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cutting back?

LedZeppelinLedZeppelin member
1000 Comments
in Arizona-Phoenix
So, here's my problem, I found a photographer that I really like, but he's about $1300 more than I was planning on spending for a photographer. I, also, looked through all of the photographers that were recently listed on here and of those I only really liked two of them. Unfortunately, they were already booked for my date. That left me with the one who is a bit expensive (but I also liked the best).

That being said, the pictures are one of the most important things to me, so I don't mind rearranging the budget to accommodate for the photographer. I was hoping, though, that you ladies might have some suggestions on how to cut back other areas.

This is what I have so far:

*we're DIYing our flowers and Invitations
*my aunt is doing my hair
*decorations will be minimal (the venue doesn't need much extra)

and our venue, DJ, and caterer are already booked, so I can't do much with those.

I would appreciate any ideas you may have. Thanks ladies!
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Re: cutting back?

  • alschmidalschmid member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011

    Have you talked to the photographer about your budget and seen if there is any room in bringing the price down? 
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    Amy & Ian

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  • LedZeppelinLedZeppelin member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Yes I did. They said that's the lowest they can go.

    The two I liked that were mentioned on here are Drew Brashler and Jennifer Weems because their style is quite different than the majority I have seen (the photographer that is a bit out of my budget also has a different style). If anyone knows of other photographers that are similar to those two I'd love to hear about them.
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  • heysocratesheysocrates
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I'm not sure you price point, but my photographer was Kym Ventola: http://ventolaphotography.com/

    Photography was a big deal for us as well. She's amazing & was fun and easy-going. She worked with us, and we were able to create our own package that was well below what she originally quoted us. Our pictures came out awesome, every single one of them.
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  • NillaWafer10NillaWafer10 member
    1000 Comments 5 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    You can save quite a bit on your dress.  You can look into purchasing it from a consignment shop, on ebay, or off the rack from a bridal store.  I saved $400 there.

    You can save on your wedding bands by purchasing them on overstock, amazon or ebay for around 1/2 off.

    You can save on rentals by purchasing your linens and then re-selling them.  It can be an investment up front, but you can save in the end.  Try linentablecloth.com

    Cut down on your alcohol by serving beer and wine only.

    You can save major money on your cake by having a home baker on ebay do it. Someone posted a while ago about someone who charged around $2.00 a slice.  I found someone on Craigslist, but then my in laws decided to give us our wedding cake as a present.

    Start saving your pennies, literally.  FI and I have a coin jar where we put all of our loose change.  We roll it up every few months or so and have around $100 or so. Make sure to roll it yourself, because those machines are a rip off.

    Hope that helps!
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  • LedZeppelinLedZeppelin member
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Thanks Nilla!

    Those are all reall great ideas!
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  • lcarp203lcarp203
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011

    In regards to photography - ieke just posted her picts on line yesterday and I thought they were really nice.  I would have looked into this photographer if I was just starting the hunt.  Here is the website: http://www.mariannewilsonphotography.com/

    I am not sure what your price range is but her site states the following:
    Wedding Collections start at $2,000.00

    All collections include:
    Wedding Day Coverage
    Engagement Session
    Disc of Wedding Images
    Private on-line proofing and ordering

    I also LOVED Kym Ventola for a photographer.  She was a little out of my price range, but her work is amazing!

    With regards to how to save-
    - I got my dress at Almond Tree Weddings, it is a consignment shop.  They sell their dresses for half off retail.  And, my dress was new.
    - You can do things such as save the dates, guest sign in book ect through vista print.  Often times, you can get items for fee if you sign up for their emails.
    - I would also make sure that you tell vendors where you would like to stay.  Often times they can work with you.  If they can not, they can give you a name of another vendor who may be able to work with you in the area.

    11/6/2010
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