DC

Groom in Trouble

My fiancee is away for a couple of months and postponing the wedding is not an opiton.  So, I have been tasked to prepare for our wedding on Dec 18 this year.  I have no idea where to start. I have a checklist of things to do but I have no idea which vendors to pick from the huge list of vendors in the DC Area.  I need some help :(

I need a photographer, videographer, florists, and band.  We discussed the option of getting a wedding planner but that just takes away from our small budget.

Any suggestions for vendors?

Re: Groom in Trouble

  • LindsMullinixLindsMullinix member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    not sure what your budget is but here is a list of who were using and approx what were paying.  If you have additional questions feel free to email me at lindsmullinix at gmail dot com. 

    Photographer: Cassidy Duhon, Duhon Photography - Full day of coverage, 2 photographers, 2 CD's with all fully edited hi res images and full print rights, $2850.

    Videographer - We decided to skip on the videographer - we may have a friend of the family video the ceremony but thats all. 

    Florist: Carol's Creations - she works out of her home and is able to offer better prices because of this - she does amazing work!  The estimate she gave us was $2600 which includes 1 bridal bouquet (all peonies), 5 BM bouquets (purple stock), 13 bouts, 3 corsages, 14 tall centerpieces with purple orchids and purple stock, an arrangement for our sweetheart table, and a D made of carnations for the escort card table.

    Band: We decided to go with a DJ instead of a band, it fit our crowd better.  We are using "DJ Ghost" (Nick Suarez) $800 for 4 hours. 

    Hope this helps!

    -Linds
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  • edited December 2011
    Rachel Naft of RMN Photography is a really good budget-friendly photographer.  http://rmnphotography.com/

    I agree with PP on the videographer - I would skip it if you're on a small budget and see if you have a friend or family member with a camcorder who would be willing to record the ceremony for you. 

    I would also skip the band and opt for a DJ if you're on a smaller budget.  We are using Soundsations and they are charging $650 for 4 hours, which is pretty reasonable for the area.
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  • edited December 2011
    The knot's vendor recs aren't very good.  I suggest weddingwire.com to research local vendors, they have lots of reviews and ratings.
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  • psmith1216psmith1216 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I agree with pp about the knot's review of vendors.  No worries - we are here to help you!  Do you have a church/reception venue/minister? 

    Here is my list for you to check out:

    photographer: Kelsey Thompson (www.kthompsonphotography.com) she has packages ranging from $1000 - to pretty much skies the limit.  It depends on how many hours.  You do get a CD with full printing rights of all your photos.

    videographer: agree with all that posted above - if your looking to cut the budget here's where to cut.  If you want your ceremony recorded just to have for memories - see if a friend has a video camera and can record it for you.

    flowers: Growing Wild - I gave her a budget and she was well under it.  For $2500 I am getting: bridal bouquet (all white peonies), 5 BM bouquets (all fushia peonies), flower girl  bouquet (fushia peonies), peonies for the Moms (not bouquets - more like some flowers tied together with ribbon), 11 bouts, 10 table arrangmts (5 short and 5 tall - all arrangments have orchids) and one place card table display - floating orchids).

    DJ - Kirkabees (for 6 hours  - 1 hour cocktail and 5 hour reception) I am paying $1000.  He's non-cheesy - doesn't talk a lot and keeps the dance floor packed.

    I done with the planning so if you need more vendor ideas or reviews just email me!  psmith1216 at gmail dot com
  • edited December 2011
    The Villa - Beltsville, MD - very budget friendly - I threw reception for 125 people for about $12,000  that included food, drinks, tables, chairs, linens, room rental, wedding cake, votive & taper candles, hurricane vases, mirror centerpieces, china & glassware, an extra hour (5 hr. reception) and a day of coordinator that helped me through the planning process and was there with me the entire reception

    Brian Ray Studios - photography - Kate was our photographer.  One word - FABULOUS.  $2600 - 8 hrs & a CD of my photos with the right to print anywhere I want

    DJ - Elan Dj - wonderful, very professional, $650 for 5 hours. Played everything I wanted and had a wonderful timeline

    Kim Tyson - My Flower Box - $999 for the most beautiful flowers - my bouquet, 4 bridesmaids, 1 jr. bridesmaid, flower petals for flower girl, 4 corsages for mom's and grandmas, 3 boutennaires for dad's and grandpas, and ring bearer.  Also provided 2 large tabel top displays and flowers for the cake & cake table

    Hoep this helps!
  • Lisa50Lisa50 member
    5 Love Its Combo Breaker First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I agree with recommendation of using weddingwire.com for vendor choices.  You can plug in zip code, budget, view websites, etc.  Most vendors respond within 24 hours.  There are a lot of reviews, but I don't put too much stock in them.  It's quick and easy to get vendors' initial bids, make phone calls (or communicate via email if you prefer) and take it from there.  

    It's critical to determine your budget ahead of time.  Many vendors will work something out with you, finding a way to accommodate your budget requirements and get your business.

    I disagree with dumping the idea of a videographer, esp. since you haven't even begun your research.  There is opportunity to get lower pricing on multiple elements ($2K on flowers isn't necessary, for example) and that may make up enough to allow for videography.

    Best of luck!!
  • xiaogou419xiaogou419 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I would highly recommend CarmenWangPhotography.

    My wedding used them and the package was only $2500 for 8 hours with 2 photographers, high resolution photos on DVD with print rights, blu-ray photo montage, and a 10x10 high quality album.  The photos are just fabulous!  I cry every time I watch the photo montage!

    Check out her website:  www.carmenwangphotography.com
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