Wedding Wednesday

mpickl · January 2013

I know we have all had some frustrations with vendors, so now is the time to let off some steam! What kind of vendor issues have you encountered? Any horror stories from vendors you hired or didn't hire? Who has been the toughest vendor to work with thus far?

ftrmrsw · January 2013

So far we've been pretty lucky.

The only issue we've had is with our engagement shoot and our photographer not wanting to shoot in our desired location. He likes to shoot downtown and we love that, but we're doing that for wedding photos so we wanted something different for engagement photos. Theres this old historic site outside of the city with some old church ruins that we thought would be cool to shoot at. Well he booked an appointment immediately after ours. Basically giving us an hour to shoot and 15 mins to get to his other appointment. This didn't allow much travel time, especially for our desired location. I was pretty peeved off that he went and booked an appointment so closely behind our and that he didnt want to shoot where we wanted. Ummm... Hello.... WE are paying YOU. You do what WE WANT.

Anyway, it all worked out and we moved up our appointment by an hour so we could shoot where we wanted and he could still make it to his other appointment.

So far that's been the only issue.... I hope it stays that way.

dmnowak · January 2013

Whenever I hire any person, for any service, I always respect them as an expert in their field (I wouldn't have chosen them if I didn't!).

However, I have been a little unhappy with the lack of suggestions some vendors have had when I've inquired about specific things, such as, a suggestion for locations of e-shoot shoot For example, I'd like a few photos of us in a comfortable setting, with some decently modern furnature, of decent taste, (like the lobby of a nice hotel?), however, my photographer has not been able to help be brainstorm real locations for such things. Us on a sofa that is not hideous (but is also not the sofa at my own home, which needs some updating, lol)--doesn't seem that much to ask.

I expected that the photographer would have a wealth of information, resources and access to help us get the shots we want....

jperdomo0401 · January 2013

ugh my DJ...At first he was very responsive and as soon as i put the deposit down he went MIA. Ive sent emails out and he is very tough to get a hold of. I wish they understood how much this stresses a bride out and it throws off the planning process. I'm second guessing myself...I don't know if I should hire someone else and lose the deposit...ugh decisions decisions

BostonGIrl4732 · January 2013

We've been very lucky so far. I can't think of any issues we've had. Everyone has gotten back to us quickly.

My only frustration has been with the florist through NO fault of her own. Her shop isn't open after 5 and she doesn't work weekends so it's been tough trying to figure out when/how to see her. We're having our one (and probably only) meeting wtih her the day we do our tasting because I took the day off. I've seen her work before or I'd go somewhere else just for convenience.

KSerafin17 · January 2013

So far, so good. The only issue/concern is that the wedding planner at our venue just left for another job. Luckily we have most of the big stuff done, but we havent met the new person yet and I just hope she is as good as the last!

elliemonster2012 · January 2013

I've actually been really lucky!

The only thing we have had a small problem with is the girl doing our makeup! She is SO bad with responding to emails, but if I call her, she is great!

OH! And I forgot the best part. We love love love love love LOVE the venue coordinator at our venue. She is the sweetest lady in the world. As of December, she retired! I was heartbroken! But the worst part is her replacement! She had reccomended a florist to us who is actually a member of the woman's club where our wedding is. She quoted us 8k for flowers. EIGHT THOUSAND. We polietly declined. She is now the new coordinator and isn't very friendly

mpickl · January 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_september-2013-weddings_wedding-wednesday-23?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:26a515ec-8009-4599-b81d-5edee3b3fb3cDiscussion:2aec196d-6209-4cc0-8bcf-7ea9b8b8911fPost:89592e57-fc94-4551-844b-10cd1e84c594">Re: Wedding Wednesday</a>:
[QUOTE]I've actually been really lucky! The only thing we have had a small problem with is the girl doing our makeup! She is SO bad with responding to emails, but if I call her, she is great! OH! And I forgot the best part. We love love love love love LOVE the venue coordinator at our venue. She is the sweetest lady in the world. As of December, she retired! I was heartbroken! But the worst part is her replacement! She had reccomended a florist to us who is actually a member of the woman's club where our wedding is. She quoted us 8k for flowers. EIGHT THOUSAND. We polietly declined. She is now the new coordinator and isn't very friendly :(
Posted by elliemonster2012[/QUOTE]

<div>8K for flowers?!?! You can practically have a whole wedding for that much!</div>

PDXShari83 · January 2013

The original venue we were looking at quoted me three different numbers (within a few weeks) for the identical package -- each number progressively increased...BY $1,500. I ran from that place as quickly as possible. Everything else has been great, but I am only contacting vendors that receive consist 100% positive feedback.

PDXShari83 · January 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_september-2013-weddings_wedding-wednesday-23?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:26a515ec-8009-4599-b81d-5edee3b3fb3cDiscussion:2aec196d-6209-4cc0-8bcf-7ea9b8b8911fPost:d0e13caa-e2fb-4cc2-92ee-7ad7a077c729">Re: Wedding Wednesday</a>:
[QUOTE]Whenever I hire any person, for any service, I always respect them as an expert in their field (I wouldn't have chosen them if I didn't!). However, I have been a little unhappy with the lack of suggestions some vendors have had when I've inquired about specific things, such as, a suggestion for locations of e-shoot shoot For example, I'd like a few photos of us in a comfortable setting, with some decently modern furnature, of decent taste, (like the lobby of a nice hotel?), however, my photographer has not been able to help be brainstorm real locations for such things. Us on a sofa that is not hideous (but is also not the sofa at my own home, which needs some updating, lol)--doesn't seem that much to ask. I expected that the photographer would have a wealth of information, resources and access to help us get the shots we want....
Posted by dmnowak[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>That is totally concerning. Are they new to your city? It might be understandable if they are. To be safe, you should start brainstorming a list of must-have photos (including their location!) for your wedding day.

</div>

PDXShari83 · January 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_september-2013-weddings_wedding-wednesday-23?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:26a515ec-8009-4599-b81d-5edee3b3fb3cDiscussion:2aec196d-6209-4cc0-8bcf-7ea9b8b8911fPost:02739753-89db-4712-aa4f-63e6e3848dd3">Re: Wedding Wednesday</a>:
[QUOTE]We've been very lucky so far. I can't think of any issues we've had. Everyone has gotten back to us quickly. My only frustration has been with the florist through NO fault of her own. Her shop isn't open after 5 and she doesn't work weekends so it's been tough trying to figure out when/how to see her. We're having our one (and probably only) meeting wtih her the day we do our tasting because I took the day off. I've seen her work before or I'd go somewhere else just for convenience.
Posted by BostonGIrl4732[/QUOTE]

<div>Is there no way for her to do a little consulting through email after-hours? I'm in the same situation with my potential florist, but she's flipping her "Closed" sign at 5, and opening the door for me in private when I get there after hours. I'm sure if she wants your money, she'll find the flexibility.</div>

PDXShari83 · January 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_september-2013-weddings_wedding-wednesday-23?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:26a515ec-8009-4599-b81d-5edee3b3fb3cDiscussion:2aec196d-6209-4cc0-8bcf-7ea9b8b8911fPost:89592e57-fc94-4551-844b-10cd1e84c594">Re: Wedding Wednesday</a>:
[QUOTE]I've actually been really lucky! The only thing we have had a small problem with is the girl doing our makeup! She is SO bad with responding to emails, but if I call her, she is great! OH! And I forgot the best part. We love love love love love LOVE the venue coordinator at our venue. She is the sweetest lady in the world. As of December, she retired! I was heartbroken! But the worst part is her replacement! She had reccomended a florist to us who is actually a member of the woman's club where our wedding is. She quoted us 8k for flowers. EIGHT THOUSAND. We polietly declined. She is now the new coordinator and isn't very friendly :(
Posted by elliemonster2012[/QUOTE]

<div>Wow -- $8,000?! Was there a typo on that quote...perhaps an extra zero inadvertently placed at the end? I'm sorry this happened -- how frustrating.</div>

mrskloop · January 2013

My catering options were a NIGHTMARE! FI and I took 2 days off to meet with caterers in the 2 towns closest to where we are getting married. I researched and narrowed down our options and made appointments. I was a little disappointed that NO ONE had any food for us to try. I figured someone would have made something, except for a baker. She made us a little cake. Since no one made anything, that was fine, I just picked based off of who we liked the best as a person since we had no other chance to make it back in town since they are 3 hours away. But... only one other caterer besides the one we chose actually sent us a quote! I was shocked! One of the caterers talked bad about 4 brides and 1 mother of the bride during our appointment. Another told us that we don't want a mashed potato bar in September because who would want to eat potatoes in the middle of summer?! ummm what? It's September, not July! I could see FI's face completely shut down when she said that because that is the only thing he wanted! Then I told her I wanted to do seafood, in addition to beef, chicken, and pork, since I don't eat much meat and she told me I had to think of what my guests want, not me! I was like, I am, that's why I am having seafood IN ADDITION to all that meat! It's also a coastal, fishing town, with a marina in walking distance so it makes a lot of sense to have seafood! She said to just add shrimp to pasta and that can be my seafood option. I said I don't want pasta outside and she said that I can add chicken to it too (she didn't listen very well)! I was so mad during that meeting! hahaha At least they all showed their true colors and I didn't find out they were hard to work with after I put down the deposit! Another told me that I wasn't going to have happy guests if I was inviting children (like 12 total) to the wedding without a children's menu! What?!?! We are having beef tenderloin, pulled pork (to make mini BBQ sandwiches), teriyaki chicken, shrimp, crab dip, grilled veggies, mashed potatoes, fruit, cheese, etc. I am sure the kids can find something to eat! If their parents know they are picky, they should pack a lunchable. I asked what she suggested and she said mac n cheese and chicken nuggets.

Other than the vendors I did not choose, no major issues or complaints with the vendors I chose! My caterer (although I haven't tasted his food yet) has been great! I emailed him one day asking him how many tables we should rent for him and how much alcohol to buy and he responded within 24 hours saying he was bringing the tables for the food and gave me a breakdown of how much beer and wine to buy. He also reminded me to buy the alcohol at the military base in my parents' town because it would be tax free!

Okay, very long vent over!!!

mpickl · January 2013

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-club-boards_september-2013-weddings_wedding-wednesday-23?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Club%20BoardsForum:26a515ec-8009-4599-b81d-5edee3b3fb3cDiscussion:2aec196d-6209-4cc0-8bcf-7ea9b8b8911fPost:ba5412ab-93f7-47d5-ae4b-d4d687d92140">Re: Wedding Wednesday</a>:
[QUOTE] If their parents know they are picky, they should pack a lunchable.
Posted by mrskloop[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>HAH!! Agreed! I guess I am lucky that the kids in my WP are not picky eaters at all. They are going to get chicken fingers and fries, although they probably would rather have what the adults are eating -- too bad, they are getting the kids meal for $15 less!</div>

reisnersr · January 2013

In general, I've been having trouble talking to people! They seem to be awful at responding. I know not everyone has email on their phone or check it very often, but I will be told "oh I'll follow up with this..." then weeks will pass and no communication what so ever. I have to call again each and every time. We finally just booked a new DJ because after 2 months we never got the contract in the mail from the initial one I wanted and he always would tell me to call back at a different time then it was like starting over each and every time. Finally, I just gave up. Same went with our coordinator awhile since she decided to open a seasonal business. Since we have plenty of time, I'm cutting her slack and will just wait a few months before trying again to meet up.

ncwenze · January 2013

So far all of our wedding vendors have been awesome....

However, we are planning a party, near Boston, a few months after the wedding for FI's giant extended family who cant be invited to the wedding. I have emailed at least 15 places and only a handfull of them have responded. Essentially I want to give them a few thousand dollars for letting us have a party there, and no one can be bothered to respond in a timely fashion.

To be fair, my idea of a returning an email in a timely fashion is within a day. Some of these places I contacted on Sunday and still havent heard back.

It really shouldn't be this hard.

Jlp818 · January 2013

The only real issues I have been having is with my Makeup artist and hairdresser. The makeup artist was supposed to get me a contract and invoice about a month ago. Still nothing. She responds back to my emails with a "oh yes I'll get that right over to you" but I haven't gotten anything. I'm about to start looking elsewhere if I don't have my trial booked and done by the second week in Feb.

TayBeach2013 · January 2013

We've been luck so far and all of our vendors are very responsive! The only snags we encountered were with the hotels, but it's off-season at the beach and they pretty much figure anyone wanting to book a room now can go kick rocks lol.

semi891 · January 2013

Our photographer (after we hired him, did our engagement shoot, and paid 1/3 of his fee) started trying to solicit us to join his multi-level marketing scheme (some health-food product). He called FI and wanted to 'meet for coffee' to give us our disc with our e-photos, and the whole time talked to him about this marketing scheme. Then he kept calling FI about it. I felt it was really unprofessional, especially since we chose him because he had a legitimate business in town and a photography degree (we assumed he would be professional!).

Also, there was a venue we really liked, and I couldn't get ahold of the owners. It was like, impossible. Finally I drove out there, talked to them, got an email address and emailed them right away. Still no response! My FI went out there two days later, with a chequebook in hand, and they told him to email them because they didn't know what dates were available. FI showed him the print-out of the email I had sent two days before with no response. We had a caterer tentatively holding a date for us. The guy even had the nerve to say that the venue was the most important thing to book, once that is booked, you can book everything else! Finally, we gave up and booked another venue. The guy finally responded two weeks later to say our date was available. Gahh!!

Maybone · January 2013

Our only issue has been our band. I still have to hold back tears when talking and thinking about it.

The Best Man is in a band. He offereed them at a discount. We love the band, and have been planning on them playing since we got engaged in April! They were going to be our ceremnoy music, cocktail hour/reception music, the emcee. We never even looked into anything else. Well a few weeks ago, we found out the 2 singers got engaged (yay) and picked the day after our wedding to get married (boo)! So we were left without any of these, and now needed to start looking at vendors!

Luckily for us, the Best Man has a DJ friend that we've decided to let play, and take care of all of the above. He even offered to pay for it, but we aren't letting him. I'm not excited about it, I don't enjoy DJs. And was REALLY excited about the band. Aside from the actual MARRIAGE part, that's what I was looking forward to most. I try to not let it bother me though, becuase I want this to be a stress free process.

Not a vendor issue, or really an issue at all: One of our groomsmen just found out his wife is expecting, and due 5 days before our wedding. EEEK! Happy for them, still plan on having him as a GM. The wife even said that unless she's pushing, she plans on being there. Just one of those things we gotta take in stride.

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