"One Stop Shop" companies

Phillyboy06

Ok Ladies.  So that I leave NO stone unturned here.....

Wedding on the mind each and every day and we are over a year away!!!! :-) Am I REALLY the typical guy?  LOL!!!  Since we don't have a venue or ANY vendors picked out yet, I need to do my due diligence here.  In an earlier thread I mentioned about Beach Ball Events/11th Hour.  Do any of you know if there are other companies in the OBX like this?  I'm not saying that they are "better" or "worse" than picking out each and every vendor ala carte.  This thread is basically asking if there are any more.  I don't want to leave any option not visited, and we have Sanderling, Whalehead Club and Beach Ball/Mallards Marsh on our venue visit schedule in a few weeks.  I know the "Budleigh Crew" will hype up Budleigh.  There is the "Aquarium Crew", and "the Event House Crew".  I think event house is too much for what we want.  Are there other options?  I mean, sure, there are TONS, but are there other "all in one" companies in the OBX?

Also, do you know if any of the vendors might "partner" with each other for deeper discounts?  Meaning, would a photog and say DJ combine for a package deal price?  Not necessarily the same person/company but two different people/compaines.  Not trying to be "chinzy" here, but saving money and getting what you want is the name of the game right? 

Thanks in advance ladies!!! 

rebecca2929

Philly-I just posted a response to your question about the one stop shops on my thread "I'm back Ladies!" 

I haven't seen any other one stop shop companies out there but I think The Hampton Inn in Kitty Hawk kind of does that.  The venue and food are included.  You could also check out 1587 Restaurant.  They cater and is built in to a hotel but can't remember the name of it.  I THINK they offer some kind of deal.  You might want to check into other hotels and venues out there as they may offer package deals.  I tried to research other companies while I was planning for one stop shops but came up with no result other that the two already mentioned.  Budleigh, IMO, is beautiful but outrageously priced.  My wedding was at the Aquarium and I loved it but also a little expensive, we booked it during the day which is how we were able to save money.  Event homes seem to be the best way to go when you first start planning but when you start adding up rentals for tents, dinnerware, glasses etc. it really tacks on the $$. 

Planning a wedding is a tough process, one that I hope I never have to do again.  Many stressful nights, tears and arguments.  I wish my husband had cared as much about it as you do.  He just wanted to get married and do it as cheap as possible.  

rebecca2929

My bad...it's the Hilton Pier House not the Hampton.

eeforbes

You could maybe try out some restaurants?  We are having ours at Aqua S.  Or maybe some other places - I think Outerbanks Brewing Station does weddings also, and depending how small you are thinking most of the places will accomodate you!

jendem8

Eek, I don't think $2,000-$3,000 is outrageous for a large space that allows you to get your own food/alcohol and lets you do whatever you want from 7am-12am... just sayin.  It might not be within everyone's budget, but outrageous?

I think the venues that make you use their catering services often become way more expensive.  One place down in the OBX  (can't remember which) wanted to charge $4 per bottle of COORS LIGHT!  The venues that have cheaper room rates, in my opinion, make up for it by gauging you on food/liquor.

As I mentioned in another post, if you're talking about a tight budget, you can still find other venues besides the all-in-ones and do everything yourself and stay within your budget, if you have the time.

I haven't heard of other  "one stop shop" places, except for the ones you have mentioned.  Artz Music and Photography combines those two things; Argyles does food and cakes; some florists will serve as "day of coordinators" (I know many girls talk about Sugar Snaps)... so if you do your research, you can definitely find deals here and there.

Krhoy20

Of course I am going to sway towards Event Homes Yes, you have an additional cost on top of the rental of the home($1000 w/ Village Realty) but that's about what you would spend to rent a venue. Using an Event Home, you do get to pick ALL your vendors and can cut costs that way. To help us cut some cost, we are making our own appetizers for the reception...since everything is right there! Also, you really don't have to do too much decorating as the homes are already beautiful, and you have the ocean/sound views(if you choose).
It will be a llittle more work for the bride, groom, and families to get everything together since you are the "planner"(unless you hire someone).
I don't like the idea of one stop shops, simply because you are locked in to whatever they choose for you
Again, its all personal preference.

jendem8

@Philly, found this website while researching.  It has many different packages.  Not sure what kind of work they do, but it might be worth looking into:
http://www.outerbanksweddingservice.com/

[Deleted User]

Just so you leave no stone unturned....

Have you considered any of these?

1. Restaurants (Tale of the Whale, Aqua S, Port O Call, The Pearl, etc)
2. Hotels (Hampton - Corolla, Hilton-Kitty Hawk, Ramada-Kill Devil Hills)
3. Adrianna's- I think this might be a restaurant too (If I remember correctly, I think package prices include everything from linens, DJ, cake, and catering to even a day-of coordinator)
4. The Sanderling

Phillyboy06

@Jen Thanks for the website!  Will have to check it out!

@Teach Adrianna's is "sister venue" of Mallards Marsh which we have visit lined up in a few weeks.  We also have venue visit at Sanderling too(Kel's first choice for things)  I personally like the Whalehead Club, so we'll see what/who wins out! LOL!

[Deleted User]

You could also do an event house on the sound side for about half the price of a house on the ocean. FI and I almost did this.

Phillyboy06

@Teach We strongly considered a soundside event house.  Even had one we both fell in love with, "Par Excellence".  Not sure what realty company it's with, but google it and take a look if you have a minute or two.  Gorgeous house, right on the golf course, pool straight out of cribs, etc.  King master suite overlooked one of the holes on the course.(FYI I'm a HUGE golfer).  Just an awesome house.  And the price was right.  Then we contacted the realty company, and they informed us that all of the homes on the Currituck Club will no longer be event houses.  Bummer.......

[Deleted User]

@philly

That place is beautiful! Yeah, definitely a bummer