Hi All, We had our wedding exactly 2 weeks ago today and since Vendor Reviews were helpful in my planning, I figured I would pass mine along to you......
The Atlantic Beach Club:
A HUGE hit to all of our Out of Towners and Locals who had never been there. Its a package Deal. They do everything in one price. From the perfect dinner to the open bar its all one price and you even get a Wedding Coordinator too. They offer a winter special that goes until April 30. (this is good for you and good for your overnight guests b/c the hotel rates DOUBLE May 1)
They own two hotels across the street, so you get a deal with them too- plus a free night for the bride and groom!
Rev. Michael Egan (Wedding Officiant):
We were looking for something simple and sweet for our ceremony and we got exactly that. He was super funny with our Bridal Party and everyone loved him. His price was lower than the others, and I thought that those "others" were more into making a business out of it, rather than doing it for the love. I didn't feel the "business" mode from Mike, which is why we really liked him.
Options Photography:
Their work stands out among the rest. We haven't gotten our Weddng pictures yet, but we did do a "getting to know you shoot" and those pictures came out faboulous.
We met or talked on the phone with Susan at least 10 times before the wedding.
They work with your budget and provide a pacakage that suits you.
Golden Gate Studios:
Lets just say that I got compliments on my flowers from people who don't even care too much about flowers. These flowers were beautiful!!!!
And another Vendor that stands out among the rest!
Golden Gate is a Florist that everyone in this industry knows, I found them to be one of the lead florists on all Vendor Recommendation lists.
Gutiar Studio (Matt Kearns):
Our Ceremony musician. For an outside wedding, a guitar is perfect. He comes with his own speaker, sets up and takes care of himself. I think this was my easiest Vendor.
Music Machine:
I think that they were great! They didn't cost as much as other DJ's and they performed exactly what any other DJ would have done for a much lower price. Our guests were on the dance floor all night long! I suggest meeting with Jason in person. It gives him a chance to listen to you and your fiance and together he can better understand what type of musical couple you are. Thats what he did with us, and his music for the night was right on.
Cakes by Rhonda (wedding cake):
She only does dummy cakes, and at first I was really not into the whole dummy cake thing. It's not like her cost is that much different then the competitors. It was the taste. OMG- Her cakes are so moist that you litteraly do not need a chaser of milk to chase down the cake. Our guest's LOVED the Red Velvet Cake that we had.
OK. First her tasting is FREE. Not only does she just sit with you, but she sent us home with a small round red velvet to try, PLUS another small cake that has one side chocolate and the other vanilla (or whatever flavors you want). This way you don't feel obligated to say if you don't like it -in front of her. Although each bite wetook we loved!
On our Wedding day, she provided us with the dummy cake, the top tier was for us to cut into, PLUS take that home with us to eat the rest. ALSO another small cake for our Anniversary.
We got A LOT of cake from Cake by Rhonda!!!!
Tiffs Wicked Cakes (grooms cake):
Her work is great! This was a complete surprise for my Husband.
I gave her a photo of his motorcycle and she made a 3D stand up cake of it exactlly. My husband said that this was his best gift!
Her price was extremely reasonable.
Accessories.......
Ana's Bridal (bridal gown & veil):
Went here after I hated my Davids Bridal Experience. The dresses were nicer and in the same price range as Davids. They are small shop, very strict and to the point, but overall good experience.
Davids Bridal (bridesmaids dresses):
Most of my girls were in NY and a couple were in RI. So with having girls far away from each other, it was the best pick. Some girls ordered their dresses in NY and some in RI, however they all bought them in RI because no sales tax. And they even shipped them to the girls in NY for free. For the price and convience it was great. But the experience, I feel that if you don't mind NOT being waited on and your OK with doing your own shopping then its good. However if your looking to be waited on 100% not so good. The consultants never take on less than 2 clients at a time, and you end up waiting around for your consultant. I really disliked the Warwick store, but we went their for the prices. I didn't want my girls to have to pay an arm and a leg for my wedding.
Carl Anthony Tuxedo:
Perfect! No problems and better priced and look than the Larger Commercial Tuxedo shops. We had 2 groomsmen from NY and we thought that we would have had to go with a large nationwide company, but our guys were able to send in their measurments a few months prior and pick up their tuxes the day before the Wedding. The bonus is that they have all of the tuxes on site so if they need to make a change they have them right there.
Calma Salon (Facials):
I have been going to Denise for a year leading up to the wedding. I wanted my face to look great on my wedding day. It worked! She did an amazing job and I love that she has the express facials for only $25. I will continue to use her services forver. I love them.
Chi-Spa (Makeup)
My Makeup came out great. We had her come to us- Thank God.....They only have 1 makeup artist, so it took a long time for everyone to get their makeup done on the wedding day, but she was great at dong any touch ups for people that may have had to get their makeup done hours before we were ready to go. (imagine if we didn't have her onsite??)
I wasn't'crazy about the 1/2 down on the deposit. It was a little odd since all of my girls were paying for themselves, so it made our cash outs on the day of REALLY complicated. I think that they need to work on their payment process a little better.
Overall the work was good and the price was A LOT lower than the other completitors.
Meghan Clouiter (Hair)
Her prices are AWESOME. We are talking $25 for the girls and $40 for me- and that was to travel!!!! We all looked great!!!!!
She came with 2 other girls and pounded out 9 women in no time. All my girls loved their energy that they brought with them - and I would HIGHLY reccomend them for your wedding.
Meghan doesn't advertise as a Wedding Haristylist on any site, I found her through my salon, so please send me an email if you would like her contact information.
I hope all this information helps you in your planning!
Happy Planning!