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DC
Groom in Trouble
in DC
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?
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Re: Groom in Trouble
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!
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.
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
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!
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!!
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