fewer upgrades to premium proteins.“ Guests may still order the fish, but the less expensive fish,” Liao added.
At the Tides Inn, customized menus, signature cocktails, expanded hors d’ oeuvres selections and experiences like oyster roasts are some examples of popular add-ons.“ These not only enhance the guest experience but also create a strong sense of place, which is especially meaningful in a destination setting,” said Hobbs.
BEHIND THE BIG DAY One of the biggest obstacles with hotel weddings is maintaining privacy as regular hotel operations, of course, go on. The Tides Inn offers options that include a partial or full resort buyout, which provide a greater level of privacy and allow for a more immersive and customized wedding experience, which in the end allows couples more flexibility in how they utilize the space and structure their events throughout the weekend.
In addition, Liao commented that there’ s more resistance to
Abe Liao, VP of operations, EOS Hospitality guaranteed room blocks.“ We’ ve shifted to offering courtesy blocks to take the pressure off couples,” he said. Resort fees can also give couples pause.“ They want to know what they are and what is included. But once we walk through everything and show them the value, they get it. It just requires a conversation,” he said.
Another common challenge is cost perception. At first glance, hotel venues can appear more expensive compared to standalone venues. However, much of that comes from the fact that hotels offer a comprehensive, full-service experience, inclusive of food and beverage, furnishings, linens, table settings, bar setup and professional staffing.“ A key part is setting clear expectations early and educating couples on overall value,” Hobbs said.“ By walking them through what is included and how it contributes to a seamless, elevated experience, we’ re able to reframe the conversation from cost to value.”
Ultimately, success comes down to how well hotels balance creativity with clarity. Couples are willing to spend, but they expect the outlay to feel intentional, personalized and worthwhile. For hoteliers, that means leaning into flexible design, transparent pricing and experience-led offerings that resonate on an emotional level while still driving profitability. Those who can deliver both meaning and margin will be best positioned to turn today’ s highly curated celebrations into longterm business growth.
Locally-sourced seasonal ingredients and casual dining experience are increasingly popular at modern weddings.
Wedding at The Tides Inn hotel in Irvington, Va.
Couples are reallocating their budgets toward experience-driven elements that aim to reflect their personalities and stories.
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