How to Book Your Wedding Night Hotel Without a Hitch

Booking a wedding night hotel can feel overwhelming (especially if it's not at the same location as your wedding venue). That's where we come in. After all, it's a multifaceted process as you want to make sure you're making the best accommodation choice while sticking to your budget (if you have one) and potentially providing your guests with options to stay the night, too. If you are reserving hotel room blocks for your guests, you can use The Knot's hotel block tool, Engine, to filter properties, rooms (and room types) and do so by proximity to your wedding venue.

We tapped Katie Webb Brundige, cofounder of Intertwined Events and Reserve by Intertwined in Irvine, California, Irene Katzias, owner and planner at Irene + Co Events based in Bethany, Connecticut, and Tracie Morris, CEO and Detroit wedding planner at You're The Bride, to learn more about the ins and outs of booking your wedding night hotel, including who pays, how to find them and how to decorate your room.

In this article: Where Do Couples Stay on Their Wedding Night? | How Much to Spend on a Wedding Night Hotel | Should You Book Your Wedding Night Hotel Room With Your Room Block? | Where to Buy Wedding Night Decorations for Your Hotel Room | How to Find and Book Your Wedding Night Hotel | Wedding Night Hotel FAQs

Where Do Couples Stay on Their Wedding Night?

Couples often stay near their wedding venue if not at their wedding venue itself (if it offers accommodations). Some of these accommodation types can include a hotel, cabins or short-term rentals. Many couples stay in a suite or honeymoon suite for some extra space if that fits into their budget.

How Much to Spend on a Wedding Night Hotel

Our experts note that you can generally expect to spend between $200 and $700 as a baseline for a standard wedding night hotel room. However, Brundige adds that some couples often spend upwards of $1,500 if they opt for a suite (that you can also use as a space for hair and makeup and photos the day of the wedding). While there's no one right answer when it comes to how much you should spend on a wedding hotel, consider factors such as your preferences, needs, budget and desired room type.

The Knot Budget Advisor is a tool you can utilize to compare and contrast how much real couples spend on various elements of their wedding (including their wedding night hotel), to get an idea of how much money you should plan to allocate.

Should You Book Your Wedding Night Hotel Room With Your Room Block?

Our experts agree that yes, you should book your wedding night hotel room with your room block (especially if you want to stay close to your friends and family following your reception). Since there is often a room block discount, you can save money on the rate of your room (and put that money toward other parts of your wedding). "Many couples do [this] because hotels often provide a complimentary upgrade if the block is large enough," explains Katzias. Unless you want additional privacy and/or are not planning a postwedding brunch or after-party, she notes that staying at the same hotel as your guests is a solid option.

If you don't know where to start when it comes to booking hotel room blocks for your wedding day (or night), The Knot's hotel block tool, Engine, can help. When you use this platform, you'll be able to research properties in your wedding location that have room block availability for your desired wedding night (and/or surrounding nights if needed). You can compare and contrast different properties and price points, as well as search for properties within your budget and with various amenities and ratings.

Where to Buy Wedding Night Decorations for Your Hotel Room

Whether you want to surprise your partner at the end of the night or collectively want to decorate your hotel room for the wedding night, Katzias notes that wedding planners or vendors are often hired to handle it, as they are experienced and know how to decorate a hotel room for the wedding night. That said, you may also have some of your wedding party (such as the maid of honor or best man) wanting to help out with this (or even take the lead), depending on the timing of your reception and their vision for your wedding night decorations. If you are interested in decorating your hotel room, note it on your wedding planning spreadsheet, so it doesn't slip through the cracks. Read on for retailers from which you can shop for decorations for your wedding night hotel room.

• Amazon: Amazon is a great resource for purchasing items to decorate a hotel room for the wedding night. "Amazon is the go-to for DIY touches such as magnetic signs, champagne glasses and robes," says Katzias. Amazon Prime Members often have opportunities to have items shipped quickly between two and four days (sometimes even overnight, if needed).
• 1-800 Flowers: If having flowers in your wedding night hotel room is a non-negotiable for you, 1-800 Flowers can help. Whether you want a bouquet (or several) of roses or a personalized vase to create a special moment (and keepsake) for your partner, you or your wedding planner can order them from this retailer.
• Etsy: Etsy is home to many wedding night hotel room decorations, from battery-operated candles to balloons that you (or your wedding planner or room decorator) can add to your cart. What makes Etsy stand out from some other retailers is its ability to customize items for a more personalized experience.

How to Find and Book Your Wedding Night Hotel

Morris notes that there are several ways to find and book your wedding night hotel, such as searching the internet, and deferring to your wedding planning team or venue (if not the same) for recommended properties in the area where you'll tie the knot.

Checkout Time

The last thing you want after a long day is to have to pack your bags, wake up early, and feel rushed on a day when you and your partner should feel relaxed. Katzias recommends seeking out hotels or accommodations offering a late checkout time if you don't opt to add another night onto your stay following your wedding day.

Packages

Wedding night hotel deals can be important to consider when arranging your wedding night stay. Some wedding venues offer wedding night hotel packages that can include a next-day brunch or a continental breakfast (for you and your partner and/or your guests, too). If packages are unavailable, you should request information about any wedding night hotel discounts that may be available, especially on honeymoon suites or more romantic room types.

Amenities

Unless you're booking and staying at an all-inclusive wedding venue that includes the hotel, you'll want to ask about the in-room amenities and/or those you'll have access to on the wedding day. Morris recommends asking whether the hotel has a hospitality suite and whether the property houses any tall mirrors and barstools that you and your wedding party can use for getting ready the morning of your celebration.

Location

If your wedding venue is not also doubling as your wedding night hotel, you'll want to consider how far it is from your wedding venue. Ensure it's easy for you and your guests to get to after celebrating (especially if you do not plan on arranging transportation).

Wedding Night Hotel FAQs

Have questions about your hotel room on the wedding night? Read on for answers to some of the most common questions.

When Should You Book Your Wedding Night Hotel?

Early action is key when it comes to thinking about your wedding night hotel and booking it. "We usually help book the host hotel and room block early in the wedding planning process, right after we have secured a wedding venue and date," says Brundige. "We want to ensure we receive the best rates and rooms. Sometimes, smaller hotels only have one large suite that the couple can stay in, so we want to make sure we can snag it early!" Katzias adds that six months prior to your wedding is generally a good time to lock it in.

If you've discovered that you've forgotten to snag a hotel room when making your way through your week-of-your-wedding checklist, don't worry, you have options. "Call the front desk of higher-end hotels directly and ask about availability," says Katzias. Morris notes that while your preferred room type may not be available due to the short notice, you might be able to inquire about a different room type that might be available instead.

Who Pays for the Couple's Wedding Night Hotel?

When it comes to who pays for a wedding night hotel, our experts share that you and your partner should expect to do so. However, Brundige notes that a couple's parents sometimes offer to cover the cost. If they choose to do so, ensure that your name is on the reservation and you have the correct forms of identification needed to check in.

How Many Nights Should You Book?

You should book at least two nights. "Two to three nights is perfect for making it more than just one rushed evening," adds Katzias. Whether you book these nights before or after your wedding day is up to you, but Morris notes that booking them before can be helpful if your wedding party also stays at the hotel, allowing you to arrange for any hair and makeup services at the hotel on the day of your wedding.

Adding a night after your wedding day can give you some extra time to unwind and potentially mingle with your guests if you're coordinating a postwedding brunch or another type of day-after event. Be sure to follow these wedding packing tips to ensure you have everything you need for your big day and the rest of your stay. And, don't forget those bridal pajama sets.