A wedding can be a big strain on anyone’s wallet, but for those brides who are really on a budget, an all-inclusive venue might work out to their advantage. An all-inclusive venue often includes everything for a set per-person cost. But be aware that there may be hidden costs like room rental fees, gratuities and guest count minimums!
Ballroom, catering and coordination—Oh My!
An established location such as a country club, hotel or large restaurant usually has experience in hosting weddings, and can provide everything from in-house catering to linens and event coordination.
Choosing a site that is a “one stop shop” can be a great convenience, and sometimes can save you money, as it often includes everything for a certain cost per person. But make sure you know the details of what you are actually getting with your contract. If the venue includes everything, but uses outside vendors, be sure to ask who the vendors are and check them out before agreeing to anything.
Promotions
Many all-inclusive venues seek ways to increase their business in the off seasons or unpopular days of the week. They may offer promotions in the less desirable wedding months, like fall and winter, or on days other than Saturday. Since most weddings are booked on Saturday, a venue may offer a discount for a Friday or Sunday wedding, to bring in business. Or they may offer “extras” with a certain guest count. An example might be a free champagne toast with 100 or more guests. Planning your wedding during an off season or a weekday can really help you cut costs.
Hidden Costs
· Taxes: Your venue may only cost $30 per person, but you also need to consider the taxes. Taxes on thousands of dollars can quickly add up, and you should take this into consideration if you are on a budget.
· Cake-Cutting Fee: So your all-inclusive reception site says you can provide your own wedding cake. What they may not tell you is that if you want them to cut and serve your cake, there might be a slight charge. Usually the charge is anywhere from $1.50 to $5 a guest. This can quickly add up!
· Gratuities: Just like you tip servers at a restaurant, you will have to tip the serves for your wedding as well. And they aren’t the only ones. Most venues require a minimum gratuity on the overall banquet cost (10-20 percent) and will divvy out the tips to workers on their own.
· Delivery Fees: If an all-inclusive venue uses outside vendors as part of your package, check with them to make sure delivery fees from those vendors don’t fall onto you. Some venues cover these fees, while some do not.
Other Benefits…
Aside from saving you some money, there are many benefits to choosing an all-inclusive wedding venue. A lot of the stress in planning a wedding comes from worrying about choosing the vendors, organizing the details, etc. An all-inclusive venue will handle the planning, set up, coordination and cleanup of your event. Some venues will even allow you to have your ceremony and reception at the same location, which means more time for photos and less money spent on extra transportation expenses.
Is An All-Inclusive Venue a Budget-Friendly Option?
A wedding can be a big strain on anyone’s wallet, but for those brides who are really on a budget, an all-inclusive venue might work out to their advantage. An all-inclusive venue often includes everything for a set per-person cost. But be aware that there may be hidden costs like room rental fees, gratuities and guest count minimums!
Ballroom, catering and coordination—Oh My!
An established location such as a country club, hotel or large restaurant usually has experience in hosting weddings, and can provide everything from in-house catering to linens and event coordination.
Choosing a site that is a “one stop shop” can be a great convenience, and sometimes can save you money, as it often includes everything for a certain cost per person. But make sure you know the details of what you are actually getting with your contract. If the venue includes everything, but uses outside vendors, be sure to ask who the vendors are and check them out before agreeing to anything.
Promotions
Many all-inclusive venues seek ways to increase their business in the off seasons or unpopular days of the week. They may offer promotions in the less desirable wedding months, like fall and winter, or on days other than Saturday. Since most weddings are booked on Saturday, a venue may offer a discount for a Friday or Sunday wedding, to bring in business. Or they may offer “extras” with a certain guest count. An example might be a free champagne toast with 100 or more guests. Planning your wedding during an off season or a weekday can really help you cut costs.
Hidden Costs
· Taxes: Your venue may only cost $30 per person, but you also need to consider the taxes. Taxes on thousands of dollars can quickly add up, and you should take this into consideration if you are on a budget.
· Cake-Cutting Fee: So your all-inclusive reception site says you can provide your own wedding cake. What they may not tell you is that if you want them to cut and serve your cake, there might be a slight charge. Usually the charge is anywhere from $1.50 to $5 a guest. This can quickly add up!
· Gratuities: Just like you tip servers at a restaurant, you will have to tip the serves for your wedding as well. And they aren’t the only ones. Most venues require a minimum gratuity on the overall banquet cost (10-20 percent) and will divvy out the tips to workers on their own.
· Delivery Fees: If an all-inclusive venue uses outside vendors as part of your package, check with them to make sure delivery fees from those vendors don’t fall onto you. Some venues cover these fees, while some do not.
Other Benefits…
Aside from saving you some money, there are many benefits to choosing an all-inclusive wedding venue. A lot of the stress in planning a wedding comes from worrying about choosing the vendors, organizing the details, etc. An all-inclusive venue will handle the planning, set up, coordination and cleanup of your event. Some venues will even allow you to have your ceremony and reception at the same location, which means more time for photos and less money spent on extra transportation expenses.
Sources:
All-Inclusive Wedding Packages (Wedding Vendors)
Choosing Your Reception Site (Martha Stewart Weddings)
10 Hidden Wedding Costs
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