Choosing the Right Wedding Package: All-Inclusive vs. Partial-Inclusive vs. DIY Weddings

Choosing the Right Wedding Package: All-Inclusive vs. Partial-Inclusive vs. DIY Weddings

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Why Your Wedding Package Choice Matters

Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting times in your life—but it’s also one of the most important financial and emotional decisions you’ll make. From choosing your dream venue to selecting your caterer, décor, and entertainment, every detail plays a part in how your big day comes together. One of the first—and most impactful—decisions you’ll face is which type of wedding package best fits your needs and budget.

Your wedding package determines more than just pricing. It influences how much time you’ll spend planning, how involved you’ll need to be in logistics, and even how stress-free your wedding day will feel. Whether you prefer a hands-off experience where professionals handle every detail or a more customized approach where you make key decisions yourself, understanding your options will help you design the celebration that fits your vision, personality, and priorities.

At Hilton Farms, we specialize in helping couples choose between all-inclusive, partial-inclusive, and DIY wedding packages—three distinct planning styles that each offer unique benefits. The key is finding the perfect balance between convenience, creativity, and cost.

All-Inclusive vs. Partial-Inclusive vs. DIY Wedding Packages | Hilton Farms Weddings

Understanding the Three Main Wedding Package Types

All-Inclusive Wedding Packages

An all-inclusive wedding package is designed for couples who want a seamless, stress-free experience from start to finish. These packages typically include everything you need for your wedding day—venue rental, catering, bar service, DJ or entertainment, floral arrangements, cake, coordination, setup, and cleanup.

At Hilton Farms in Kentucky, our all-inclusive packages provide the ultimate convenience, allowing you to simply show up and enjoy your day knowing that every detail has been handled by professionals who know your venue inside and out.

Pros of All-Inclusive Packages:

• Stress-free planning: Your venue manages all major vendors and logistics.

• Simplified budgeting: Everything is bundled into one contract, avoiding surprise costs.

• Professional vendor team: Everyone involved is familiar with the venue and each other, ensuring a smooth flow of events.

• Expert coordination: Dedicated staff help you make confident, stress-free decisions.

Cons of All-Inclusive Packages:

• Less flexibility: Some venues limit outside vendors.

• Preset options: Décor or menu selections may follow existing templates.

• Higher upfront cost: While convenient, these packages may appear pricier—though often they save money long-term by including rentals and services.

All-inclusive packages are perfect for busy couples, out-of-town weddings, or anyone who wants to focus on celebrating instead of managing logistics.

Partial-Inclusive Wedding Packages

A partial-inclusive wedding package is the perfect blend of structure and freedom. It provides the core essentials—such as the venue, setup and teardown, and sometimes catering or entertainment—while allowing you to customize the rest with vendors of your choice.

This model gives you the peace of mind of having major services handled while still giving you creative control over certain elements like photography, florals, or desserts.

Pros of Partial-Inclusive Packages:

• Balanced approach: Enjoy convenience and control.

• Flexible pricing: Choose what to include or exclude based on your budget.

• Personalization: Handpick vendors that fit your style.

• Professional support: The venue staff assists with logistics and setup, easing your workload.

Cons of Partial-Inclusive Packages:

• Some coordination required: You’ll still need to manage communication between your chosen vendors and the venue.

• Varied pricing: Final costs depend on your selected services.

• Vendor compatibility: Outside vendors may need extra time to learn the venue’s layout and rules.

Partial-inclusive packages are a great fit for couples who enjoy planning but don’t want to do it all. You’ll have guidance where you need it—and freedom where you want it.

DIY Wedding Packages

A DIY wedding package (do-it-yourself) gives you total creative freedom. In this model, the venue provides access to the space and basic amenities (like tables, chairs, and restrooms), and you bring in your own vendors.

DIY packages are ideal for couples with a clear vision who love the planning process and want to personalize every detail of their big day.

Pros of DIY Packages:

• Complete creative control: You choose every vendor and design detail.

• Budget flexibility: You can find your own deals or DIY décor to save money.

• Unique personalization: Perfect for couples who want a one-of-a-kind wedding experience.

Cons of DIY Packages:

• Time-intensive: Expect to spend many hours coordinating vendors and logistics.

• Higher stress level: You’ll manage contracts, timelines, and setup yourself.

• Hidden costs: Rentals, delivery fees, and last-minute needs can add up quickly.

• Insurance requirements: Venues (including Hilton Farms) require all vendors to carry a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for protection and safety.

DIY weddings can be magical and deeply personal, but they’re best suited for organized couples or those hiring a professional coordinator to manage the details.

Learn the difference between all-inclusive, partial-inclusive, and DIY wedding packages to find the perfect fit for your vision, style, and budget at Hilton Farms.

How to Choose What Fits Your Vision and Budget

When choosing your wedding package, think about your priorities.

• Do you want to minimize stress and let professionals handle the details?
  → Go with All-Inclusive.

• Do you love some involvement but want support where it matters most?
  → Choose Partial-Inclusive.

• Do you thrive on creativity and hands-on planning?
  → A DIY package might be your dream setup.

It’s also important to consider your budget early on. All-inclusive packages might seem more expensive at first glance, but when you add up the individual costs of rentals, catering, entertainment, and staffing, they often provide the most value. Partial-inclusive options offer flexibility for couples who want to customize their day while managing costs, while DIY packages give you control—but require a lot more time and effort to execute smoothly.

Plan Your Dream Wedding at Hilton Farms

At Hilton Farms, we understand that no two weddings are the same. That’s why we offer all-inclusive, partial-inclusive, and DIY packages—so every couple can find the perfect balance between vision, convenience, and cost.

Whether you dream of a fully planned, all-in-one celebration or a personalized, hands-on experience, our team is here to bring your vision to life. Our beautiful property provides the ideal backdrop for any style of wedding—from elegant and classic to rustic and romantic.

Ready to start planning?
Schedule a private tour to explore each package in more detail. Let us help you create an unforgettable celebration that perfectly fits your love story—and your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wedding Packages

What’s included in an all-inclusive wedding package?
Most all-inclusive packages include the venue, catering, DJ, bar service, coordination, setup, and cleanup. Some may also include florals, cake, and photography options.

Can I bring my own vendors for a partial or DIY wedding?
Yes! Hilton Farms allows approved outside vendors for partial and DIY packages, as long as they carry the required Certificate of Insurance (COI).

When should I book my wedding venue?
We recommend booking at least 12–18 months in advance, especially for popular dates during spring and fall.