Photography: Lacie Hansen
No bride has ever said that planning a wedding is an easy task. Leading up to your big day, many things will need extra attention and some unfortunate things might happen, making you have to work extra hard to get everything back on track. Having one vendor miss a deadline, for example, can affect the entire plan you've worked on for months. Before you start getting stressed out just thinking about it, let's learn about the two basic options for wedding planning: package deals and à la carte selections.
All-Inclusive Package Deals
Pros
1.You will have less stress during your wedding preparation, as everything will be taken care of. Vendors usually have several packages for different budgets and you just need to choose the one that gives you the best value. Don't forget to follow their guidelines and negotiate on any extras you can get.
2.You're more likely to get the most value with the least money spent. With an all-inclusive package, you will usually get a better deal as you've agreed to accept everything the vendor prepares for you. You can get plenty of services at a fraction of the price compared to booking each service separately.
3.Other than value-for-money benefits, choosing this method will also save you a lot of time. When you happen to have little time to prepare for your wedding, then this arrangement suits you best.
4.This works best for busy couples. When both of you are super busy or simply don't have much time to prepare your wedding after work, opting for a package deal will surely ease your wedding planning woes.
Cons
1.There is not much room for personalization. You might like the package in general but notice that a particular service just doesn't feel right for you. With all-in deals like this, you won't be able to change anything or choose a different vendor. You just need to take what you have, whether you like it or not.
2.There is a chance that your wedding will be exactly the same with other weddings held in the same venue because many couples have also opted for the exact wedding package.
3.It's a good option when you want to save money, but especially if you have a specific wedding theme in mind, it's probably not the best way to have your dream wedding.
À La Carte Weddings
Pros
1.This option enables you to get a more personal wedding. You can have everything done according to your liking and preferences without needing to follow certain rules. As you'll take everything in your own hands, your wedding can fit your personality better, making it more memorable in the end.
2.You can have your wedding anywhere you want. When your dream wedding location is not a hotel, you might find it hard to find an all-inclusive wedding deal. If you want, you can choose unusual venues such as historical buildings, public parks, or museums.
3.Flexibility is absolutely the best advantage for this option. You're free to select your dream wedding vendors and include any service you feel is necessary without facing limitations and penalties.
4.It's a better fit for perfectionists and couples who're willing to spend significantly more time to plan every nuptial detail.
Cons
1.It's costly compared to an all-inclusive package. Since most vendors specialize in one thing, you'll have to pay for each service separately. The special designs you ask for will have a suitable price tag on them.
2.It involves a lot more work, which naturally results in more stress. You have to do everything from the very beginning, from compiling ideas to managing vendors and timelines. You still can ask for a helping hand but still, you're the one responsible for keeping everything on track.
3.As you have to find vendors that suit your criteria, it's certainly more time-consuming compared to getting an all-in package. If you find it hard to do everything on your own, try hiring a professional wedding planner who will be more than happy to assist you in your wedding planning.
See more: The Major Issue in Wedding Planning
