Frugal Bride seeks estimate advice

Re: Frugal Bride seeks estimate advice

• hollybee92 member

  

  February 2011 edited December 2011

  I've heard anything from $3 to crazy figures...
  
  I would simply call a bakery and figure it out.

  

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• zoopsiedaisy member

  

  February 2011 edited December 2011

  Call around and see what their policy is on tastings and go meet with them.  Some places require appointments and others you can just walk in.  One thing to keep in mind is that the price goes up based on the type of icing, the number of layers, and the decorations you want.  Some people will do a dummy layer for a minimal price to get you the height you want without the excess cake.  But, I have found, the more simple your cake is the lower the cost.  The fun part of checking out a few different places is you get to taste a lot of amazing cake!!  Definitely go to a few places because in New Orleans I got quotes from around $300 all the way to $800.  

  
  

  As far as pictures, I would say figure out how important they are to you and what you are willing to spend.  Then just start looking at sites and requesting information.  If you already have a date then you may be able to rule some in or out based on if they are booked already.  Then you can start narrowing down by who you like and the cost.  Good luck!!  

  

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• Sillycar

  

  February 2011 edited December 2011

  Where is your reception venue? They may have a deal worked out with certain bakeries. One of the reasons that we chose our venue is because the quote included a cake from Haydels as well as the DJ.
  
  If you haven't booked your venue yet, definitely hold off on the cake until you do. You never know what the venue may already have worked out.
  
  Good luck!!
  

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• risti97

  

  February 2011 edited December 2011

  I am a budget bride, too, but I haven't started shopping for cakes yet.  I've heard that Gambino's is the cheapest, but I also saw an ad that Dorignacs (the grocery store) does wedding cakes. Good luck and let us know what you find!

  

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• Queen Jane member

  

  February 2011 edited December 2011

  As one of the PP's said, I've seen prices from $3 a slice on up. Our cake is for 100 people and we were quoted 450, and it is a very simple cake.
  
  Photogs I looked up all seemed to be right around the 3000 mark and up for quality work.
  
  Good Luck!
  

  Married! In New Orleans BIO

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• VivD33

  

  February 2011 edited December 2011

  I've really only gotten my photographer so far (I tend to procrastinate) no cake yet. I went with Dark Roux Photography, and I am so excited! I know Studio Tran is really good, but their (and a LOT of other) photography packages can be around $4-5 thousand. My photographer was referred to me by 2 other people, and they were happy with their work. Their packages go from $1-2 thousand, and you get two photographers. I have heard from everyone that $3-5 is the low norm for a good cake. I don't know where I'm getting mine yet either.

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• sammyjames

  

  February 2011 edited December 2011

  I'm still figuring out the cake thing myself too, but for photography, I'd definitely swing by one of the bridal shows and getting info on all of the ones that interest you.  Or, check out the vendors' websites on theknot too.  I'm guessing $1500-3000 is pretty average (I'm spending about $2200).  It really depends on everything you want included--bridal portraits, engagement pics, what kind of album, etc. 
  
  There are cheaper places in the city--some are really great, like I've heard great things about Dark Roux--but in general, make sure you check out their portfolio so you're sure you're not sacrificing quality for a nicer price tag.

  

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• lbmsrlotr member

  

  February 2011 edited December 2011

  I'm a budget bride also. I found a great photographer (Erika Parker) who is only $1200 for unlimited time & locations. Check her out.
  Good luck!

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• jen&brian21 member

  

  March 2011 edited December 2011

        I am being the same way with the price of a cake but that is one of the most important items for a wedding. I would suggest Gambino's. There cakes and pastries(not just wedding cakes) are to die for. I am having 100 guests and my price was $295 three tiers fully decorated.

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• scpoole12 member

  

  March 2011 edited December 2011

  I am also using Gambino's and paid a little over $400 for my cake for 150 people.  I think they recently went up in their pricing so you might want to check.  Haydel's was also pretty reasonable, but I like the cake at Gambino's better.

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• NolaBride2012 member

  

  March 2011 edited December 2011

  for cake, I've been quoted anywhere from $3.00 a slice up to $11 (and im sure the ceiling is higher than that)
  
  For photography, the important thing is to look at WHAT IS INCLUDED in the "price". Engagements? Bridals? Wedding album? High res CD of images? 2nd photographer (if all of these things are things you want).
  
  For just showing up the day of and taking the images + CD of images I've been quoted between $2200 - $3250. Some of those also include a free engagement session, while others don't. Bridals and engagement sessions typically run between $250 - $500 a piece. Occasionally there will be a discount for bundling engagements & bridals together. Wedding albums can seriously run anywhere from like $750 on up. I had one quote for three grand just for an album!
  
  My advice - narrow down the pool (and its pretty limitless in new orleans, there's a TON of talent here) based on quality of work and then compare their price sheets. Good luck, I STILL have not picked a photographer (im so indecisive)

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