Planning a destination wedding at an all inclusive resort is a dream for many couples—beautiful scenery, simplified logistics, and a built-in vacation for your guests. However, one aspect that often surprises couples are the additional costs. The wedding dinner, bar, and hors d’oeuvres have extra costs, even at a resort where meals and drinks are included. It can feel confusing, but these costs cover specialized services that ensure your big day is extraordinary. So if you are wondering, “Why do I have to pay for food at my all inclusive resort wedding?” This post is for you. Let’s dive into why these costs exist and how they add value to your once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

How I Help Couples Plan the Perfect Destination Wedding

As a travel and wedding planner specializing in destination weddings, I work closely with couples to ensure their wedding day is exactly how they envision it. From coordinating the perfect venue and managing guest accommodations to handling logistics like flights, private transfers, and exclusive excursions, I guide you through every step of the process. With insights like these, I help couples navigate the intricacies of destination wedding planning, saving them time and eliminating stress. Whether you’re choosing between venues or finalizing wedding day details, I’m here to provide personalized tips and advice to make your destination wedding unforgettable.

One of the questions I’m often asked is “Why do I have to pay for food at my wedding if the resort is all inclusive?” I’m spilling the tea and explaining why below.

Breaking Down the Costs of Your All Inclusive Resort Wedding

Specialized Menu & Additional Staff: The resort kitchen and bar staff will customize your wedding menu. This will give you a private meal experience that differs from the standard options. This often includes additional staffing and ingredients not part of the typical all inclusive package.

Private Event Setup: For weddings, resorts dedicate private venues like beachfronts or garden areas. These events require additional setup, décor, and sometimes outside vendors.

Bar Packages and Premium Liquor: While all inclusive resorts do provide drinks, wedding celebrations are separate from the resort bards. These are private, and often include premium liquors or customized cocktails, which may not be part of the standard offerings.

Memorable Experience: These additional costs ensure that your wedding feels exclusive and tailored to you and your guests. This creates a more intimate and personal experience.

So who pays for this? Don’t worry, your guests aren’t given a bill at the end of your wedding night! You’ll pay for this along with your wedding package. Speaking of which, most wedding packages at all inclusive resort include X number of guests. Let’s say 50 for this example. Then each guest above that is a cost of $75. If you have 54 guests, you’ll pay for the base package plus 4 additional guests. Clear as mud? The great news is, you don’t have to do this alone!

Plan Ahead for a Flawless, Personalized Destination Wedding

As a destination wedding planner, I’m here to guide you through every detail, from understanding these costs to finding the perfect location for your dream day. The extra cost for wedding dinners, bar service, and hors d’oeuvres may seem surprising. However, they’re an essential part of creating a personalized, high-quality event that elevates your wedding beyond the standard resort experience. By understanding these costs and their benefits, you can budget more effectively and avoid unexpected surprises. Together, we can plan a wedding that’s as seamless as it is unforgettable. Schedule a call to start planning with DWD!