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Is an All-Inclusive Wedding Package Right for You?
Every couple has unique needs and wishes when it comes to their wedding day. While all-inclusive packages are growing in popularity, they may not be right for everyone. Before choosing an all-inclusive destination wedding package, take time to think about what's most important to you. Consider your budget, your dream locale, and all the must-haves on your wedding checklist. Ask yourself:
- What type of setting or region do I want to get married in?
- How much am I comfortable spending?
- Which details are most important to me for the big day?
Not all locations around the world offer all-inclusive wedding packages. For example, you will find less all-inclusive resorts in Hawaii, than you will in international destinations like Mexico and the Caribbean. If you are set on a certain destination, be sure to consult with a Destination Wedding Specialist who is knowledgeable in this area, and who can confirm if and which packages are available to you. If you know you want to get married in a certain setting—for example, somewhere warm and tropical—your Specialist can help you find where the most affordable all-inclusive beach wedding packages are.
Now, when it comes to costs and budget, choosing an all-inclusive wedding package is usually a no brainer. With everything lumped into one price, you are able to know the full cost of your wedding ahead of time—meaning there is less risk of overspending or being surprised by hidden fees. You can also expect to spend less on an all-inclusive destination wedding. According to our recent cost guide, destination wedding couples typically save more than $20,000 in total, compared to couples who get married close to home.
Despite the cost savings, some couples worry that choosing a wedding package – let alone, an all-inclusive wedding package – means there will be less room for customization. However, this is not always the case. Most all-inclusive resorts understand that the finer details (such as the flowers, colors, menu, and music) are extremely important to couples. That is why, despite popular belief, most destination wedding packages can be personalized (and fine-tuned) to meet a couple's needs.
All-Inclusive Destination Wedding Details
As a couple, you know which details are most important for you to have on your big day. Do you wish to have a certain flower, or live music during the ceremony? It can help to create a checklist of these wishes ahead of time, to share with your Destination Wedding Specialist and Venue Coordinator before choosing the right package for you. Typically, all-inclusive wedding packages will include:
- The ceremony venue with simple décor
- Chairs and table linens
- Floral arrangements including a bouquet and boutonniere
- Music for the ceremony
- A champagne or sparkling wine toast
- Semi-private reception venue, such as a restaurant on the resort grounds
- Catering and bar service
- Romantic touches for the wedding couple, such as late check-out, a complimentary room upgrade, couple’s massages, or even a candlelit dinner on the beach
- Complimentary honeymoon stay
With a traditional wedding, all these details would usually constitute separate expenses. But with an all-inclusive destination wedding package, couples can save thousands of dollars (on top of dozens of hours that would otherwise be spent booking these services!) by bundling them into one. And if something on your “must-have” list is not included in the resort’s basic wedding package, don’t worry - You can work with your Resort Coordinator to add it on. For example, you can upgrade a DJ to a live band, or add extra flair to your wedding décor (tiki torches, anyone?) for an additional cost. Keep in mind that some resorts offer more luxuries and amenities for wedding guests than others, so it’s important to read the fine print or speak to the resort’s wedding coordinator before booking.