookings are connected, and they normally will book through your destination wedding travel agent. Your travel agent can ensure everything and everyone is taken care of this way!
Another perk – a contract group guarantees the rooms for your guests and locks in the rates. This means the rates for the rooms cannot increase!
This ensures that your procrastinating friend or family member doesn’t end up with a much higher rate because they didn’t book immediately!
A group deposit is put down upfront to guarantee the space and lock in the special group rate.
Typically, the bride and groom or their parents pay this deposit. Once their guests book this deposit can be applied toward their own stay. It also is typically refundable up until a certain point when the group attrition starts.
Even though every resort has its own policy, more often than not, contract groups come with some valuable extra benefits.
Based on the number of rooms sold and your travel dates, you may receive free upgrades. This could be a cocktail hour, or even a complimentary room for the bride and groom!
Destination Wedding Flex Group/Group Code
If you’re not sure you want to put down a refundable group deposit, a group code option could be the way to go! This could be a good option if your group is smaller, has different travel dates, and you are not concerned about locking in rooms at the resort for all of your guests.
The biggest perk of a flexible group is that you don’t have to put down a deposit upfront. You also do not have to fill a certain number of rooms at the resort.
It is a great option if you are unsure how many guests will eventually attend. It also gives you some flexibility if some decisions are still yet to be made.
On the other hand, that also means your guests’ trip costs and availability could change by the day. This means any late planners amongst the group might not even be able to get a room at the resort.
They will also pay a higher rate the longer they wait to book. For this reason, the group code option can be more stressful to the bride and groom. Many couples worry about the resort selling out or the trip becoming too expensive for their guests.
Pros and Cons
Both types of bookings come with their different advantages.
If you are looking for more than ten rooms, the contract option with all the extra amenities for your group may be the best for you! A select few resorts will also allow a contract group with as few as 5 or 6 rooms. This is perfect if you still want the benefits of a contract group, but are traveling with a smaller party!
For many couples, knowing your guests will have a place to stay and be able to attend your wedding is a huge relief and peace of mind!
No matter what you decide betweeing going with a contract vs. a flex group, you can have an unforgettable destination wedding. We would love to guide you through your planning process! Contact our award-winning team of travel experts today to get started.
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I truly believe it is my calling to ensure couples find their perfect match for their next romantic escape. I work with couples that are looking to create an experience that fits their own journey.
I’m able to draw from my extensive first hand experiences and from my network of travel partners to ensure that couples are able to find an option that truly is as unique as their story.
