New to Hudson Valley board

christineditri · August 2011

Hi, I'm excited to begin planning our wedding in Westchester County but it's been hard since I live in New Orleans. Would love advice on how to put together a wedding on a budget from far away. Especially would like information on vendors such as photographers, florists, etc. Also, has anyone or is anyone planning their reception or ceremony at the Renaissance Hotel in Westchester ny? Thanks, Christine

probablykate · August 2011

Welcome! I'm planning my wedding in Poughkeepsie so we probably wouldn't have much vendor overlap. I'm planning from 3 1/2 hours drive away, so not as far as you but it's still tough. A lot of vendors have been really flexible and will meet with us via Skype instead of in person, so be sure to ask about that when getting in touch with vendors. Otherwise we have just been condensing as many things as we can into the weekends that we do make it up there.

PaoPao820 · August 2011

Welcome and Congrats!

I live in Westchester but Westchester prices are so ridic that I'm also planning my wedding in Poughkeepsie. Check out the local vendors section here on the knot. That's really helpful. I've heard good things about the Renaissance from people on the boards here.

A great picture place that's a little different if you're doing your wedding in lower Westchester County is Playland. My fiance and I got engaged there and are going back this weekend for our engagement session with our photographer.

Look into Tarrytown Floral Design. I saw them at a bridal show and their packages weren't too bad. Then again, they're the first I've seen of florists. But there work was nice.

christineditri · August 2011

Thank you so much you two!

The last thing I wanted was a hotel wedding in ny, but i'm hoping it means that more people can come since it'll be closer for them- so i appreciate that you've heard the renaissance is nice.

Playland is a great idea!! I bet those photos are going to be so fun.

i'm particularly concerned about dj's, since i may have to find one online. Any advice?

PaoPao820 · August 2011

Hmmm... I've heard of a few good ones around here but I haven't started my DJ search yet so I don't have any personal recommendations. I'll pm you with a list of the ones around here that are apparently good but if you check the Hudson Valley Boards, there's a lot of posts on DJ's! If I hear of stuff, I'll keep you updated

probablykate · August 2011

If you look through some of the threads on these boards you will find a lot of DJ suggestions. What are you looking for in a DJ? We are using the DJ Solution - haven't had my wedding yet but they have great reviews and have been a pleasure to work with so far. Our priority was someone who could engage and respond to the crowd, but be low key about it and focus on our musical preferences.

katiefinn03 · August 2011

I'm having my wedding at the Doubletree in Tarrytown. Their prices were the best out of the other Westchester Hotels I looked at and its very close to the expressway. I thought their Ballroom and Cocktail options were prettier too. I'm going for my tasting next month but family have been to other events and speak highly of it

I'm using Columbia Florist in the Bronx. They are very reasonable and again come recommended from family memebers. Hope this helps! Enjoy your planning!