All-inclusive Wedding Packages: Money Saver? Save Time and Money with an All-Inclusive Wedding Package. Get More for Less: The Truth About All-Inclusive Wedding Packages.
All-inclusive Wedding Packages: Money Saver?
Yes. For the most part. Opting for an all-inclusive wedding package can potentially save you money compared to planning each aspect of your wedding separately. If you value convenience, affordability, and less detailed work, then all-inclusive wedding packages may be a good option for you.
MOST COMMON VENDORS WITH ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGES: Wedding venue, photographer/videographer, decor/florist, wedding planners, DJ, transportation, and makeup/hair artist.
They simplify your wedding planning and are cost-effective since the services are bundled, and they are offered at a discounted rate.
By packaging services together (venue, catering, decor, etc.), vendors often offer discounts that you wouldn’t get if you booked each service separately.
All-inclusive packages give you a clear idea of the total cost upfront, helping you avoid unexpected expenses and making budgeting easier.
In addition, coordinating multiple vendors can be stressful and time-consuming. All-inclusive packages streamline this process, which can also translate into cost savings if your time is valuable.
WHEN IT MAKES SENSE:
- Tight Budgets: If you’re on a tight budget and want to avoid the stress of managing multiple vendors, all-inclusive packages can be a great option.
- Destination Weddings: For destination weddings, all-inclusive packages are particularly convenient and can offer significant savings.
Word to the wise
All-inclusive is not for everyone. If you have unique requirements or specific vendors you prefer to work with, some offerings in an all-inclusive package might not align with your needs.
These packages may not allow for much customization. If you have specific preferences or want unique elements, you might end up paying extra or not getting exactly what you want. Some packages have additional fees for upgrades or extra services that you might not be aware of until later in the planning process.
While all-inclusive packages are convenient, the quality of each service might vary. Some couples find that they could have secured better quality vendors by booking independently.
In such cases, a customized approach might be more suitable.
Ultimately, whether or not you save money with an all-inclusive wedding package depends on the specific details of the package, your wedding vision, and your ability to negotiate favorable terms
Carefully evaluate the offerings, compare costs, and consider the convenience and peace of mind that an all-inclusive package can provide when making your decision.
Looking at the expertise of each vendor is also key. Do you want someone who does 2 things? Or do you want someone who has been an “expert” at one thing for years?
This depends on what you prioritize and value. Perhaps a photographer and videographer can technically have a good “team” going, hence, you can benefit from their all-inclusive wedding package.
Your hair and makeup artist from one vendor? It does make sense. The person doing your cake is also doing your dessert table – makes absolute sense.
But do you want your DJ to also cater your wedding? Probably not.
Go down your priority list and see which ones make more sense bundled and which ones need expertise.
Here are a few reasons why all-inclusive wedding packages can be cost-effective:
- BULK PRICING: Wedding venues and vendors often offer discounted rates when multiple services are booked together. By choosing an all-inclusive package, you can take advantage of these bulk pricing arrangements.
- STREAMLINED PLANNING: Planning a wedding involves multiple moving parts and coordinating various vendors. With an all-inclusive package, you can save time and effort by working with a single point of contact who handles most of the logistics, reducing the need for separate negotiations and coordination.
- COST TRANSPARENCY: All-inclusive packages often provide a clear breakdown of costs upfront, helping you better understand your wedding budget. This transparency can be beneficial in managing expenses and avoiding unexpected additional charges.
- PACKAGE INCLUSIONS: These packages often include essential services and amenities that would typically be additional expenses if booked separately. For example, venue rental, catering, and basic décor may be bundled into the package, reducing the need to hire individual vendors for each component.
Most “all-inclusive wedding packages” are offered by these wedding vendors:
- WEDDING VENUE: inclusive wedding venues (like banquet halls) usually include food (catering), ceremony location, reception space, bar, linens, and staff. Sometimes they also have decor and furniture rental packages. Outdoor wedding venues usually also include chair and tent rentals.
- PHOTOGRAPHER/VIDEOGRAPHER: inclusive wedding packages from photographers usually include engagement photos, same-day edits, all-day wedding coverage, 2nd/3rd shooter, and perhaps some discounted prints.
- DECOR/FLORIST: their prices often include a lot of rentals, florals, and centerpieces. They also offer services like moving products from the ceremony to the reception. Including set-up and tear-down. Then there are DIY pre-arranged packages that you can consider as well.
- WEDDING PLANNERS: full wedding planners are essentially your bestie the whole way through. All-inclusive wedding planners usually give you guidance and referrals from the moment you start working with them, until the end of the wedding. They usually have at least 3-4 wedding associates who will also be available to you or whoever needs assistance at the wedding.
- DJ: they usually include some type of lighting, emcee-ing, dry ice, and some effects in their packages.
- TRANSPORTATION: limos, or any rentals – specifically for weddings, usually include champagne and some light snacks.
- MAKEUP AND HAIR ARTIST: they usually have touch-ups included in their all-inclusive packages. This means you won’t worry about freshening up because they are there to help you out.
Other wedding vendors can offer different all-inclusive packages. Ask them if they can bundle services from a la carte and perhaps get a discount.
Now in terms of comparing a la carte with all-inclusive wedding packages, this all really depends on your needs and preference. In addition, the customization that you’ll require.
For example, if you are looking for a specific cuisine to serve at your wedding, even if your wedding venue offers all-inclusive packages (including food) that will save you more money, it won’t meet your needs and preference.
In this case, renting the venue and getting an approved outside caterer will benefit you more.
Now if you are not that specific on the cuisine, of course, if the venue can offer the “generic” wedding menu (3 or 4-course), then you will definitely save money taking the all-inclusive wedding package.
Another thing with all-inclusive wedding packages is that they take out some coordination work on your end since the wedding venue itself can take care of the details as all these things are happening in-house.
In terms of photographer and videographer, a la carte will work for you better if you only need some coverage. Perhaps you only need 5 hours instead of 8 hours. Especially if you are having a shorter reception – a la carte might work for you better.
For your DJ, even if they offer emcee services, you might need to have a separate emcee who understands your culture and reception activities – or perhaps you want an emcee who is bilingual.
If your DJ can do this, great, but if you have a “specific” emcee that your family has preferred, then the all-inclusive will not work for you.
COMPARISON: what is the price difference between the all-inclusive and the combination of a la carte products you chose?
If the price difference is between 15-20%, consider taking the all-inclusive anyway. Not to “waste” the money, but to “make the most” of their services.
If the difference between a 5-hour photographer/videographer package and an 8-hour package is 15%, why not take the 8-hour package? The 3-hour footage will be more valuable to you than you think. The 3-hour footage might capture moments that the 5-hour package will not be able to cover.
For the DJ, if you don’t want the emcee part of the package, but you want the dry ice and lighting, take it anyways. Those add-ons will cost you more in the end.
Wedding planners who also offer consultation and coordination (a la carte) might work for you if you already have most aspects of your wedding booked and planned, but will need someone to coordinate on the day of the wedding so you can relax and enjoy!
You can save money by purchasing all-inclusive wedding packages and set free from details. There is no right or wrong answer. Every wedding is special and different.
Keep in mind, however, that there is most likely less flexibility and personalization for all-inclusive wedding packages.
The moment that you want to “adjust” or “change” something from an all-inclusive wedding package, expect the cost to add up quickly.
All-inclusive wedding packages can be a money-saver for many couples, especially those looking for convenience and predictability. However, it’s essential to carefully review what’s included and consider whether the package aligns with your specific needs and expectations.
Wrapping Up
Considering an all-inclusive wedding package for your special day can be a savvy choice. These packages often encompass multiple vendors and services, making wedding planning easier and more streamlined. By opting for inclusive wedding venues or destination weddings, you can save money while ensuring everything is conveniently located in one place.
Whether you’re dreaming of a beach ceremony in the Dominican Republic or a beautiful resort, an inclusive wedding package often includes everything from catering to decor. This not only reduces stress but also helps you manage your wedding day budget more effectively. Remember, with inclusive weddings, you’re paying for both the venue and the services, which can provide significant cost savings. So, as you start planning your wedding, consider the benefits of these packages and how they align with your vision. Ultimately, an inclusive wedding package can help you create a memorable experience for you and your guests, allowing you to focus on love rather than logistics!
