May 13th, 2025

All-Inclusive Packages vs. À La Carte Pricing: Which Is Right for You?

Planning a wedding or party involves countless decisions — from venues and menus to themes and decor. One of the earliest (and most important) choices you’ll face is how you want to pay for and structure your event services: Do you opt for the ease of an all-inclusive package, or take the à la carte route and choose each vendor and detail individually?

Let’s break down the pros and cons of each approach so you can decide which path best fits your vision — and your budget.

🏰 ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGES: ONE-STOP SHOPPING & PLANNING 

What It Is:
All-inclusive packages conveniently bundle together multiple services, which might include:

• Venue space rental
• Tables, linens & chairs
• Catering and tableware
• Decor and florals
• Dance floor and/or stage
• Audio-visual equipment & lighting
• Wedding coordination
• Service staff

You pay one price (often tiered based on guest count or service level) and get a turnkey wedding or party solution.

Pros:
✅ Less Stress: With fewer decisions to make and one central point of contact who handles the details, planning becomes easier.
✅ Cost Predictability & Savings: Clear, upfront pricing (usually discounted from equivalent á la carte options) helps with budgeting, meaning fewer surprise expenses.
✅ Vendor Synergy & Experience: The vendor team has worked together before, so logistics and timing tend to flow smoothly.
✅ Time-Saving: Perfect for those with busy schedules or short planning timelines.

Cons:
❌ Less Customization: You may have limited say in vendors, menus, or design options.
❌ One-Size-Fits-All Feel: Packages might not align with your exact vision or personality.

The Venue at Lenoir City’s all-inclusive Party and Wedding Packages range from $74.95-$94.95 per person (for a buffet meal) to $89.95-$109.95 per person (for a plated & served meal). We also offer:

• An Appetizer Party Package for $45 per person;
• a Quinceanera or Sweet 16 Package (not including food) from $30-$35 per person;
• and a Multi-Day Cultural Event Package (not including food) from $25-$40 per person, per day.

🎨 À LA CARTE: BUILD YOUR DAY, YOUR WAY

What It Is:
À la carte pricing means line item pricing and hiring each vendor individually — from venue to florist to caterer — and customizing your entire wedding or party from scratch.

Pros:
✅ Maximum Flexibility: You choose vendors that align with your style, values, and budget.
✅ Creative Control: From menus to decor, every detail is truly you.
✅ Tailored Budgeting: You can splurge in one area (e.g., catering) and save in another (e.g., DIY decor).

Cons:
❌ Time-Intensive: More vendors equals more meetings, contracts, coordination, and follow-up.
❌ Budget Creep: Without a fixed package, small upgrades can quickly add up.
❌Logistics Juggle: Managing separate timelines and contracts can be overwhelming without a planner.

Looking for an idea of what your à la carte wedding or party might cost at The Venue at Lenoir City? Check out our event calculators as a general starting point.

💸 WHICH OPTION IS MORE BUDGET-FRIENDLY?
It depends.

• All-inclusive packages may appear more expensive upfront, but can save money when you consider bundled discounts, reduced labor costs, and minimized rentals.
• À la carte pricing may seem cheaper at first, but hidden costs (setup fees, overtime charges, delivery fees) can stack up.

Those on a tight budget often find that an all-inclusive option gives them more value — especially when it includes big-ticket items like catering and venue.

🧠 HOW TO DECIDE
Ask yourself:

1. How much time do I realistically have for planning? 
2. Am I prioritizing personalization or convenience?
3. Do I have a clear vision — or need guidance?
4. Do I want to be hands-on or hands-off?

📝 FINAL THOUGHTS
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. An all-inclusive package offers peace of mind and simplicity and is ideal for those who want to streamline the process. Roughly 85-90% of our wedding couples opt for an all-inclusive package. À la carte pricing offers ultimate customization, which is perfect for creatives with a strong vision…and the time to execute it.

#planning
​#wedding

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