All inclusive catering hall vs bringing in your own vendors?

We did the all inclusive. I was really nervous about it though, because we put down our deposit last October and didn't taste the food until Monday night (luckily it was delicious!!!). Having all inclusive has been WAY simpler... No dealing with caterers, table and linen rentals, chair rentals, etc. So I'm happy.

If you want more choice about your menu, though, that is a positive for selecting your own vendors.

It is more stress, but if you hvae it in your budget, hire a DOC to help organize the vendors as the date gets closer. That venue may have some recommendations on other caterers that have worked there before, etc.

It's not hard to book your own vendors, but a really good DOC is worth their weight in gold on the day.

We went with all inclusive but since we didn't book the venue until February of this year we were good. Our tasting was in June and they have been amazing so far

We booked our own vendors. Weddings in my area can great crazy expensive and I was able to control the cost better that way.

We're doing all inclusive. So far I've loved it except for the food. Its a great price, but we were disappointed by the first tasting. Especially because I picked up during a wedding and it smelled amazing!!! But we're sampling more options so fingers crossed. Otherwise, I absolutely love all inclusive. So much less to worry about and purchase

We went with our own vendor because it was cheaper, and because it gave us the freedom to pick what kind of food we wanted served. Our venue had a "traditional wedding fare" option which...doesn't mean anything to me. We opted against it and are going to have barbeque! So much more fun (and delicious, AND much cheaper).

We went all inclusive. FH and I are in an LDR and it would have been impossible to get together to pick and visit multiple vendors. Our coordinator is great but until after I won't know. Like @ladymonk said you don't get to talk to some if the vendors til last min and that is stressing me out. 67 days out and I don't have anything finalized. That being said she has everything ...minister, photographer, florist, cake, caterer, decorators and even a mua. The best part is that she has back ups for everyone should one of the vendors not be able to make it. That being said, you have to be able to go with the flow and work on their schedule. I'm having a hard time with this but everyone I've talked to says it always comes together beautifully. If you're very particular about things I'd book separate so you get exactly what you want.

We are looking at the all inclusive (meeting to decide on Friday). I looked at over 150 different venues of each type, priced out caterers and rentals and the all inclusive beat the price by a huge margin. Plus is offering tons of flexibility in customizing things to match my vision. I'm a budget bride that works 24/7 so being able to get a great deal, less stress and hassle since I have one point of contact, and not having to settle on quality and my wish list was a serious selling factor.

Often your not getting the deal you think you might. Its always better to do your research!

I went for all inclusive, simply because I didn't want the headache of having to search through a million vendors. I opted out of their photography package, because I didn't like any of the vendors they had at the time. Of course, one of the main reasons I chose this venue was because of their catering team, and they have since left and been replaced with the new vendor. I have yet to try his food, but his menu looks awesome. I just continue to hope for the best. I also chose an outside videographer because they did not offer one.

Way cheaper to do all-inclusive. I couldn't believe the difference in price. Basically, a caterer (just food) was the same cost pp as a venue with everything included. Then you'd have to add on furniture rentals, staff, etc. AND the cost of renting the venue space.

What all inclusive venues did everyone get married at?