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Maine
Planning - Starting to get stressed out...
We got engaged the week before Christmas and decided to get married this September (we want a fall wedding and did not want such a long engagement). We have found and booked the venue and are about to sign the contract with the caterer.
The problem is - although we will be able to come up with the cost of the wedding by the time of the wedding, we don't have it all upfront. We are trying to stay away from credit cards as much as possible, and FI has pretty much decreed that he does not want to spend the money until we basically have it in hand. Which makes sense. This means that we will have to wait until at least April to book the photographer and the DJ. I am stressing out at the idea that 5 months before the wedding is not enough time and that we won't be able to find anyone still available.
I know that some people are able to plan weddings in less time than that, and they find a way to do it, but both those vendors are really important to us (the photographer for obvious reasons and the DJ because I want to make sure people are dancing all night at our wedding). Does anyone know of anyone who has planned in that amount of time and was able to get vendors? Just knowing that it can be done would be so reassuring...
The problem is - although we will be able to come up with the cost of the wedding by the time of the wedding, we don't have it all upfront. We are trying to stay away from credit cards as much as possible, and FI has pretty much decreed that he does not want to spend the money until we basically have it in hand. Which makes sense. This means that we will have to wait until at least April to book the photographer and the DJ. I am stressing out at the idea that 5 months before the wedding is not enough time and that we won't be able to find anyone still available.
I know that some people are able to plan weddings in less time than that, and they find a way to do it, but both those vendors are really important to us (the photographer for obvious reasons and the DJ because I want to make sure people are dancing all night at our wedding). Does anyone know of anyone who has planned in that amount of time and was able to get vendors? Just knowing that it can be done would be so reassuring...
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Re: Planning - Starting to get stressed out...
I will definitely start looking into DJs though, and post here how it goes!
Thanks again!
PS - JChow: we're getting marriedn in the Camden/Rockport area (Lincolnville specifically). So... not a huge choice. I guess there must be DJs out of Bangor/Augusta to look at though. It might be a bit too far from Portland.
I will PM you with my DJ information.
The venue is probably what I'd worry most about, plus your dress. I planned a wedding near Bangor and honestly most of my vendors thought I came in way too early (6-7 months) for them! They could've done it with much less notice.
Otherwise find out which downpayments you are able to afford and go from there.
Also my photographer, Jen Lamoreau is out of Poland. Again the best price I could find, especially for her quality of work! The deposit was $330 and I'm only paying $960 for the whole thing (including 6 hours of coverage, the cd, prints and a photobook). If you want either of their contact info let me know!
Good luck! Definitely find who you want and talk to them, they are people too and understand. Maybe you can pay a smaller deposit if you offer to pay $X every month until the deposit they require is paid then pay the rest at the normal time?
I would recommend getting the photographer first, in my opinion they book up faster. Clare Norton is a great and affordable option here in Maine and all the girls who have used her, love her!
I also agree with the PP, if your date is 9.10.11 then I would try to at least put all your deposits down, I know 3 people getting married on that date just in my area.
Good Luck and we're always here if you need us!
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I'm going for the photographer next. It won't be the end of the world to put one deposit on a credit card, especially since I know I can pay it off in the next couple of months.
Thank you ladies! It's so nice to know there is somwhere to come to when all this gets too stressful where people not only don't mind hearing about the problems, they actually want to help!!!
ETA: JChow- your guys were booked on the 24th, but thank you so much for the rec!