Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, but balancing your dream vision with financial realities can be a challenge.
Many couples love the simplicity of all-inclusive venues — but is it more cost-effective than planning everything yourself?
The reality is, both options come with pros, cons, and hidden costs—and the best choice depends on your budget, time, and priorities.
In this article, we’ll break it all down:
- What’s included (and what’s not) in all-inclusive packages
- How much you’ll spend on all-inclusive vs. DIY
- Which option saves more money (based on real wedding budgets)
- The biggest hidden costs to watch out for
- How to decide which wedding style works best for you
By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to determine which path fits your wedding vision without blowing your budget.
What’s Included in an All-Inclusive Wedding Package?
An all-inclusive wedding package provides a bundle of essential services under one set price—helping couples streamline planning, reduce vendor contracts, and often cut costs.
Here’s what most all-inclusive venues offer:
- Venue rental (ceremony & reception spaces)
- Catering (meals, service staff, and sometimes alcohol)
- Décor essentials (tables, chairs, linens, and place settings)
- Event coordination (day-of coordination & some planning assistance)
- Entertainment (DJ or live music options may be included)
- Photography (some venues offer in-house photo & video services)
What’s NOT usually included?
- Custom floral arrangements or high-end décor upgrades
- Specialty vendors (like outside photographers or custom catering)
- Full-service wedding planning beyond day-of coordination
Pro Tip: Not all “all-inclusive” packages are the same! Always check exactly what’s covered before booking.
| “Everything was seamless and streamlined. We could focus on making our day special and enjoying the wedding planning process rather than having to haggle with vendors and coordinate with a bunch of different people.”— Taylor & Austin |
Comparing Costs: All-Inclusive vs. DIY Weddings
A DIY wedding allows couples to handpick every vendor and detail—offering maximum customization but requiring significant time, coordination, and budgeting skills. While some couples assume this will save money, unexpected costs often add up quickly.
| “You may feel like you can save a little money here or there by sourcing all of your own vendors and pulling it off by yourself, but we’re not sure that’s true. And we know for certain it won’t be half as enjoyable or easy.”— Isabel & Gunter |
Now, let’s break down the real costs of both options. Here’s a cost breakdown for a 100-guest wedding in Northern Virginia:
| Key Takeaways: All-inclusive packages often save couples $10,000+ by bundling services at discounted rates. DIY offers more customization but comes with unexpected fees (staffing, rentals, setup, etc.). |
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For in DIY & All-Inclusive Weddings
Common DIY Hidden Costs:
Even the best wedding plans can go off-budget when hidden costs sneak in. Whether you’re planning everything yourself or choosing an all-inclusive venue, here are the most common unexpected expenses couples encounter:
DIY Wedding Hidden Costs
- Vendor Minimums – Some caterers require a minimum spend—often $5,000+—even for smaller guest counts.
- Rentals – Many DIY venues don’t include essentials like tables, chairs, linens, or glassware.
- Alcohol Fees – Expect corkage fees ($10–$20 per bottle) if you’re bringing your own alcohol.
- Setup & Cleanup Staffing – You’ll likely need to hire additional staff for setup, breakdown, and trash removal.
Here’s a helpful post-wedding cleanup checklist from WPIC.
All-Inclusive Wedding Hidden Costs
- Package Limitations – Many venues include only basic décor. Expect additional fees for customization or luxury upgrades.
- Vendor Restrictions – Some all-inclusive venues require you to use their in-house vendors, which may limit flexibility or add costs if upgrades are needed.
Pro Tip: Always ask for a detailed itemized list of what’s included—and what isn’t—before you sign. A good venue will be transparent about what’s customizable, optional, or subject to additional fees.
Which Wedding Style is the Best Financial Fit?
Best Fit for All-Inclusive vs. DIY (Side-by-Side Comparison)
The best choice depends on your budget, priorities, and time available. Some couples value cost predictability and time savings, while others prefer full creative control and hands-on planning.
How All-Inclusive Weddings Save Time & Money
Many couples assume a DIY wedding is the cheaper option, but once you factor in hidden costs, vendor markups, and time investment, all-inclusive weddings often provide better overall value.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how an all-inclusive wedding can help you save both time and money.
Making the Right Choice for Your Wedding Budget
Deciding between an all-inclusive wedding and a DIY approach comes down to what matters most to you—budget, time, and control.
| For Bayleigh & Charlie, who recently tied the knot at Zion Springs, their all-inclusive wedding wasn’t just about the cost—it was about the ease of the entire experience:“When you hear ‘all-inclusive,’ most people immediately think there’s a tremendous price that follows. Our advice to them is rather than looking at the price, focus on the added convenience and how wonderfully stress-free your wedding will be.” — Bayleigh & Charlie |
Quick Decision Guide: Is DIY or All-Inclusive Right for You?
For many couples, the convenience and bundled pricing of an all-inclusive venue provide financial savings while reducing stress. But does this always hold true? Let’s look at the final breakdown.
Choose an all-inclusive wedding if:
- You want a stress-free experience where vendors, coordination, and logistics are handled for you.
- You value cost predictability and prefer a bundled package with fewer unexpected fees.
- You don’t have the time (or desire) to spend months planning, negotiating, and coordinating vendors.
Choose a DIY wedding if:
- You love planning and customization—you want full control over every detail.
- You have industry connections or vendor discounts that can help cut costs.
- You’re comfortable managing logistics like contracts, rentals, and day-of coordination.
The Bottom Line: Do All-Inclusive Weddings Save Money?
Most couples don’t expect wedding planning to consume their time and energy—but it often does.
A DIY wedding may seem cheaper, but when you factor in months of research, vendor negotiations, and coordination, the true cost isn’t just money—it’s time.
When you break it down, all-inclusive weddings often save couples $10,000+ by bundling services at a reduced rate. While DIY weddings offer more customization, hidden fees and vendor markups can make them more expensive than expected. If saving money is your priority, an all-inclusive venue is often more cost-effective.
Make the most of your wedding budget—see what to splurge on and where to save! Still deciding? Get expert insights on our Answers & Advice page.
