The Pros and Cons of
All Inclusive Wedding Packages

Still considering whether all inclusive wedding packages are right for you or not?

There are certainly benefits of using a wedding package and of course, drawbacks. It's up to you and what's right for your style of wedding.

I've been to plenty of package based weddings and some have been great and others a bit hit and miss. For me, they often blur in to one as you get a 'cookie cutter' approach from the hotel that serves up an identical wedding every time with little differentiation between them.

For some brides, this is exactly what they want. The package gives them control over costs, someone else doing the hard work and planning in the run up, so you can relax and enjoy the day as you intended. It's really about what's right for you and what type of wedding you want.

To help you make up your mind and decide whether a 'package' is right for you, here's a round up of the advantages and disadvantages of using all inclusive packages.

The Pros of All Inclusive Wedding Packages

1. Personal wedding planner

Most hotels have a personal wedding planner for your reception who can take on all the details of organising your wedding reception and making sure you have the perfect day. They will sort out all the details of the reception, give you ideas and help you keep on budget. For me, this is a big bonus. An independent, sound advisor with lots of experience.

2. Help you stick to your budget

Using a hotel allows you specify a budget and they stick to it. They work out how you can keep to your budget whilst making the package work for you. A great advantage for any budget stickler!

3. Stress relief

Using a hotel and their wedding planner, means that you don't have to worry about the way the napkins are folded, is the champagne poured, is the disco here? They take care of everything, removing all the stress from you. Nice.

4. You'll be well looked after

Since you're spending a large sum of money with the hotel, you will generally be well looked after. They'll give you the attention you need and make sure that you're happy and stress free so you can concentrate on having a good time.

5. You'll get a number of free things thrown in

The bride and groom often get special freebies thrown in when you use their services. Everything from free accommodation to free bath robes, they'll offer you lots of incentives to get you in the door.

The Cons of All Inclusive Wedding Packages

1. Not a unique reception

With most hotels, you'll pick up a package and with all packages, they're not unique. It's difficult to make the wedding unique and special; since it is likely your venue will always feel like a hotel.

2. Time limits

Having a reception in a hotel means that there maybe time limits set on the event. So just as you're getting going at midnight, you have to turn the music down for the other paying guests.

3. You're not alone

Often with hotel receptions, you may not have exclusivity of the venue. Often hotels pack in two or three weddings on one day, or perhaps other guests are staying at the hotel.

4. Often overpriced costs

With hotels, when you mention 'wedding' the price doubles. Many of their costs and services will be increased specifically to cater to weddings and unfortunately you foot the bill. Other venues may offer better value for money.

5. Potentially lots of hidden costs

There are often lots of hidden costs that hotels may slap on at a later date. This can be a bit sneaky, but I hear it happens often. This can be anything from equipment costs (forks, linens, chairs, garden, parking, etc) that were not made clear right at the beginning.

With these in mind, I hope it helps you choose whether all inclusive wedding packages are right for you.

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Bride and groom on rails: © David Maixner | dreamstime.com