Hi Brides to Be!! Well, I was wondering if any of you are planning your wedding from out of state. My fiance and I are both Long Islanders living in California, but we are moving back to LI about 7 months before our wedding. I have a lot of time (wedding date is 6/18/05), but I was wondering if anyone had any advice or tips on planning out of state. Our families are AWESOME and they've already helped us so much. I'm planning on making as many appointments as I can when we come home for Christmas. Let me know if there's anything I should know/ be prepared for! thanks
radiostar
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Re: Any out of state brides?
I am!
I'm in Chicago...he's in LA....Wedding is in NY.
If it wasn't for this site, I'd be in an insane asylum !
As a result of the advice of this board, I've booked:
* Jennifer from Fairytale Makeover * Bellarino Video * Patken Photo * Huntington Hilton * Jillians for RD
Welcome! This board is a HUGE blessing.
Oh yeah..you can meet some really cool friends here too!
**EDITED TO ADD....BURTONS FLOWERS IS ONE OF MY VENDORS TOO!!!!!**
radiostar
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Re: Any out of state brides?
Oh....you asked for advice.
Regarding vendors....Word of mouth beats any other form of advertisement. The girls here are extremely honest. Don't be afraid to ask. You'd be surprised at the lightning fast responses that you will receive.
Follow up as much as humanly possible. I think that a lot of vendors like to take advantage of the fact that we can't just POP in for any given reason. It's unfortunate....but true.
Get everything....and I do mean EVERYTHING....every little detail in writing...from the extra shrimp that is supposed to be 'thrown in'...to the extra hour that your limo co wants to give you.
Lastly, DON'T GO CRAZY. The idea itself of planning long distance is enough to frustrate you...but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.....and you know why????? THIS BOARD! This site is a WEALTH of information! You'll become addicted quickly! Just a warning!
holly231
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Re: Any out of state brides?
I am planning from Rhode Island..it is not that difficult to get home if I need to, but since I work, its kinda hard to get home at any time I want too....When I do go home, I book appointments....thats how I booked my hall...thats all I have done so far tho....My mom came out to RI to look for my dress, since I am in RI, it makes more sense to get iot here, for fittings, etc...I do LOVEEEEEEEEEEEEE LIW boards sooooo much and have gotten great ideas and reviews on vendors...the girls on here help so so so much...I think word of mouth and experiences are the biggest help and because of them, next time I am home, going to book an appointment with Jack and Rose....Patken...and a few other places, I think these boards ARE THE BEST!!!!
juju
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Re: Any out of state brides?
HI Gals, I would say to stick to this post! I have received a lot of advice otherwise I would of been clueless since I am not from Long Island. I'm living here now but didn't have a clue about wedding vendors. YOu won't be disappointed!
Rob-luvs-me
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Re: Any out of state brides?
I am not an out of state bride YET. I will be moving before the end of the month - and I'm not sure to where but I think to MI.
I am trying to get all my major vendors booked before I leave. I still need to book my florist, and hair and makeup (but I won't get to that before I leave)
I am using: Mark Kauffman Wild Rose Times Square Orchestra Ultimate Class Limousine
We were limited in when we could see and book our Photographer, Videographer, and out Band b/c FH wanted a say and he is in law school out in MI so it was hard to do those things when he was home visiting.
You really need to do a ton of research, try to get a price range for the vendors and look at their sites to see if you even like their work before wasting time going to their office. Also talk to people on here who are using each vendor and find out why they booked that person over something else. That will help you narrow down your search.
BrideJamie
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Re: Any out of state brides?
I am planning for MD...and the best advice I can give is to let your family in NY help. If it wasn't for my parents doing a little leg work for me after I got reccmendations from this site...I would have been so overwhelmed. Just choose one thing at a time and focus on it, get a place, then a band, photographer. You will make yourself crazy if you do everything at once. My other piece of advice is when you come in Dec...make sure you make appointments in order of location. When I was looking for halls...I had my parents driving back and forth all over LI. Schedule appointments that are near each other and make sure you leave time to think and digest it all. Good luck.
NYBrideinCA
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Re: Any out of state brides?
I'm in Cali, too! We planned our summer 2004 wedding almost entirely using the internet. Technology is a good thing! We were on LI for about 10 days and were able to pick hall, dj, photographer and flowers. Luckily my mom, sis and future sis will take care of anything that I won't be able to do from here. Best advice...keep excellent records/files and keep track of who you spoke to and when. Don't stress; you have plenty of time. It always works out in the end. Best to you and see you on the boards!
Robeymuse
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Re: Any out of state brides?
I am planning my LI wedding from Missouri. It was easier when I was in NY, but do your research, you can get tons of info off of LIW. Then book all your appointments when you are in NY. Most vendors are very flexible. Like RobLuvsMe, I tried to get a lot done when I was in NY but there is still so much to do. So now I am booking my appointments for when I know I will be in LI next month. It helps if you have a family willing to help out. There is stuff you can do out of state, like book your honeymoon, take engagement pictures, favors, invitations, guest lists, programs, menus... Just remember, you have this board to help you Good Luck!
