By Grecia Mejía, lead wedding planner at Sertuin Events
All-inclusive resort
The strongest advantage is convenience. Guests can stay where the wedding takes place, food and beverages are available on property and the wedding meal is often priced lower than a completely separate restaurant event, although it normally carries an additional charge. For large celebrations of more than 100 guests, a resort can simplify lodging, meeting spaces and group movement.
The tradeoff is outside-vendor control. Many all-inclusive resorts charge fees for external photographers, coordinators, makeup artists, decorators and other professionals. They may not prohibit those providers directly, but the added fees can materially change the budget.
What private venue means
A private venue can be a villa, a private beach or a restaurant; it is not a hotel. A villa usually allows broad freedom to select providers and customize the event. A wedding-focused restaurant normally includes essential facilities in its venue fee and may have preferred vendors, but outside costs are often lower than at an all-inclusive resort.
Choose by guest count
For a wedding under about 50 guests, a private venue is often the strongest recommendation. A private beach can be ideal for a ceremony, while a villa or restaurant can support the celebration. Between 50 and 100 guests, a restaurant experienced in weddings can work very well. Beyond 100, an all-inclusive resort often becomes more practical.
Look beyond the venue fee
Compare food, transportation, lodging distribution, vendor access, rain alternatives, setup time and what the quoted venue fee actually includes. If guests stay in different hotels, logistics become more complex, but a local planning team can coordinate the movement.
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