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Beginner March 2022

Separate vendors or inclusive bundles?

Jinaxgguh, on February 1, 2021 at 8:42 PM Posted in Planning 0 14

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Hi everyone, just wanted to get your opinion on things. I was originally going to hire and go with the venue’s preferred lighting company, that has the installments done already, an entertainment vendor for a photo booth, a DJ and MC from a separate vendor and hire ceremony musicians from somewhere else too.

But I found a big entertainment company, when searching for DJ and MCs, that offered ceremony musicians, photo booth and their own lighting too. More of a bundle? They do have experience hosting at the venue. It seems cheaper?
Do you prefer taking the bundle or going with separate vendors that concentrate on one category? Just want to know some pros and cons! Thanks in advance!

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14 Comments

Latest activity by Tory, on February 2, 2021 at 12:07 PM

Champion July 2019
Veronica · on February 1, 2021 at 9:02 PM
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Bundles do tend to be cheaper. We went a DJ that our venue recommended. Our package not only included a DJ, but an MC, music for our ceremony, dance floor lighting, dancing on clouds effect, a monogram, and a photo booth with a guest book for guests to put their pictures in and write us notes. The company included the monogram for free and the dancing on clouds effect was discounted since we went with him for the services he offered. It was also easier because we didn't have to find someone else to provide the services we wanted.
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Super October 2021
Lisa · on February 1, 2021 at 10:31 PM
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I knew from the start that I wanted a venue that included as much as possible. The venue we picked includes everything except florals, invitations & the cost of the photos and/or video package we want to purchase. We also get to upgrade as much as we want/ can afford. I wouldn’t have it any other way because it’s so nice knowing that the venue and all the various vendors have worked together many many times. Seriously stress free.
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Super October 2021
Lisa · on February 1, 2021 at 10:31 PM
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Ops I forgot to say that it seems to make it cheaper since the package for everything starts at $9500. Can’t bet that!
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Expert May 2022
Molly · on February 1, 2021 at 10:48 PM
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I'm actually researching those things right now. I'm looking for a DJ that can include all those things. DJ/MC, uplighting, and photobooth.
Most venues will have a preferred vendor list that they work with regularly, but if you find a better deal and they have worked at the venue before I would go for it!
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Champion December 2022
Michelle · on February 1, 2021 at 11:40 PM
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From the research we did, it's turned out to be much more economical to go with a blank slate venue (all include tables/chairs/kitchen/ac, etc) and separate vendors which are more than willing to customize what we want and not include what we don't. All-inclusive venues we looked at refused to budge: you go with everything they provide or nothing without any negotiation.
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Beginner March 2022
Jinaxgguh · on February 2, 2021 at 12:32 AM
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Got it! Thank you for your input! The venue had their own preference for everything separately but I thought a bundle would be better! You’re so lucky you got some freebies. I’m going to look into it too!
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Beginner March 2022
Jinaxgguh · on February 2, 2021 at 12:34 AM
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Wow, that’s a steal. A venue that comes with DJ/musician and lighting already? Thanks amazing!
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Beginner March 2022
Jinaxgguh · on February 2, 2021 at 12:40 AM
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Yes! The more I look into it, these full inclusive “entertainment” companies seem stress free and the best way to go. At first I was wondering why they were so expensive but the more I researched, it seemed like a steal. Plus you don’t have to pay taxes and tip for multiple companies. I just wasn’t sure if it was better to hire individual companies that focus on the expertise.
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Beginner March 2022
Jinaxgguh · on February 2, 2021 at 12:42 AM
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Same case for food! I came across so many venues that had their “set” menus with high costs for no reason. It was totally unnecessary... like “comes with an ice sculpture” LOL.

The venue I’m looking at is a blank slate so I agree, it’s customizable. Just wasn’t sure if I had to stick with their recommendations.
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Champion December 2022
Michelle · on February 2, 2021 at 12:48 AM
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It depends in the venue. Some require that you use their preferred and others let you use anyone you want. Blank slate venues usually don't have have preferred vendors so the overall costs are lower.
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Expert March 2021
Ali · on February 2, 2021 at 8:38 AM
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We went the same route except our venue had everything included except our attire obviously and anything we wanted like guestbook and whatnot. They literally thought of everything but we were allowed to tell them what we wanted and they took care of it. The invitations were also included but any extra like envelope liners and rsvp cards were extra. It has been the best experience ever.
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Master October 2020
Yasmine · on February 2, 2021 at 9:34 AM
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I prefer a bundle that way it takes some stress off of your planning
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Expert May 2022
Molly · on February 2, 2021 at 11:20 AM
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Yes, it really is the best deal. Some services I looked into even include photography/videography/dj/photobooth which were very great deals, but since they did so many services I didn't trust the quality of photography/videography in the dj packages. But I think it's more common for DJ/lightling/photobooth and those I can trust.
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Devoted May 2022
Tory · on February 2, 2021 at 12:07 PM
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I’m personally doing bundles in order to save some money but it ultimately depends on your personal preference!
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