A Little Gripe about vendors trying to rip me off

Hi: I am currently in high gear trying to get ready for my June wedding. I am a bit behind and so far have only really chosen 2 vendors...the hall (Hamlet WW) and the photographer (Duet). (I think both these places offer excellent services for fair prices.)

Throughout the course of my planning, I am constantly dismayed at how expensive things are and how places seem to try and rip you off because it is your wedding and they think they can take advantage.

CASE IN POINT: A few days ago, I placed a request for limo prices on the vendor board. Personally, I don't think limos are all that important and it is an area where I am trying to save money (and therefore will probably go with the lowest bidder.) Tuesday, I got a quote from a company. Today, the SAME company fm'ed me with a quote that was significantly higher and included a 20% gratuity. (By the way, I think a built in gratuity is BS and should be discretionary based on the level of service.)

This really pi$$ed me off... Do they think we are stupid? I am not just going to break out my wallet and write a check because it is my 'Big Day.' I then did a board search on this company and discovered that another bride had major problems with this vendor.

MORAL OF THE STORY: Shop around. Comparison shop. And do your research. I think these boards are great for getting some info both good and bad (although I understand that they do edit out some negative comments, which is sort of silly!)

Sorry this is so long... Just had to vent. Feel free to FM me for the name of the company. Also, any suggestions for an honest (and more importantly cheap limo company) would be appreciated. (Someone suggested Serenity and I will check them out!)

I just don't buy into the theory that spending tons of $$ will be worth it, simply because it is your wedding. Similarly, I think the mentality that 'you get what you pay for!' is somewhat naive.

My FI and I are paying for the wedding ourselves and we are definitely on a budget. The thing is...is that we both have great jobs and can budget a lot more. But, we have goals aside from the wedding (such as buying a house) and do not think our wedding day has to cost an obscene amount of $ to be wonderful.

For example, a few weeks ago we went photographer shopping. I was FLOORED by the cost places were charging. One place we went to asked us what our budget for photos and video was. I told them and the lady had the nerve to say, 'You will never get quality service for that amount on LI' and chuckle. She then proceeded to provide me with a 'customized budget' that was over $2G what I said. The funny thing is that the next photographer on my list had emailed me their quote which was under the budget I had stated. I pulled out the email and told her to check out this quote. The lady got quiet and needless to say, I took my business to the other vendor....which provides wonderful work at competitive prices. (Go Duet!!)

I hear you!