Thanks to everyone that has been a help over the last year. My wedding was a HUGE success!!! We still can't believe how perfectly everything went. I did use a lot of vendors that my family has worked with before and / or were highly regarded on here.
I might be back to sell wedding items (lanterns, candles, picture frames, table numbers, etc..)
Hopefully this link works to see my teaser pics: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151447508293522.513762.15294058521&type=1. If not - look up West Park Photo, album "Rachel & Scott"
Good luck to those of you getting started in your planning!!
Here are my reviews. Let me know if you have any questions!
Ceremony
Ceremony Site - Hartland Music Hall. A-
Communication could have been better. $95/ hour. No major issues but could have been smoother.
Ceremony Music - Organist Emery Robbins A-
$100. Recommended by the Music Hall. Discussed song choice over the phone. Met the day of the wedding. I was nervous about our lack of meeting / reviews but he did well. Annoyed me that he apparoached me right before the ceremony for his payment when I had someone else handling it for him.
Reception
Reception Site - Waldenwoods A
They definitely know how to do receptions! The whole process was perfect. Excellent communication, immediate responses. Day of was perfectly smooth. They were accommodating and flexible as we got ready there before the ceremony. We invested significantly in our reception and were very pleased with the decision. Also to note - much less expensive in the winter!
Caterer - See above. A
Food was fantastic, many compliments on the plated meals.Upgraded to a premium bar, well worth it. Throughout the night the servers kept appropriate communication with us. DId a late night pizza snack that was well appreciated by the guests.
Chair Covers/Linens - Special Occasions East A+
Preferred vendor of Waldenwoods. 3.50 / sash. Told them what I wanted and they did it. What more can you ask for?!
Bakery - Nicole's Sweet Toppings A-
Around $400 for 175 guests. Preferred vendor of Waldenwoods. Very good communication, generous tastings, and very flexible to work with. Her buttercream is incredible!! Only disappointment was that the design did not knock me off my feet, but the taste definitely made up for it.
DJ - Brendan Pfaff A+++
I love Brendan!!! He has so much fantastic insight and wisdom on wedding planning. An absolute pleasure to work with. Our dance floor was packed all night, I couldn't believe it! He kept our older guest lists out there, having a great time. Worked well with our other vendors (photog. & videog.)
www.bestdjservice.com
Lighting - DJ Brendan Pfaff A+
He did additional uplighting outside. I had not considered it but he was very eager to try an idea he had. Ended up incredible!!
Favors - Saykllys A+
We ordered 'Yooper Bars' to represent where we met. Pleasure to work with, immediate response, fast delivery, and delicious product!!!Our guests loved them. I was bummed there weren't any leftovers!
http://saykllys.com/chocolates/yooper-bars-box-of-12.html
Other
Transportation - Liberty Transportation A
Provided a shuttle for guests. Excellent communication, very flexible and appreciated by our guests. Around $85 / hour.
https://sites.google.com/site/libertytransportationservices/
Transportation - Holiday Inn Brighton Shuttle B
$150 shuttle that was not very flexible.
Florist - Eden Events A+
Hollie is incredible! I showed her a few pictures of things I liked and she created gorgeous arrangements. Flowers were low on our priority list but ended up pulling our details together beautifully. A true pleasure to work with - excellent communication and worked within our budget.
https://www.facebook.com/edendesignsllc
Photography
Photographer - West Park Photo A so far.
Our teaser photos are incredible, a truly talented duo!!! We invested almost 3k for 2 photogs., 9 hours and all files. They were a pleasure to meet with but email communication was lacking. The day of they did a great job putting up with our obnoxious groomsmen and were very flexible and relaxing to be around.
https://www.facebook.com/westparkphoto
Videographer - Family
Engagement Pictures - Rawlinson Photography of Plymouth C-
Ugh, what a waste of time!!! I 'won' a session with them at a bridal show. He was creepy, late, and was incredibly negative to be around. Even though the session was supposed to be free, I ended up paying $200 for the files. He obviously does not know how to use manual settings on a camera, the lighting was pathetic. There was a small handful worth keeping / using for a save the date.
Beauty / Attire
Wedding dress - Becker's A-
The process was easy enough. They have a crazy huge selection, good price range and consultants if you make an appointment. After ordering, I discovered that my dress had a large floral embellishment on it that 'fell off' the sample. My seamstress was able to remove it but it was just an annoying thing to deal with.
Alterations - Perfect Fit Alterations by Gaby. A+
Works out of her home in Canton. 30+ years of experience, she knows what she's doing! Hem, sweetheart neckline, added cups, bustle and small adjustments under $300. Also did my mom's and bridesmaid's dresses beautifully and inexpensively!
http://www.gabysperfectfit.com/
Tuxes - Men's Wearhouse A
Very easy process, no problems. Liked using their website group manager to see who had been measured in the bridal party. They were incredibly flexible with one groomsman that was fighting overseas.
Bridesmaid Dresses - B Ella Bridal, Plymouth D
Ugh, what a bother!! I'll try to keep it short. They have a nice selection and kiss the ground you walk in when you're shopping. After the sale - they are terrible! Excessively rude to the out of town / pregnant bridesmaids calling in their orders. I was assured the dresses would arrive on time to ship to oot bms, I even offered to pay for a rush fee. Nope, arrived 2 weeks before the wedding. All needed alterations, no apologies. Tried to double charge those that paid in full. Do not go here! I can't even imagine how they could screw up a wedding dress order.
Hair & Makeup - Posh Salon in Milford A
Ahh, they were incredible!!! Gina and Julie came to Waldenwoods for 7 bridesmaids, 2 moms and me. Got us all done ahead of schedule and beautifully!! I had airbrush done and it was totally worth it! I can't believe how flawless my skin was. Gina did a fabulous job with my curly hair - it stayed beautiful all night! Their communication was fantastic, trial run was smooth and really helped, Gina also did my eyebrows the week of the wedding. I have never had so many compliments on them! Highly recommended! There is a reason they have so many Knot awards.
http://www.posh-studio.com/
Paper
Save the Dates - VistaPrint A-
Originally ordered magnets and was not happy with them. They refunded me fully! With a Groupon, I made postcard save the dates. Nice paper, decent print quality. Overall a decent product for a very low cost. About $40 for 140 postcards and then $70 on postage.
Invites - Paper Source (Birmingham) / DIY / FedEx A
I ended up doing DIY pocketfolds. Designed them myself based off of a very expensive Paper Source design. Printed at FedEx on cardstock. Then assembled with pocketfolds / envelopes from Paper Source. I was very pleased with the final product, but it definitely took time! Would have been around 2k at Paper Source, I ended up spending around $500 total.
http://www.paper-source.com/cgi-bin/paper/personalized/wedding-invitations/textures.html
Programs/Menus - FedEx A
Designed myself and printed there. Easy to work with and immediate results.
Guest Book - Shutterfly A
Used a Groupon. For a total of $24, we got a really cool keepsake guestbook.
Honeymoon
El Dorado Royale Riviera Maya, Mexico A
Booked through AAA based on many good reviews. Gorgeous all inclusive, adults only, gourmet resort. We stayed for 6 days in an ocean front room. Decent honeymoon package - massage, 1 free night, candle lit dinner on the beach, breakfast in bed, bottle of champagne, free wifi, etc.. Only our of pocket expenses were parasailing and the spa.