Post the pros & cons of a DW at an ALL-INCLUSIVE?

I would like to gather all the pros & cons of having a DW in an All-Inclusive resort. It seems like that is a very popular option on this forum even though it's not the only option and in my opinon not necessarily always the best. I'm trying to help my friend decide which way to go but I want to be as objective as possible and help her see both sides so she can choose what's best for her circumstance. Hopefully this will also help other brides on this forum who are undecided.

I got married at Le Meridien in Cancun which is not an all-inclusive and it was absolutely awesome. I have no regrets. I got such personalized service and the coordinator was attentive, helpful and granted my every wish. I didn't have any of the problems I've heard from other brides about unresponsive planners or surcharges for outside vendors/guests. It was a really, really smooth process. I had the wedding of my dreams. My guests didn't even stay at that resort. We stayed somewhere else entirely and it wasn't even an issue. My wedding was very affordable especially for everything I got. Everyone thinks I spent a hundred thousand dollars when in reality it was less than half of what a hometown wedding would cost:)

So, I'm curious why so many DW brides choose to have their weddings at all-inclusive resorts?

I personally don't like all-inclusives for the following reasons:

1. Too many restrictions with vendors
2. Too many 'outside fees'
3. I was afraid that the cost of all inclusive resorts would scare some of my guests away. Sometimes when people see $250 or $300 per person/per night it's a lot scarier than seeing $105 per night. They'll probably end up spending more money on meals anyway but it's all about initial perception.
4. I don't like being restricted to resort meals. I like to go out and explore other restaurants outside of the resort. If I pay for all-inclusive, I just feel like I'm paying double when I go to an outside restaurant.

Why did you choose to have your wedding at an all-inclusive resort??

What do you consider the pros & cons of a wedding in an all-inclusive resort??

Thanks JerseyKitten -

The points you made are exactly the types of feedback I'm looking for:) I always like to see all my options so I can make a really informed decision. I'm hoping that by showing my friend all the pros & cons she can really make an informed decision and not just go with what most people do. Hopefully this info will also help other brides decide on the option that works best for their personal taste.

The resort I chose for my wedding had 8 restaurants & buffets in addition to 4 bars, 3 pools and a ton of other things so people didn't have to leave if they chose. The rate was $105 per night for the room so it was really only $50 per person for two people in a room, or about $35 per person if 3 people were sharing a room.

So it's not necessarily always cheaper to go with the all inclusive option. You got a GREAT rate and I like all-inclusives sometimes but I just want my friend to know that's not the only option.

The other vendor restrictions I was referring to include 'florists', DJ's, photographers, etc.. Sometimes (not always) all-inclusives charge fees or don't even allow you to bring outside vendors at all. Some all inclusives also charge extra for guests who are not staying in the resort.

I'm not knocking all-inclusive resorts with my post - I'm just trying to lay out all the good & bad of both all-inclusives and non-all-inclusives so that brides to be can know all their options:)

Pro: the bar bill! I can't even begin to think what our bar bill would be if our guests were in vacation and wedding mode simultaneously!

Con: people think the wedding is free.