All inclusive vs ala carte

When I priced it earlier this year it was a $2K - $3k difference between the two. We decided to go with the slightly more inexpensive all inclusive because we didn’t have to buy decor, setup, or cleanup. Completely worth it in our opinion.

I did a TON of research before booking any vendors, and found that all-inclusive was a little bit cheaper and a lot less stress.

From our experience with pricing out each, blank slate venues ended up being much cheaper with more flexibility. The all inclusive venues were astronomically expensive and had zero flexibility on creativity and personalization (along with other factors: required to use a caterer/baker you aren’t allowed to sample until after you book, unwilling to negotiate out things you and guests aren’t interested in to fit the venue’s idea of appropriate ) so that was a hard pass. Plus we can get creative with outside the box vendors that fit our vision and still come in cheaper than the minimums set by the all inclusive venues. It’s less stress for us because we know we are getting what we want without pulling teeth. This is in a major high cost of living area so there is a bigger variety of alternative venues at a lower price.

In what I've been researching all inclusive is a lot more expensive. I'd go with a cheaper venue and hire vendors a la cart.

Honestly, it can go either way. It just all depends on what you do and don't want. The biggest difference is that with a la carte you have more control on the budget, and design of the wedding. So if you go you do a la carte you can always DIY some stuff yourself as well! Dollar Tree is REALLY stepping up their stuff. Hobby Lobby has sales every now and then you just need to catch them on a good week. Amazon is helpful as well. A la carte will require some more work, but if you are willing to do that to save especially then I would go with that option. I personally feel like while all inclusive seems easier and less stress, you are limited (therefore, no control).

Thanks everyone! We’ve narrowed it down to two choices and they’re partially all inclusive and partially ala carte!!