Inexpensive vendor help!

empiregrl5

Hi everyone,
I'm a newbie on the boards, as this is my first post! I got engaged in November and I'm looking to get married next Jan 2014. Right now I am leaning towards having my ceremony and reception at the Lighthouse Point Yacht club, because they have a great package that includes so much. I am having about 75 people and want to keep things under a total budget of about 12000. However, I am having difficulties finding a photographer, Rabbi, DJ, and flowers that are reasonably priced. I've contacted some people that I read about on the boards here, but it seems like a lot of what I read here is already outdated pricing. I just feel like everything is so expensive and it's stressing me out! Help!

sandrakari

Check out Terra Flowers in Miami.  I found them to be the most inexpensive for the quality I was looking for.  My floral centerpieces are very simple, but I did get a very nice bouquet and paid $700 for everything. 11 centerpieces, corsages for the moms, boutonnieres, and my large bouquet.  Hope this helps.

LaMaFa

I would highly recommend our DJ and florist. I had one person set to do my flowers, then 3 weeks before the wedding was suddenly scrambling to find a new one!
Blossom Street Florist totally saved us, she did beautiful work and was willing to work with us to find a price and look we could afford and would be happy with. I loved working with Eileen, just let her know Laura Fallon (Inverrary bride) sent you.
Vision DJs was super awesome to work with, they prepped some custom edits/mixes for us before the wedding (our first dance, father-daughter dance & a special mix for Chris); and the day of our DJ fixed the incorrect lighting color without us asking, he was great about switching songs up to keep people enjoying the party. We had uplighting in addition to 4 hours of reception DJ, music for cocktail hour and an additional set-up with mics for the ceremony, all for a little under $1300. We did get a good deal with them, but since you're looking a year out, they might be able to work with you and/or you can keep an eye for discounts (we booked in late Feb/early March).
Our photographer was incredible, but he raised his prices not long after we booked with him, and he comes up from Miami, so it may or may not be worth it for you. In case you want to take a look: Robert Rios Photography. I'm not Jewish, so I can't help at all there! Hope all that helps!

Mademoiselle D

Not sure what is your budget for photography or flowers but check out Gloria Ruth for photos and Susan Maria from Love the blooms. If Gloria is booked or out of your budget then check out Browntography.

kdjj

I second Gloria Ruth.  Talk to her aobut your budget and needs, she'll work with you. 
Flowers - I received a decent quote from Roccio Flowers.  I was happy with the quote, but decided to do my own floral ordering bulk flowers from Costco. Not sure what to do about a Rabbi.  I'm currently on the hunt for a officiant myself.

ETA - One of my BM used Roccio flowers for her wedding a few years back, he did a great job.

empiregrl5

Thanks for the help! I was thinking about staying under $1000 for a photographer, but that seems impossible to get what I'm looking for, which is like 6-7 hour coverage the day of in 1 location. I'm also considering doing flowers myself, but I'm worried I won't have the time on the day of to start messing with all that. I am creative and plan on doing a lot of things DIY style, but I've never worked with flowers. How does it work getting flowers at Costco? Besides a couple simple bouquets, I really just need some extra for decorating here and there, unless I can find something really small to use as centerpieces. I was thinking some tulips or roses in mason jars. I keep changing my mind..... What about a DJ for around $750? Any suggestions, or am I just clueless as to what things cost? Lol And in regards to a Rabbi, I was in shock when i got my first quote of $750!

Mademoiselle D

I would highly suggest looking at one of my older posts it was about S Fla photographer ranging from 1k3k. Def check out Browntography, she may be able to help you out.

JBSMADA10

DJ's are normally expensive because they bring their own equipment and if you want one for more than four hours then thats also a fee. Maybe you could think of just loading an Ipod and being your own DJ? The lowest Ive seen for a DJ was 1500. But WE also live in an expensive state for weddings and such. IDK has anyone seen a DJ for less than 1500?

poultryprincess

Call Al Lewis - he is an amazing DJ and has great pricing. 954-309-2632

Tell him Sara recommended him to you and he'll take great care of you.

He also works with some great photographers, and I'm sure they can find something in your price range.

As for a Rabbi, try Jonathan Kaplan. He's in Broward, but I am pretty sure he will travel to Jupiter. I dont know his pricing, but I understand that he works with you to match your budget.

Good luck!

empiregrl5

Thanks Sara! Jonathan Kaplan is who I already contacted and he wanted $750.....I don't really want to spend more than $400-$500

Mademoiselle D

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_florida-south-florida_inexpensive-vendor-help?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:67Discussion:cd593b1c-89dd-4fd7-8a9f-beb918bf65fbPost:3cc45a11-035b-421a-838c-7def97cc9096">Re: Inexpensive vendor help!</a>:
[QUOTE]Thanks for the help! I was thinking about staying under $1000 for a photographer, but that seems impossible to get what I'm looking for, which is like 6-7 hour coverage the day of in 1 location. I'm also considering doing flowers myself, but I'm worried I won't have the time on the day of to start messing with all that. I am creative and plan on doing a lot of things DIY style, but I've never worked with flowers. How does it work getting flowers at Costco? Besides a couple simple bouquets, I really just need some extra for decorating here and there, unless I can find something really small to use as centerpieces. I was thinking some tulips or roses in mason jars. I keep changing my mind..... What about a DJ for around $750? Any suggestions, or am I just clueless as to what things cost? Lol And in regards to a Rabbi, I was in shock when i got my first quote of $750!
Posted by empiregrl5[/QUOTE]

<div><a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_florida-south-florida_mondays-special-post-photographers-ranging-from-1k-3k">http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_florida-south-florida_mondays-special-post-photographers-ranging-from-1k-3k</a></div><div>
</div><div>Check this post I made of affordable photogs...hopefully one will be the one for you! :)</div>

poultryprincess

I didnt know Kaplan was asking so much - it was my understanding that his pricing was flexible (as in donation based) have you tried Rich Polirer? 888-805-8113 - or ask Al the DJ, he probably knows as few as well.