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On a Budget, need Budegt friendly Vendor Suggestions!!

IrishrosetIrishroset
10 Comments
in DC
OK, so the FI and I are paying for the wedding ourselves, so we have a very tight budget!

I've been able to drop a lot of costs by doing a cocktail/appetisers reception, limit the guest list, my friend is doing the cake, i got a used wedding dress, I'm making my own wedding invitations, stuff like that...

But I have three areas that are IMPT, but i can't find vendors or friends that can do it!

April 24th 2010 in Stevensville, MD

1) Photographer! (Looking for photojournalistic style.. I don't think I can afford a regular photographer (I only have like 300-500 available) so trying to find someone who is getting into the business and has done a few weddings, but looking to expand their portfolio and could do so at a reduced price to me. I only need them from like 11-5 for the bride getting ready, wedding, a few group shots and reception. Don't need an album or anything like that, I just want a nice disc with all of the pictures!!

2) Videographer! Similar needs to the photographer. around 11-5 for the bridge getting ready, wedding, and reception. Don't even need them to edit it if it will lower the cost! 200-400

3) DJ/Band/MC? We are only having an appetizer's reception from 1:30-4:30.. and we won't have a dance floor, just a tented reception outside. Just need some nice music in the background and someone to run the show (when to do bridal toss, first dance, cake cutting) etc.. something like that. 

4) And since we will be getting married on the other side of the bay bridge... a house or something to rent for a night  before the wedding, and possible the night of the wedding for all the bridal party. 

 If anyone knows anybody? or vendors they used and like that could fit this budget! Any help at all would be wonderful!!! I keep running against walls!!

Any other ideas to help lower wedding costs!?!?!
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Re: On a Budget, need Budegt friendly Vendor Suggestions!!

  • ChristineBride2BeChristineBride2Be member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    DJ- If you're not having a dance floor or anything you could just use your iPod and some really nice speakers. My girlfriend saved hundreds doing this AND she picked all her own music. It worked out great.

    Videographer- check local colleges/universities for film students who might be willing to do it for a couple hundred bucks.

    Photographer- I've seen this woman post on craigslist, dont know much about her other than she's affordable. http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/for/1497474726.html

    Good luck
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  • cbm3228cbm3228 member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I agree with the PP that if you make a mix and set up and ipod, that can be a really affordable option for a DJ.

    Just a word of caution for photographers-  this is something i would research carefully.  I was a big proponent of spending more on a photographer because at the end of the day all you have are your pictures to remember the event.  A lot of time in the wedding business you hear- you get what you pay for, therefore, you might want to consider using your videographer budget for a photographer.  Especialy if you can find a family friend to tape the ceremony (you really dont need video of yourself getting ready if you have a photographer taking pictures at the same time)    The last thing you want is to get some "cheap" photographer who either does a crappy job or doesn't show up.

    Just some thoughts.
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  • hkmvf6hkmvf6
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I've booked the photographer ChristineBride linked to, her actual website is http://www.365memories.com (I don't know if that makes it clicky or not).  She was really nice when I met with her, and her photography appears to be getting better and better, my wedding isn't until next October so I'm not able to actually review her yet though.  Hope this helps.
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  • nooniesinlovenooniesinlove
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I'm using Photobisou for my photographer.  He's trying to get into the business, so his prices are low, but his pictures are nice.  He has a $450 package for six hours of coverage that includes all your pictures on a DVD and on a website.  He also has a $550 package that has all-day coverage and prints, but he dropped the prints at my request and bumped the price down to $500.  http://www.photobisou.com.

    You CAN do it.  I searched A LOT of photographers, and weddingwire.com really helped me with this category.  Yeah, you're probably not going to get the most artistic or quality pictures ever, but all I wanted was someone who could take better pictures than I could and not charge me thousands.
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  • IrishrosetIrishroset
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Thanks for your help ladies!! I have a lot of strong leads now!!
    Report Reply
  • cabannerscabanners
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011

    nooniesinlove,


    You are a lifesaver!! I cannot believe you found a photographer for such a good price! His work is pretty good and his prices are outstanding! Thank you so much! Smile

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