Weddingbee boards

We have a similar hotel issue.  I have sent two emails to our guests - the email stated that it was a very busy weekend in "Baltimore" and that if people think they will be able to join us for our wedding, please book their rooms ASAP.  I included a link to our website on this email.  This was a very politely worded email that I had many people proof.  If our guests cancel their room (within 48 hours) there is no penalty to them - and they will likely be swooped up quickly by convention people.

The first email went out as soon as I had the room block - 60 people quickly booked their rooms (30 rooms).  However, that email ended up in many people's junk mail boxes because I BCCed everyone, put me as the sender and receiver, and had over 100 emails (I would send them to every guest, not every couple - because you never know who in the relationship is more on top of getting things like this done).  Apparently most mail programs automatically think something is junk if it goes to over 100 receivers.

Sometime next week I will send out the 2nd email.  I have devided the guest list into groups (my parent's friends, FI's family, etc.) so that way I don't have to BCC the email addresses, and it will be 20 or less people per email.  The email is basically the same, telling them rooms are going fast, please reserve now, etc.  I am also including a link to the website, and mentioning that I now have on the website information for travel discounts (I called an airline and got a 10% off code, and I am working on a 10% discount with a car rental company).  So maybe that will further drive them to the website.

Finally, both emails specifically listed the phone number for the hotel to make it easy, and it stated that other area hotels were booked (because of convention) so they didn't think this was all about the room block.  On the website it lists the dates the room block is available.  Oh, one more thing, if we know a guest is going to come, but they haven't booked a room (I have the hotel fax me a print out constantly), I have whoever is closest to them be the nagger.  My friends and family, and my FIs family, have been wonderful at "gently reminding" the grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. to book their room.

Hope this was helpful.  PM me if you want the actual email text.

It souonds like you've done everything you can.  I like Suzanno's suggestion of emailing the out-of-towners as a courtesy to let them know you've reserved some rooms, and if they want to take advantage of the rate, they should book by X date.

After that, you've done your part.  You can't worry about those who don't book ahead of time, and Baltimore is big enough where people will find a room somewhere.  They just won't be all in one place.

Just make sure your key people like bridal party and close family are set.  Don't send your invitations 4 months early just to accmmodate the out-of-towners, and don't get stuck paying for rooms because of the procrastinators.  Good luck!