Value of Inclusive Packages?

Anyone have an idea just HOW MUCH a better deal the inclusive package deals are vs. just putting together your own vendors? Is it more of a convenience factor or is there real savings to be had?

I've looked at several places that have packages (ie: douglaston manor, ariana waterfall, etc) and the cheapest seem to cost around 10k-12k (im assuming for off peak times/days), and I assume these do not include tax and tip. (However on the Arianastudios website, they offer a complete package @ DM for ~17k inclusive of tax and tip with no date restrictions noted.. but I haven't called to confirm this yet).

Anyway, for those experienced in this, how much should I expect to value basic flowers/invitations/photo/video/DJ/Limo(3hrs) services at?

I'm at the VERY early stages of planning my wedding , so much so that we don't even have a date in mind.. just within the next 18 months. Hopefully this flexibility will allow some room for negotiating a good rate. (and I'm a groom.. not a bride.. hope that is ok )

Looking forward to learn from the collective wisdom of this board!

I think it is all up to you and your budget and what you are happy with! I would definetly check out the cost of upgrading things such as flowers or music just in case you don't like what they offer....
I thought about the packages but then decided I really wanted the flexibility to choose what I liked. I wasn't comfortable letting them choose the dj and whatnot for me. If this isn't an issue for you then def. go for it!

But before you do, I would check out vendors and other RH's too so you can see the price differences and make up your mind based on what you love & your budget!

Good Luck!

I am getting married at Douglaston Manor, but not using any of their vendors. I do NOT recommend Ariana- my sister used them for her wedding and did not have a good experience- FM me for more info. I DO recommend Douglaston though....and you're not really saving THAT much by using their vendors- Douglaston can work with you on your price per person. My banquet manager is Thomas and he's been great. good luck and happy planning!

When looking and searching for my wedding venue I found that the problem with the inclusive packages were that first off you have to use their vendors. What if you dont like their vendors or the work they do? Or if you don't like who the people are, you are not comfortable with them? Then what. I also found that for what I wanted I needed to do alot of upgrading which worked out to the same price if I would just go and do everything seprately. I just found that their were too many boudaries being put on my day and I wanted.