Things to Consider Before Booking an All-Inclusive Wedding Package in the Philippines

Planning a stress-free celebration? Explore all-inclusive wedding packages in the Philippines—from city hotels to beachfront resorts and garden venues. Compare real inclusions at a glance: venue hours, catering menus, styling and florals, lights & sounds, photo-video, HMUA, emcee, and coordination. See what’s net vs plus-plus (service charge + 12% VAT), minimum guaranteed guests, corkage for outside suppliers, and upgrade options for décor, bar, and AV. We also flag practical details couples miss: accredited-supplier rules, overtime fees, power and generator capacity, and Plan B for rain or typhoons. Use our checklist to ask the right questions, spot red flags, and lock fair contracts—so you can book the package that fits your budget, vision, and timeline. Start comparing all-in packages today and turn “yes” into a beautifully managed celebration.

1) Package Coverage & Customization

• What exactly is included in the all-in package (venue hours, ceremony + reception, coordinator, catering/bar, styling/florals, lights & sounds/LED wall, photo-video, HMUA, emcee, cake, bridal car, rooms)?
• Which parts are customizable vs. fixed? Can we swap items (e.g., replace LED wall with extra styling) without penalties?
• Are there tiered packages (Bronze/Silver/Gold)? What changes per tier?
• Do you have upgrade menus for décor, florals, AV, bar, desserts, or VIP service?

2) Pricing, Taxes & Service Charge

• Are your quoted rates net or plus-plus? If plus-plus, what % service charge and 12% VAT apply?
• What fees typically cause overruns (overtime, power, premium styling, special rentals)?
• How long are rates valid? What’s the last date to lock them in writing?

3) Minimums, Headcount & Payment Terms

• What’s the minimum guaranteed guests (MGG)? What happens if we fall below or exceed it?
• When is the final headcount due? Are there attrition allowances or add-on pricing tables?
• How much is the reservation fee/deposit? When is it due? Is it refundable or transferable?
• What are the payment milestones and accepted modes (bank transfer, credit card, installments, partner card promos)?

4) Accredited Suppliers, Corkage & Substitutions

• Do you require accredited caterers/stylists/lights & sounds/photo-video? If we bring our own, what are the corkage fees or waiver options?
• Can corkage be negotiated as a flat fee (e.g., per set of bottles) instead of per-bottle for wine/champagne/spirits?
• Are wines/liquors exempt from corkage or covered by drink packages?
• If a package includes a specific supplier we don’t prefer, what credit do we get if we opt out?

PH context: Venues often push house/accredited suppliers; clarify early to avoid 20–30% corkage surprises or per-bottle fees.

5) Venue Logistics & Inclusions

• How many hours are included for the event, ingress, and egress? What’s the overtime rate and curfew?
• What on-site facilities are included: bridal suite, prep rooms, parking and attendants, power allocation (amps), backup generator?
• Is exclusive-use guaranteed (one event per day)?
• Are rehearsal, prenup shoots, and next-day brunch allowed or charged separately?

6) Weather & Contingency (Critical in PH)

• What’s the Plan B for rain/typhoons for outdoor gardens/beaches—covered areas, indoor rooms, tenting options, flooring, and a timeline switch? Who triggers Plan B and by when?
• Do you have backup power for lights, sound, catering equipment, and AC?
• Are contingency rentals (tents, sidewalls, industrial fans, umbrellas) pre-priced in the contract?

7) Food & Beverage Specifics

• Buffet vs. plated—what’s included (servers ratio, VIP/presidential table service, coffee/tea station, menu cards, kids’ meals, dietary accommodations)?
• Menu tasting: when, how many seats, and is it deductible from the bill?
• Bar options: free-flow vs. consumption, last-pour times, corkage for outside alcohol, glassware and bar staff.

8) Styling, AV & Program

• What décor/styling is standard vs. premium? Can we see photo references for each tier?
• Lights & sounds/AV: package wattage, microphones, tech rehearsal, LED wall specs, and operator hours.
• Program team: is the emcee included; can we choose? Any fee for rehearsal?

9) Coordination & Staffing

• Is an on-the-day coordinator included? What’s their scope, staff count, and call time?
• Are vendor/crew meals included? If not, what’s the per-head rate and how many are required?
• Who is our main contact (planner/banquet coordinator)? How do we communicate during planning and on the day?

10) Rules, Permits & Restrictions

• Curfew, sound limits, fireworks/sparklers rules, pets, and confetti/cleanup—what’s allowed and what permits are needed?
• For beach/island venues: LGU permits, drone rules, sand/grass protection, and tide/swell considerations. Which tasks does the venue handle vs. us?

11) Rooms & Guest Experience

• Are complimentary rooms for the couple/family included? Is late checkout possible?
• Do you offer special rates or room blocks for guests, and are there minimum room-night requirements?
• Parking capacity/fees, accessibility for seniors/PWD, comfort stations, and wayfinding/ushering—what’s covered?

12) Contracts, Changes & Cancellations

• Rescheduling/cancellation terms and timelines—how are fees computed? Is the deposit refundable or transferable?
• Substitution policy if a package supplier is unavailable on our date—who sources replacements and who approves?
• Will all verbal agreements be added to the contract via written addenda?

Red Flags to Watch (PH Context)

• “Net” vs “plus-plus” confusion (service charge + VAT not shown clearly). Ask for a tax & service breakdown on the proposal.
• Hidden corkage for non-accredited suppliers, outside wine/cake/mobile bars—request a written corkage matrix; negotiate where possible.
• No documented Plan B for rainy/typhoon season or no backup generator for outdoor venues.
• Vague MGG/attrition rules or late headcount deadlines—clarify to avoid paying for unused seats or scrambling last-minute.

Pro Tips for Couples

• Compare “venue-only + DIY suppliers” vs. “hotel all-in” side-by-side so you can see where corkage, service charges, and logistics shift.
• During site visits, prioritize: accredited suppliers, corkage list, hours included, and cut-off—these have the biggest budget impact.
• Highlight rainy-season guidance (backup indoor space, tent specs, umbrella stations) when choosing garden/beach venues.