Hey everyone! I didn't really post much on the board but got lots of good advice. My wedding was October 22, 2010. Hope these reviews help!
Ceremony: St. Benilde Catholic Church - A+
the people in the rectory were always super helpful and available to answer any questions.
Officiant: Fr. H.L. Brignac - A
Father H.L. was really easy to work with for all the preparation and paperwork. He is rather quick with the mass, which we appreciated and so did the guests.
Rehearsal dinner: Teen Center at St. Benilde - A+
We rented the teen center at the church. It was very reasonable and easy to book and work with. You have to set up yourself and clean up, but it was really affordable. We had Izzo's cater it, so we had a fajita bar. Izzo's sent someone to deliver the food and help set up. It went so smoothly, and no one had to travel between the rehearsal and the dinner. We just walked across the breezeway to the room.
Reception: The Balcony - A++
Everyone we dealt with was so nice and accomodating. They covered all aspects and we didn't have to worry about anything. Even when the slideshow music wouldn't play, they had the dj play the songs along with the slides. Everyone said the food was wonderful and that there was plenty of it. I didn't eat much, although the waiter kept offering if I wanted anything.
Limos: Celebrity - A+
All the limos were on time (actually a little early), the drivers were very friendly, and because I booked at a bridal show we got a free transfer to the hotel after the reception.
Photography/Videography: Dreamcatchers - A+++++
Celeste and her husband are amazing!!! I took my engagement, bridal, and boudoir with Celeste prior to the wedding. They came to my mom's to take pictures of us getting ready. They were early and got every shot I asked for. I highly recommend them!! All the pictures I've seen so far have been great...I can't wait to see the rest.
Flowers: Kori's Floral - A
Kori was easy to work with and the flowers were beautiful. I think there was some confusion with a memorial flower I had ordered for my fiance's son, but I'm not sure because I wasn't at the church yet.
Dress: Pearl's Place - B+
I didn't have much propblems with Pearl's. The first time I went was a Saturday, which is a nightmare - never go on a Saturday!!! I knew I would have to wait, and was prepared to do so. But, I nearly lost it when one of the consultants took a bride that came in well after me before me because she knew her. They remedied the situation quickly and the consultant I got was very nice and ended up finding me my dream dress. I didn't need much alterations, but the did have to re-do the bussel (sp?) twice because it wouldn't hold. And actually at the wedding it didn't hold the dress up too well. I had to hold it up myself while dancing.
Bridesmaid's dresses: Humbug - A+
The staff was extremely helpful. The only problem is that they only carry two designers for bridal and bridesmaid's dresses. Which was okay because the dress I picked was from one of the two. They came in right on schedule and were very accomodating to all my girls. They do not have alterations on site, though, so you have to take the dresses elsewhere for hems, etc.
Tuxedo's: Men's Wearhouse - A+
I did the special at the bridal show where you pay $10 and get $40 off each tux for the wedding, which was great because it allowed us to get $160 tuxes for $120. I also liked that the guys could get measured at any location nationwide, because we had a couple guys from out of town.
Hair: Kiss and Makeup: A
Brittany was great. I had a trial and she also did my hair for my bridals. She was really good at executing the styles each girl described to her. The only issue I had was that my hair started to fall toward the end of the night.
Makeup: MAC - A
Lee was great! The original girl I had booked, cancelled on me the Sunday before my Friday wedding. She filled in at the last minute. She was on time and very nice. She left me with the lip liner for me and for my girls and gloss for me.
Bridesmaids' Luncheon: Cheesecake Bistro - A++
We reserved the front room at Cheesecake Bistro on Vets and ordered two entrees, a salad and an appetizer along with a whole cheesecake off the catering menu. It was set up buffet style and came out to be much cheeper than doing a per plate thing...plus we took the leftovers home!
Wedding Cake: Haydel's - A+
Haydel's was one of the choices that was included with the balcony. They were very nice and answered all my questions at the consultation. Also, the tasting was really good...it was hard to pick the fillings for each layer. Also, they had me drop off the ring pulls two weeks early and they handled tying the ribbons and placing them in the cake. The cake turned out beautiful and exactly what I wanted.
Groom's Cake: Rouse's - A
My husband loves whipped cream icing. Rouse's had a double layer chocolate cake with chocolate whipped icing for $35. I couldn't find anyone to beat that price. The staff was great and easy to work with. It took all of 10 minutes to discuss what I wanted and it was perfect. The only downfall was that the cake had to be picked up and refridgerated until the reception...but it gave my dad something to do while the girls got ready.
Ring pulls - I got my ring pulls off the internet. They were very sterling silver and full size, so the girls can where them as charms if they want. I paid just under $50 for 8 (which compared to the ones from Mignon Faget - around $300 for 6 was a great deal). I can look up the website if anyone is interested.
Second line handerchiefs: weddinglagnappes.com - B+
This lady is local to new orleans. She was very nice and the handkerchiefs came out great, the only issue was it took nearly 7 weeks when she said it would take only 2. I had the time but it was still aggravating.
I think that is everything. Hope some of this helps! Let me know if you have any questions.
Stacy