All Inclusive Venue vs. Rental Venue

I would compare some things. See how much an all inclusive venue will be and then shop around your area and see the average prices of finding them yourselves. Mine is not all inclusive, except for catering. I'm going to spend 3,500 on catering, venue, DJ, and photographer. BUT our photographer was a gift and our DJ was a family friend for 300. So it can get pricey. We looked at all exclusive and all they didn't do was photos. And it was 7,000-11,000 depending on the food choice for 100 guest. Although an all inclusive would take the stress off of finding other vendors

I found that not all inclusive is cheaper. Our venue has tables and chairs, but besides that we're bringing in everything, bar, linens, caterer, liquor, all of it. The big thing that's saving us money is bringing in our own liquor. I did a lot of comparing though.

I would definitely do some research. Some venues are super expensive and thats just the venue, others aren't and they include things. My venue has a great price (paying less for our 2 rooms and part of our food than another location's price with no food), the food is a little pricey, but its amazing, gorgeous location, and they gave great referrals for what they didn't offer. They also have an amazing events coordinator who has already bent over backwards for us--I think the coordinators are key too. Look through the places you are interested in and what they offer/don't offer and see how it works for you and your budget.

My venue is all inclusive, but offers different packages. Since I already had a photographer (boss is doing for free), I chose the package without it, and only had to add on alcohol. The cake, catering (food, apps +beverage), dj, ceremony and reception, decor, flowers, and arrangements if it rained was included for 100 people, and only $30 each per each addition guest, or less if less than 100. I also get a DOC, and security plus catering staff. I got a $1000 discount for booking an off season date (August) and it will be $6900 plus tax and tip, which came out to be about $200 since they bill it prior. The alcohol is not included in the price because I have to order it 4 weeks before the wedding after I get my count.

This was way cheaper than paying $4500-$7k for the other venues I looked at, around $2k for catering, plus a cake, decor, coordinator, alcohol, DJ, and security. It looked like I was getting a lot, but then I compared it to everything I would still have to pay for and it was a no brainer.

Try googling "affordable wedding venues near" and then put "me" or your city, and that should help those who want to offer affordable options. That's how I found mines, which is an estate that the owners actually live in, and really want to help you have a dream wedding.

Also keep in mind that while having a Friday wedding is a bit cheaper, it can be really hard for some people to get off, or get to you. I know that even during the summer, traffic here is really bad, and most people would be late. Even worse if it was during the school year, there's no way that some people could make it to mines if held like at 6pm since our rush hour on Friday lasts from 3pm to 7 or 8pm.

View Quoted Comment I love the "less stress" of all inclusive. I will do my reasesrch so I can compare prices.

View Quoted Comment That's a really good deal. Reading your response I got anxiety when you listed all the things I would have to do if we just got a venue only. Caterer, DJ, photog😨

View Quoted Comment Is it bad that I already knew this and thought it would help decrease my RSVP's? Lol. I live in Houston, and I did think about the traffic, guest/bridal party having to take off work, etc. But the prices are so much better for Friday. Sunday is discounted as well, but Friday discount is AWESOME

View Quoted Comment Thank you. I will start comparing

View Quoted Comment I totally understand. They right now, our guest list is about 125 and I want to get it down to 100. It was closer to 150 but I started shaving off people that weren't necessary, and 98 percent of our list is OOT, so we'll see who actually comes. Fortunately, it was the same either day, but we got a discount on the month, and it's right before a holiday weekend so we thought it would be easier to travel

Both my daughters have mostly all inclusive venues and I love it! My youngest daughter's even includes real floral centerpieces and a 5-tier cake . The only thing she hired separately is the photographer and DJ. Her coordinator has been there for nearly 20 years and is extremely responsive and helpful. On the flip side, my nephew had a blank slate venue for his wedding last fall that they had to plan and pay for every little detail along with their DOC. It was unique, gorgeous, and very much them. It also cost a lot of time and money to haul in all the decor and such.

This will depend a lot on your area. I live in the 2nd most expensive place to have a wedding in the U.S. which means vendors here add up WAY too quickly. For this reaon, a completely all inclusive venue (including ALL vendors) was the best route where I live. If vendor prices are more reasonable where you live, all inclusive may not be the best bang for your buck!

It depends .. ive seen both .. theres a place here that includes food venue alcohol , centerpieces , and the dj .. cake and dessert for 125 .. my venue includes the venue food and alcohol . For 140 and i need to pay for valet parking .. but food quality will be sp different .. the cheaper places are just that cheaper quality imo ..

It just depends. One of the major price differences is usually booze. I’m bringing my own booze in top shelf (patron, grey goose) for about $18pp from a local liquor store in DC. Here in DC at say a hotel that would be $65pp. And that’s why we don’t have an all inclusive wedding.

Do your research before committing to anything. I live in CT and found that it is much more expensive to find a location then a caterer and bring in alcohol. It is extremely expensive to get married here. We ended up going with a venue that includes location and food/alcohol. I now have to hire a dj, photographer,ect. But it will still be a little cheaper than doing everything separate. We have to pay for a minimum of 185 at $126pp, my guest list is at 175 and growing. I am hoping to stay at 185, no more no less. Good luck and again, do your research!

There are definitely a lot of factors that can add to pros and cons of both sides here. Location, city, venue type/style, prefered or required vendors, etc can all add or subtract to the price on either side. Personally, we did an intimate venue with an outdoor property that was part of a Historical Society, with a small banquet hall. The rental price for the venue for the whole day was insanely affordable. They had tables and chairs, a kitchen, bathrooms and bride room, and the whole grounds around the hall, the house and the courtyard we could use - but offered nothing else. We got lucky with craftiness and DIYing, and an amazing caterer and musicians in our area that made everything come together - where places that offered food, music, decor etc with the rental/preferred vendors of the venue wanted a lot more money than we spent. Whether or not you're willing to compromise on certain details or DIY ability can add to the price and struggle of a more bring-your-own style venue. Definitely do your research in your area.

View Quoted Comment All inclusive just sounds so easy and appeasing

You ladies rock. Thanks for the feedback. I'm a year out and already stressing about which venue. I could only imagine the anxiety as the actual day approaches.