'Wedding package' means three completely different things depending on who's selling it. Here's what's actually included in each type, what's almost always hidden, and how to compare quotes without getting played.

The three package types

1. All-inclusive (venue + catering + bar + basics)

The venue runs everything: rental, food, bar, tables, linens, sometimes officiant and DJ. Per-guest pricing, usually $185–$425/guest in 2026 depending on city. Best for couples who want fewer decisions.

What's usually NOT included: photography, florals beyond centerpieces, hair/makeup, attire, rehearsal dinner, gratuity (often 20–22% added), service charge (another 18–24%), tax.

2. Partial / venue + catering only

Venue rental plus in-house or preferred-list catering. You bring everything else. Common at hotels, restaurants, and historic venues. $9,000–$45,000 base + per-guest catering.

3. A la carte / blank-slate venue

Pure venue rental, you build the entire vendor team. Warehouses, parks, private estates, museums. Highest ceiling on creativity, highest planning load. $4,000–$25,000 venue + every other line item.

Real package pricing by city (100–125 guests, 2026)

Chicago wedding packages: $32,000–$78,000 all-inclusive at downtown loft and rooftop venues. See Chicago venues.
Nashville wedding packages: $24,000–$58,000 at barn, downtown, and historic venues. See Nashville venues.
San Diego packages: $34,000–$82,000, beachside premium. See San Diego venues.
Minneapolis packages: $22,000–$54,000. See Minneapolis venues.
Indianapolis packages: $19,000–$46,000. See Indianapolis venues.
Birmingham AL packages: $17,000–$42,000. See Birmingham venues.
Salt Lake City packages: $18,000–$44,000. See SLC venues.
San Francisco packages: $48,000–$110,000. See SF venues.
Anchorage wedding dinner venues: $14,000–$38,000. See Anchorage venues.

The "starting at" trap

A package listed at "starting at $14,995" almost always means: lowest off-season weekday, lowest guest count tier (often 50), no upgrades, no service charge or gratuity included. Add 35–55% to "starting at" to get your real total.

Questions to ask before signing any package

Is service charge included in the listed price, or added on top? (Most: added — 18–24%.)
Is gratuity included or expected separately? (Most: separate — 18–22%.)
What's the minimum spend on our actual date, not the brochure date?
What upgrades are most couples adding to this package? (Get a real average.)
If we bring our own photographer/florist/DJ, what's the package discount?
What's the cancellation policy and refund schedule?

When all-inclusive is the right call

You have less than 9 months to plan.
You're planning from out of town.
You'd rather pay 10–15% more to make 60% fewer decisions.

When to build a la carte

You have a specific aesthetic the venue's preferred list can't deliver.
You want to negotiate every line item.
You have 12+ months and either a planner or strong project-management skills.

Track your package quotes side-by-side

Wedding Planner Central stores every venue quote with all-in cost, F&B minimum, service charge, and what's hidden — so you compare apples-to-apples. Free to start.

Wedding packages explained