Hey there, lovebirds! Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, and the all-inclusive wedding packages that venues offer might seem like a dream come true. I mean, who wouldn’t want everything handled in one go, right? But before you dive in, let’s talk about the not-so-great side of those packages. Trust me—as someone who’s seen it all, I’m here to give you the inside scoop.
Here’s why you might want to reconsider that one-size-fits-all approach and instead curate a dream team of vendors who truly care about you and your vision.
1. You’re Likely Dealing with Big Teams and High Turnover
Venues with all-inclusive wedding packages often partner with large-scale vendors who serve tons of weddings each year. These companies may rotate staff frequently, which means the photographer or videographer you meet during booking might not be the one who shows up on your wedding day.
Why it matters:
- You want to feel connected to the people capturing your most precious moments.
- Trust and comfort are built over time, and it’s hard to establish that with last-minute staff changes.
- I’ve seen in countless Facebook groups where brides thought they were getting a certain style, work ethic and then were highly disappointed in the vendor that was at their wedding.
Imagine expecting a warm, experienced pro and ending up with someone who’s never even seen your timeline before. Yikes!
2. Less Personalization = A Cookie-Cutter Wedding Experience
All-inclusive packages often come with pre-selected vendors who follow a standard approach. While this might streamline the process, it leaves little room for creativity and customization.
Why it matters:
- Your wedding is unique! You deserve a team that tailors their services to fit your vision.
- From photography style to music playlists, personalized vendors can bring your love story to life in a way that’s authentic to you.
When you’re stuck with package options, it’s easy to feel like your wedding is just another event on the venue’s checklist.
3. You’re Missing Out on Vendor Relationships
When you choose your own vendors, you’re not just hiring professionals—you’re building a dream team. These are the people who will guide you, support you, and cheer you on throughout the planning process.
Why it matters:
- Your photographer, planner, and other vendors often collaborate closely to create a seamless experience.
- Having a relationship with your vendors means they’ll go the extra mile to capture the moments that truly matter to you.
All-inclusive packages can make the experience feel transactional instead of personal.
4. It Hurts the Wedding Industry as a Whole
Okay, let’s get real for a second. Many talented, small-business vendors struggle to compete with venues that lock couples into all-inclusive packages. This practice can stifle creativity and limit opportunities for boutique vendors who pour their hearts into every wedding.
Why it matters:
- Supporting local, independent vendors helps maintain a diverse and thriving wedding industry.
- When you work with passionate small businesses, you’re investing in quality, artistry, and personal care.
- Small business owners actually want to go above and beyond for you on your wedding day. You aren’t just another “job”
Choosing your own team not only benefits you but also supports creatives who genuinely love what they do.
5. You May Not Save as Much Money as You Think
All-inclusive packages often market themselves as cost-saving solutions, but hidden fees and limited options can quickly add up. You might end up paying extra for upgrades, customization, or services that don’t fully meet your needs.
Why it matters:
- You deserve transparency about costs and quality.
- Hand-selecting vendors allows you to prioritize what’s most important to you.
Sometimes, what seems like a bargain ends up costing more in the long run. Also, ever heard of the age old saying “you get what you pay for”… Do you really want your wedding to be something you regret?!
6. Your Vision Deserves Full Creative Control
This is YOUR day! All-inclusive packages often come with strict guidelines and limitations on what’s possible. Want to bring in a unique floral installation or a photographer with a signature style? You might hit roadblocks.
Why it matters:
- Your wedding should reflect your personalities and love story.
- By choosing your own vendors, you can ensure your vision comes to life without compromise.
Don’t let pre-set packages box you into a wedding day that doesn’t fully represent you.
What Should You Do Instead?
I’m not saying you need to reject every package deal out there. Some venues offer flexibility to work with outside vendors or have trusted, high-quality professionals on their list. The key is to ask questions like:
- Can I bring in my own photographer, planner, or florist?
- Who will be assigned to my wedding, and can I meet them ahead of time?
- Are there any customization options available?
By curating your own team, you’ll have a day that feels truly yours and vendors who are 100% invested in making it magical.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding isn’t just another event—it’s a celebration of your unique love story. You deserve vendors who see you, understand your vision, and go above and beyond to make your dreams a reality. Don’t settle for a cookie-cutter experience when you can create something extraordinary.
i hope you enjoyed this post about Why You Should Think Twice Before Booking All-Inclusive Wedding Packages. If you’re ready to build a vendor team that’s passionate about YOU, let’s chat! I’m here to help guide you every step of the way. Want more wedding planning tips? Check out this blog
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