All inclusive or nah?

I had to make this decision early on as well. The all-inclusive is so attractive as an option, because it translates to less stress for us (usually)!! However, I choked over the cost. So, to make my decision, I priced out what it would cost at a venue that was NOT all-inclusive. Once I did that, I realized that it would be less expensive for us to piece it out. However, we did find a venue that has the catering and bar included, and they take care of all the tables, chairs, linens, dishes, glasses, flatware, etc. What is not included, and I had to find and book myself was the DJ, photographer, dessert person (not doing traditional cake), and officiant. It was a bit more work for me, but in the end it's costing less than the all-inclusive venue.

So, you just need to figure out what you can afford, and if this venue will allow you everything you want for your wedding.

Ours is semi-inclusive. As in they provide the set up for chairs, food, tables, the partition that will be in place for my ceremony and reception, bar and bar tenders. They also have 3 approved caterers to pick from, one I don't like (had them at a friend's wedding) so that leaves 2 so it makes it easier. The only set up thing we have to do is my cake table, provide them with centerpieces (I will probably be checking to make sure they are how I want them lol), a pre-lit arch that will be assembled by my dad, and favors. I did have to find a DJ, photographer, officiant and hair person. But i am happy they do the majority of set up. I think even with that, I will be making sure it's how I want it.

We found an all inclusive venue and it was the best decision we made! The only outside vendors I needed to arrange were cake, flowers, DJ, and photographer.

We booked ours 15 months in advance, it was the first venue we toured. We ended up touring 5 in a month, and looked at 30+ online. Ours isn't all inclusive, it was a lot of work. So if you have the time & organization to do so, you'll be fine with a venue that isn't all inclusive.

We totally went with the all-inclusive package! Most wedding venues around my area are inclusive for ceremony + reception, food & drink already, but this one that we found offered so much more!

Besides those components, they also included all the seating, a cake, and a DJ. They will also include floral centerpieces and an officiant for an upgraded package too. It really helps save a bunch of stress because it's that many vendors that I don't need to worry about finding. They also have a preferred photographer who works with them, and if you booked the photographer, the fees would be rolled into your venue bill.

The pricing was also comparable to similar places that DIDN'T include all those extras, so I find that we are actually saving some money.

Cristy - Thank you for all your info!! This was very helpful to making my decision. I ended up pricing it out like you said, and even though it might be a little more expensive to do the inclusive we can still afford it!

So we decided to go with the all inclusive! Thank you ladies for all your helpful tips and advice. We really appreciated it!

Hey Veronica!! Have you found any venues that you like yet? Do you think you will go for an all-inclusive?