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Planning a wedding in Denver brings with it a myriad of choices, but one of the most crucial decisions you’ll make is selecting the right style of wedding. There are two primary approaches: a la carte and all-inclusive weddings.
Understanding these options is key to creating a celebration that aligns with your vision, budget, and personal preferences. Our team at SKYLIGHT breaks down the pros and cons of both styles of wedding.
What is an A La Carte Wedding?
An a la carte wedding offers couples the flexibility to pick and choose every detail of their special day. From selecting the venue to hiring vendors for catering, photography, and decor, this approach allows you to customize each aspect according to your unique tastes. This style is perfect for couples who want to personalize every element of their wedding and have the time and resources to manage the planning process.
What is an All-Inclusive Wedding?
On the other hand, an all-inclusive wedding provides a one-stop-shop experience where the venue offers a comprehensive package that includes most, if not all, of the essential services. These packages often cover catering, decor, entertainment, and sometimes even photography. This approach is ideal for couples who prefer convenience and simplicity, allowing them to focus more on enjoying the day rather than getting bogged down in the details.
Choosing the right option depends on your vision for the day, how much control you want over the details, and your budget. Understanding the pros and cons of each can help you make an informed decision that best suits your Denver wedding.
Pros & Cons of an A La Carte Wedding
A la carte weddings provide an unparalleled level of customization, but they also come with their own set of challenges. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Complete Customization: You have full control over every aspect of your wedding, from the catering menu to the color scheme.
- Flexibility with Vendors: You can handpick each vendor, ensuring they align perfectly with your vision and budget.
- Unique Experience: By tailoring every detail, your wedding will be a one-of-a-kind event that reflects your personality and style.
- Budget Control: You can allocate your budget as you see fit, prioritizing certain aspects while cutting back on others.
- Potential for Higher Quality: With the ability to select top-tier vendors, you can ensure the quality of each service.
Cons:
- Time-Consuming: Planning an a la carte wedding requires significant time and effort, as you’ll need to coordinate with multiple vendors.
- Higher Stress Levels: With more decisions to make and details to manage, this approach can be more stressful for couples.
While an a la carte wedding demands more involvement, the reward is a completely personalized celebration that truly represents your love story.
Pros & Cons of an All-Inclusive Wedding
All-inclusive weddings simplify the planning process but may come with some trade-offs. Here’s a breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
- Convenience: Everything is included in one package, making the planning process much more straightforward.
- Time-Saving: With most services bundled, you’ll save time that would otherwise be spent researching and coordinating with vendors.
Cons:
- Limited Customization: While convenient, these packages may limit your ability to personalize your wedding fully.
- Less Control Over Quality: You may have to compromise on the quality of certain services, as not all vendors within the package may meet your expectations.
- Potential for Hidden Costs: Some all-inclusive packages may seem cost-effective initially but can have hidden fees, minimums, or extra charges for additional services.
An all-inclusive wedding is ideal for couples who prioritize convenience and simplicity but may not suit those who want complete control over every detail.
A La Carte vs. All-Inclusive: Comparing the Cost
One of the most common questions couples ask is how these two wedding styles compare in terms of cost. The answer depends largely on your choices.
A La Carte Costs:
- Venue Rental: You can choose from a variety of venues in Denver, ranging from industrial-chic spaces like SKYLIGHT to rustic barns in the nearby mountains. The cost will depend on the venue’s location, size, and popularity.
- Catering Services: With an a la carte wedding, you can select a caterer that matches your culinary tastes and budget, from local farm-to-table options to gourmet food trucks.
- Decorations: You have the freedom to invest in bespoke decorations that align with your theme, whether it’s a romantic garden setting or a modern urban vibe.
- Entertainment: You can choose the entertainment that best suits your crowd, be it a live band, DJ, or even a string quartet for an elegant touch.
All-Inclusive Costs:
All-inclusive packages often appear more cost-effective upfront because they bundle several services together. However, you might find that the quality or selection within the package doesn’t meet your expectations. While you may save on individual costs, you could be sacrificing the personal touch that makes your wedding unique.
How Much Planning is Required?
Another critical factor to consider is the amount of planning involved with each wedding style.
A La Carte:
Planning an a la carte wedding requires a significant time commitment. You’ll need to research, contact, and coordinate with each vendor, manage contracts, and ensure all the details align with your vision. While this approach gives you full control, it also demands a high level of organization and dedication.
All-Inclusive:
All-inclusive weddings significantly reduce the planning workload. Most of the decisions are made for you, allowing you to focus on the fun aspects, like dress shopping or planning your honeymoon. However, if you’re particular about details, you might find the lack of flexibility frustrating.
For couples who want the best of both worlds—customization with less stress—SKYLIGHT offers a hybrid approach with their 828 Planning services. This option provides expert guidance while allowing you to maintain control over the key aspects of your day.
Why SKYLIGHT in Denver Loves A La Carte Weddings
At SKYLIGHT, we believe that every wedding should be as unique as the couple it celebrates. That’s why we offer a la carte weddings. This approach allows you to create a day that is truly reflective of your style, personality, and love story.
Located in the heart of Denver’s Santa Fe Arts District, SKYLIGHT offers a versatile space that can be transformed to match any wedding theme. Whether you envision a chic urban celebration or a romantic, intimate gathering, our venue provides the perfect backdrop.
Our team is passionate about helping you bring your vision to life. We work closely with some of Denver’s top vendors, ensuring that every aspect of your wedding is of the highest quality. Plus, with our flexible event space and in-house planning services, you can design your wedding layout to suit your needs, whether that’s a cozy ceremony setup or a lively reception area.
As one of our couples, Mike and Megan, shared, “The blank slate of the venue really gave us power to create decorations that represented ourselves. We are so grateful to the entire SKYLIGHT team for making our wedding dreams come true!”
Ready to Plan Your Dream Denver Wedding?
At SKYLIGHT, we’re here to help you create a wedding that’s as unique as your love story. Whether you choose an a la carte or all-inclusive approach, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to start planning your perfect Denver wedding.
