Hi all - New to this board, I usually lurk around on Etiquette or Snarky Brides. Hello!
My FI and I are planning a destination wedding in NYC (from Norway) for May 2012 (I realise it's a long time away, but we're travelling to New York this April to visit venues etc, and have started saving & budgeting now).
I've been budgeting and I realise that New York is very expensive. I've been able to get a good feel for venue/reception pricing, and feel comfortable about my budget there.
However, three things I'm clueless about:
1) Photography: Photography is a high priority, and we love the style of photojournalistic photographers, such as Christian Oth etc. How much should we budget for these services? $3,000? $5,000? More?
2) Flowers: We're most likely skipping centerpieces - but need a bridal bouquet, 3 bridesmaid bouquets, and 3 boutonnieres (sp?). Anyone have a ballpark estimate? Even estimates for 1 bridal bouquet would be great - since I'm not in the US, I feel completely clueless.
3) Transport: I love yellow cabs, and think they would be convenient, and cute for the photos. Is it naive to think we can just hail cabs on our wedding day? (Our ceremony is booked at the Norwegian Seaman's Church for 3pm - which would mean taxi rides around 4pm)
I would appreciate any input or tips from anyone!
Re: Destination wedding in NYC
http://fedorovfoto.com/
I recommend you do an engagement shoot in New York landscapes, Central Park, Times Sq., with yellow cabs, etc.. in that way you will get to know your photographer as well.
2) I would budget USD3000 - 6000 depending on how big your venue is. There are florists that bundles venue lighting and offers all neccessary decorations beyond flowers as well.
3) I think that's a cute idea! You may need to consult say.. a cab driver in advance, may be he can give you some corporate number for you to book a big batch of cabs to pick your guests up at one place?
Best of luck!
http://fedorovfoto.com/2010/11/ploy-mark-engagement-ny-ny/
I found that any photog in NYC that was worthwhile was at least $3500.
Flowers: bouquets didn't seem to me to be different in pricing whether I looked in NYC or on LI. My bouquet is $200, and my girls are $125. I have been using Starbrite flowers and they have been awesome and beat the price of a florist in Queens.
Taxis---good question. The church is on 52nd and 2nd it looks like...which is a pretty well trafficked area. My experience is that you cannot call and get a whole bunch, but you can certainly hire one of the vintage cabs to come pick you up. I'm sure if you google it you can get it.
Good luck!
Good luck to the both of you!!