Need help finding vendors for wedding

feastofmagic03

I have never been to a wedding let alone plan one. I am having my wedding in Blue Springs Missouri and I still need a cater, Dj, florist, and ideas on how to get cheap centerpieces. I am so lost. I am going to have around 100 people there  and I don't want to spend a ton of money. Around 1200 for cater or less if possible, under 1000 for a dj, under 300 for florist. PLEASE anyone help?

prideeinpynk

I think you may want to re-prioritize your money. Under 300 is really tough for a florist, but 1000 is definitely on the high end for a DJ. We're using Elite Sounds and they are $550.

As far as cheap centerpieces, do a google search. There are a lot of cheap, DIY options out there. You'll have to put in more work but it can save you a lot of money.

For food, think of places other than wedding caterers. One girl on here had a pizza place cater her wedding and said that the guests loved it! There are also BBQ places that start at $7 or $8 per person for a full buffett style meal!

Florists - check Hyvee. They have decent prices. Or look into doing your own flowers. There are a lot of website out there about this.

Opieslady

Ditto on Prideeinpynk on rearranging money.  How many people are you having? 

Consider talking to Hy-Vee.  They're really good for catering, and I'm using them, it's about $1700 for 120 people, but that's 2 entrees and 3 sides.  You could do less or pasta which is cheaper too.  Also, they have flowers and cakes for good prices and if you use all 3, you get a 10% discount which pretty much takes care of tax.

There's also a Price Chopper and Zardas in Blue Springs, but I'm not sure about them.

rknox88

Ditto to PP who said to rearrange the money.  You can find a DJ for much less than $1000 but not a florist for under $300 unless you are just wanted a few bouquets.

As far as the food goes  we are having Oklahoma Joe's do ours.  It will be right around $1000 for 100 guests-9.75 per person.  BBQ is a great option or you can schedule your wedding at a time where appetizers would be more appropriate rather than a full meal.

I bought my flowers from Afloral.com in the clearance section and got about 500 stems for $175.  That should be plenty for the centerpieces and bridesmaid's bouquets.

If you have the time you could take on a couple DIY projects that could help save you some money. 

whitneykaye87

No worries!  Almost anything can be done if you work at it.

Caterer- everyone is so right about BBQ.  It's hot, yummy, and cheap.  I'm also the one who had pizza at my reception, and it was fantastic.  The price went up some because I had to buy trays and such, but I also waited too long and didn't find good deals.  Check out hy-vee or price chopper to see what their catering has to offer as well.  Also, Italian can often be very reasonable to cater, so try asking some local restaurants what they charge for pasta dishes and such.  Also, not sure if you need a baker, but Just Cakes is in Blue Springs, and she does great work and doesn't charge for delivery in Blue Springs (and she's VERY affordable).

Florist- this will be your biggest challenge.  How many flowers do you need?  I will say I spent only  $300 on flowers, but I had just my bouquet, 2 bridesmaids, 5 corsages, and 9 boutonnieres.  I went with Bella Flora in Overland Park, FWIW.  She delivered to our church in Blue Springs.  I remember that Jennifer Techeau and InBloom also had very good prices and a nice vision.  Just start setting up meetings and see what people can do for you.

Centerpieces- First, take a trip to the DIY board.  Look through some of the bios and get ideas.  They are so creative!  Also, check out the trash to treasure board and craigslist.  You can probably find really cheap vases and such to fill yourself.

DJ- like everyone said, $1000 is a ton for a DJ.  Ours cost us $500 because we had a bridal show discount, but the regular price for 5 hours with Complete Music is still only $600.  Call around for a few places and ask them what they'll do for you based on your needs (ie know when they'll need to start and end, do you need/want a light show, etc.).

Good luck and have no worries!

missTst

I have been to several weddings where they had Oklahoma Joes and everyone LOVED it ... and I think the pizza idea is fantastic!!!!