We don’t have to tell you how stressful wedding planning is. Between catering, flowers, the guest list, and choosing a venue, it’s almost enough to make you say, “I don’t.”
And that’s even before you start getting into the details of pricing. It adds up quickly: a fee here, a service charge there, and before you know it, you’ve blown your budget.
Wouldn’t it be so much better if you could get one flat, clear price with everything included? With an all-inclusive wedding package, you can!
Read on to get the lowdown on all-inclusive wedding packages in Philadelphia, including must-have items and common hidden fees to watch out for.
What Does “All-Inclusive” Truly Mean?
Planning a wedding means learning a lot of new terms, and “all-inclusive” is certainly among them. So what exactly does it mean for a wedding package to be “all-inclusive”?
Single Contract, Fixed Price: The Solution to Your Budget Anxiety
The defining feature of an all-inclusive wedding package is that you pay a fixed, upfront price that includes all the things you need to make your big day a success (space rental, decor, centerpieces, catering, bar service, etc.).
Contrast this with the typical wedding planning process, where everything you want from the venue is charged individually, and where the price of some items isn’t clear upfront.
Of course, each venue will have its own definition of “all-inclusive”, which we’ll discuss more in a bit. But generally speaking, an all-inclusive package can help you know exactly what you’ll need to budget for the wedding of your dreams…without having to worry that the venue will nickel and dime you for every little thing.
The Tiers of Inclusion: Defining “Full-Service” vs. “Venue + Catering Only”
When you imagine an all-inclusive wedding package, you’re likely thinking of one that’s “full-service”, handling everything from flowers to cocktail hour.
But it’s important to note that not every “all-inclusive” package is totally comprehensive. At some venues, you may have the option to choose an “all-inclusive” package that only includes the space rental and catering service. Which is to say, you’ll need to provide (and pay for) everything else separately.
For couples who have a very specific vision and want to be hands-on with each detail of the planning process, a venue + catering package can make sense. But if your goal is to be more hands-off, a full-service package is the way to go.
The Major Benefit: Less Work and More Peace of Mind
When all is said and done, a full-service, all-inclusive wedding package offers two major benefits.
First, it greatly simplifies the logistics and planning process. If you’re worried that planning your wedding is going to turn into a second full-time job, an all-inclusive package can save you time and stress.
Second, going all-inclusive means clear, upfront pricing. This removes a lot of anxiety from the process, as you can accurately budget for your big day.
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The All-Inclusive Wedding Package Checklist: 8 Must-Haves
Now that you know the advantages of all-inclusive wedding packages, it’s time to start researching and comparing venue options. This is an important time to reiterate: every venue has its own definition of “all-inclusive”. So as you’re doing your research, be sure to look for the following must-haves.
1. Venue & Rental Essentials
Let’s start with the basics:
- Access to the space for the duration of the reception and/or ceremony
- Tables
- Cushioned, comfortable chairs
- Linens
- Dishes and flatware
Most all-inclusive packages will include these items, but it never hurts to double-check. Be sure to ask about the quality of the linens, dishes, and flatware, as some venues may upcharge for more premium options.
Additionally, ask if the venue charges a “site fee” or “room rental fee”; this fee is often waived if you meet the venue’s guest minimum.
2. Complete Catering & Bar Service
One of the major perks of going all-inclusive is having the venue take care of all catering and bar service. It eliminates the headache of coordinating outside vendors while also saving you money.
Generally, an all-inclusive package will provide you with various food and bar options to choose from. Depending on the venue, these could be as simple as grilled chicken and roast potatoes or as luxurious as filet mignon and lobster. Be aware that you may have to pay extra for things like premium spirits or specialty dishes.
3. Staffing & Service
Arranging staffing and service can be extremely complicated and expensive, which is yet another reason to choose a full-service, all-inclusive package. A high-quality venue will provide professional wait staff, bartenders, and a dedicated banquet manager or maitre d’.
4. Day-of Coordination
On the morning before your wedding, logistics are the last thing you have time for. So be sure to check that your venue provides a day-of coordinator. This professional is in charge of making everything run smoothly, coordinating vendor arrivals, timelines, and all the logistics necessary to make your wedding a toast-worthy success.
5. Standard Decor & Centerpieces
A wedding reception with blank chairs and tables would be rather drab, so now it’s time to talk about decor.
An all-inclusive package should provide a few in-house options for decorations, centerpieces, and lighting. If you want to customize things further, or would like more premium options, you may need to pay extra.
This is an area where it pays to ask specific questions about what exactly the venue offers as part of the all-inclusive package, in order to avoid decor that isn’t to your taste.
6. Ceremony Space
If you’re planning to have your ceremony at a separate venue from your reception, feel free to skip this section.
But if you want to have your reception and ceremony at the same location, you should check if the package includes a ceremony. In most cases, a ceremony space (and any related amenities such as refreshments) will cost extra. Many venues offer a ceremony package that you can add to the main all-inclusive package.
7. All Taxes, Gratuities, and Service Charges
It’s easy to get so excited planning the catering and place settings that you forget about the behind-the-scenes costs: taxes on food and beverages, gratuities for bartenders and wait staff, and service charges for things like setup and teardown.
These costs can add up very quickly, so ask the venue if they’re included in the package.
8. Complimentary Amenities
The right amenities can take a wedding from special to spectacular. And, on a more practical level, they can do a lot to increase comfort and enjoyment for you and your guests.
Here are a few amenities to ask about when you’re comparing all-inclusive packages:
- Bridal suite access
- Coat check
- Parking/valet service
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Common Exclusions & Hidden Fees to Watch Out For
If there’s one piece of advice we can give about all-inclusive wedding packages, it’s this: don’t assume it’s included. If you’re unsure about something, ask the venue. With that in mind, here are some common exclusions and hidden fees that surprise many couples.
The Service Charge vs. Gratuity Trap
When reading the fine print for your wedding contract, check if the price includes both service charges and gratuities.
These two terms may sound interchangeable. And for some venues, they do mean the same thing. But in many cases, they are distinct costs.
The meaning of a gratuity is straightforward: it compensates bartenders and servers for all their hard work.
A service charge, however, is often less clear. Venues will often charge separate service fees to cover things that fall outside of waiting and bartending. A classic example is a service fee for setting up and taking down chairs, tables, and decorations.
In sum, the question to ask the venue is: “Does this package include both service charges and gratuities?”
Guest Minimums and Vendor Meals
When you’re selecting the catering for your wedding, the pricing guide will show a per-person price. What many venues won’t tell you, however, is that there may be a minimum overall price you have to pay regardless of your final guest count.
For instance, let’s say the venue has a 150-guest minimum. Even if only 120 guests RSVP for your wedding, you’ll still have to pay that per-person price for 150 guests.
You should also watch out for the cost of vendor meals. All the staff who work hard to make your wedding a success have to eat, too, and you’ll be expected to cover the cost. The price of vendor meals varies based on the venue, but you should always ask if it’s included in your package.
Rental Upgrades
Just because a package is all-inclusive, that doesn’t mean it’s automatically luxurious. Items like premium linens, chairs, or specialty lighting often cost extra.
Time and Overtime Fees
It may seem like a minor detail, but the venue cares very much about how long you and your guests spend on-site. Your wedding contract should clearly state how much time is included for everything to occur, from the moment you arrive to the final send-off.
If you exceed the allotted time, you should expect to pay extra. So be realistic about how long you want your ceremony, reception, and other festivities to last. It’s better to pay for extra time upfront than to be asked to leave when the party is still going.
Band or DJ
Unless they state otherwise, most venues will expect you to provide your own entertainment. Some may offer a DJ, but this is typically not part of the all-inclusive package.
Spring Mill Manor: Our All-Inclusive Approach to Philadelphia Weddings
We’ve covered the ins and outs of all-inclusive wedding packages, including how they don’t always live up to the expectations of couples who want luxury and elegance.
So now, let us give you a taste of what a truly premium, all-inclusive wedding package can be. For couples who demand nothing but the best, Spring Mill Manor delivers.
Luxury Included
When you choose Spring Mill Manor, premium is the standard. Our all-inclusive packages give you and your guests a top-shelf open bar, floor-length estate table linens, gold Chiavari chairs, and white-gloved wait staff.
You’ll also get to choose from a wide selection of butlered hors d’oeuvres, stunning appetizer stations, delectable main courses, and a grand dessert station—all prepared and presented flawlessly by our expert culinary team.
Flexible Packages
When you’re hosting a grand wedding, you deserve the luxury of choice. That’s why our wedding packages are highly customizable and flexible.
Delight your guests with signature cocktails from our curated list, choose multi-course or family-style dining, and add enhancements like late-night breakfast or a sparkler send off.
A True Partner
At Spring Mill Manor, we’re committed to making your wedding day magical, elegant, and unforgettable. Hosting your wedding with us means working with a true partner every step of the way. Our packages include a dedicated event management team that will help you bring your wedding dreams to life.
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Making the Smartest Choice for Your Wedding Day
For couples who value peace of mind and financial predictability, an all-inclusive wedding package is a shrewd move. Avoid the unpleasant surprise of hidden fees or the stress of coordinating vendors and focus on what matters: planning a wedding that’s as beautiful as the love you both share.
Frequently Asked Questions About All-Inclusive Wedding Packages
What is typically not included in an all-inclusive wedding package?
Every venue is different, but an all-inclusive wedding package typically doesn’t include entertainment, vendor meals, custom decor, gratuities, service fees, and taxes.
How does an all-inclusive package save money compared to an à la carte wedding?
An all-inclusive package can save you money compared to an à la carte wedding because the venue handles everything and can typically get more competitive rates on vendors than you would alone. All the costs that arise when coordinating vendors and planning each aspect of the wedding can often exceed the price of an all-inclusive package.
Do all-inclusive wedding venues allow for customization of the menu or decor?
Generally speaking, yes, but it depends on your desired degree of customization. Since all-inclusive packages require you to use the venue’s catering and decor vendors, you may not be able to customize every detail. But you should still have a decent amount of latitude to customize things to meet your dream wedding vision.
What is the difference between a “service charge” and “gratuity” in a wedding contract?
The ultimate answer to this question depends on the venue’s specific policies. Generally speaking, a service charge is a fee that covers the venue’s costs, such as setup, administrative tasks, and cleanup. A gratuity, meanwhile, is a tip for the staff working the wedding (bartenders, servers, etc.).
It’s important to read the details of your wedding contract carefully, as the gratuity may or may not be included in the service charge. If the gratuity isn’t included, be sure to budget for it as part of your wedding planning process.
