People book hotel rooms every day for a variety of reasons. Business trips and vacations are some of the most common causes of travel, but weddings also result in more travelers looking for a place to stay.
Destination venues have become popular in the last decade as more brides seek a dream backdrop for their ceremony. Family and friends drive or fly to the chosen destination and all need a place to stay. Although some may want to book a room through rental apps, hotels are still the most reliable way for guests to vacation with the quality service they expect on their trip.
Still, the expenses of traveling could prevent some people from attending a wedding. Read on to learn more about the cost of being a hotel wedding guest so even luxury properties can offer future guests competitive rates that work with their financial needs.
1. Think About the Venue
The bride’s choice of venue will affect a few immediate financial factors for guests. They’ll have to find out how far the destination is from their hometown, which may require them to purchase plane tickets instead of driving. Packing everything they need into the car for a road trip can be more budget-friendly because they only have to pay for gas and potentially a meal on the road.
Plane tickets are more costly. Even if the destination is domestic, one-way tickets carry different costs at major U.S. airports, ranging from $200 to $450. Multiply that cost for each family member and guests are already looking at around $1,000 just to reach the ceremony on time.
2. Consider the Trip Duration
Whether wedding guests arrive for a weekend trip or a week-long getaway, the trip duration also plays a significant role in affordability. Everyone has to pay per night for their room, have the funds for daily transportation, and the resources to afford entertainment before and after the wedding.
A recent Financial Health Network study found that only three in 10 Americans qualify as financially healthy, which means they can pay for daily needs while adding to at least one savings account. Financial instability makes extended wedding trips a more significant struggle for most people.
3. Include Bills for Meals
Although the wedding party almost always covers the cost of the reception meal, guests have to pay to eat before and after the wedding. While they’re away from home, Americans spend an average of $33 each day on food because they rely on restaurants. Hotel guests in particular will have to add meals to their wedding trip budget because the standard room doesn’t include a full kitchen.
4. Add Transportation Costs
The cost of transportation for hotel wedding guests may also cause some people to decline their invitations. Some brides may choose to rent a van or limo for guests to use to get to the venue for free, but what about when they want to see tourist sites or eat at a restaurant?
Most hotel guests will use rideshare services for this, which is a good thing. The cost of a ride could decrease in certain cities based on local gas prices and traffic. It’s one way to save money while away from home, instead of paying increased taxi fees.
5. Remember Wedding Gifts
Depending on their relationship with the bride and groom, wedding guests pay around $100 per gift, although they may spend up to $200 if they’re close friends or family. The final gift costs may also change if the married couple makes a limited or inexpensive registry.
Meet Their Needs
Hotel wedding guests have to consider several expenses such as room cost, transportation, meals, and entertainment fees. It all plays a role in where they book, so hoteliers can meet their needs by making partnerships with other businesses and offering discounts. Helping people save money will ensure future guests feel more comfortable with booking a room and create a better experience for them before they arrive.
Credit
Kacey Bradley is the blogger behind The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Along with writing for her blog, she has written for sites like U.S. News, SUCCESS, Guides for Brides, Hotel Online, and more!
Follow Kacey on Twitter and subscribe to her blog to keep up with her travels and inspiring posts!
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About Are Morch
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