OOT Guests

I'm not a mom, but I did A LOT of research on this because my mom got completely obsessed with OOT accomodations etiquette.

One thing I learned: Regardless of who pays for the room, the room occupants will still have to give a credit card for any incidentals or damage.

If you decide to cover the cost, make sure you tell the guests IMMEDIATELY. My MOH covered breakfast for the morning of the wedding, and not only did they bill her room, but they also billed MY room...most likely because they thought they could get away with double billing. Do not trust ANY hotel to be honest enough to say that the cost of the room is already covered. I had 2 comp rooms for my family, but they still tried to charge for the rooms! Luckily, I gave my mom a copy of my contract, so she called over a manager who finally acknowledged that I secured 2 comp rooms. (my rehearsal dinner was at a hotel, so that's why I had the comp rooms). This was a VERY reputable hotel, FM for details, and they still tried to do A LOT of double billing.

Etiquette says that you do not have to cover the rooms for OOT guests. And, you DO NOT have to cover the cost of the room for the bridal party. I'm not sure what their expenses are, but I did not cover the cost for my bridal attendant's rooms. I covered their hair, gave them gifts, gave them jewelry. Plus, paid for their dinner at my rehearsal dinner, wedding, they got beautiful bouquets to take home and wedding favors. I have a chip on my shoulder about this because they didn't appreciate any of it. So, I am glad that I didn't pay for their room on top of that. But, etiquette says that the bridal party is responsible for their own accomodations.

Sorry to chime in, but I have all this research...someone may as well get some value out of it

When my son and daughter married, their HOOT guests paid for their own rooms. I did all the research for my sons and found 3 decent priced hotels, here, in upstate NY. I was surprised that they all stayed in the higher priced one. I went with 3 prices not knowing what others financial abilities are. So it made the decision easier for them. Same as for my daughter, all guests including BP paid for their own rooms.

Now, for my daughters wedding, friends of mine were invited from up here. Though they are on a very restricted budget I accommodated them. The only way for them to get down to LI was by bus which was a bit pricey. A few weeks before the wedding, I told them not to worry, I have taken care of their room. They were SO appreciative and wanted to be at the wedding SO bad that I went out of my way.

IMO: I think its wonderful that you want to pick up the room fees, but is that really necessary? My feelings, they have plenty of time to make arrangements. I do see your point taking care of close friends/family and its very generous, but I also think 'are THEY going to appreciate this?

I'm not sure I helped you but this is what I think.

I forgot to mention in my earlier post:
when I sent out the STD's and hotel information, I also made a tri-fold newsletter telling them of area attractions. Some of the attractions I included was, the Zoo, Carousels (Binghamton is the carousel Capital of NY) Stockcar Racing Tracks, local Parks (with their boating info) and names of area restaurants and movie theaters. Telephone numbers and a map from each hotel of their choice. It was simple, time consuming but simple.

I must add, they were very attractive and helpful. I basically was their tour guide for the weekend. Most went to the stockcar races.