Hello! My fiance and I have been looking at venues and we we're about to book an all inclusive package at East Wind. However, we went to The Watermill yesterday and fell in love. They quoted us at $85 per person for a Friday night in May 2014.
While we are happy with the price per plate, the fact that we have to get our own vendors is stressful considering East Wind had a package that included flowers, a limo, a photographer and videographer, and a DJ.
Would anyone be able to tell me the average cost of vendors? I have no idea what to expect. I'm definitely not a luxurious person but I do want nice centerpieces, a DJ, a videographer and photographer, and a limo service.
Would anyone be able to tell me what to expect with these costs?
Thank you!
lauren1802
Posted:
Member since
Average cost of vendors
dj can go from 1500 and (way) up depending on what you need- lighting/ mc / etc
photo seems to be 2000 and (way) up depending on packages / styles too
video is 1500++
flowers around 2k, maybe less (hidden essence is great!)
limos depend on # hours and how big of a limo- you can get for 750 +
the bigger thing is looking around to find all the best vendors at the best prices--- but LIW is a HUGE help with this!
Soon2BeMrsMango
Posted:
Member since
Average cost of vendors
I think you can get any vendor to fit your budget. There are places you can cut back with each type of vendor. I loved the watermill. Had it not been out of the way for our guests we would have really considered it. Personally I like the idea of picking your vendors rather then them being assigned to you so you can really choose what it is you want.
BklynBabe1624
Posted:
Member since
Re: Average cost of vendors
I think it depends who you use, what you want and what vendor you choose. Before you book, contact the vendors, negotiate the prices and then tally up the costs. If you love both places then its just about of cost.
Also, find out who East Wind uses for your vendors. Say you want Vendor X, can you use Vendor X and receive a discount somewhere else?
Flowers - $350 (I only did bouquets for me, the girls, bouqts for the guys)
I spent $400 on my centerpieces that I did myself. I wanted a romantic look so I bought 3 piece candle crystal set from BBB. I filled it with the jewels, water and a floating candle. There was a set on a each table.
Limo $1350 (family discount)
Shanti12
Posted:
Member since
Re: Average cost of vendors
If your ceremony is at the venue, you can get a limo to drop you off for around $300. Otherwise, the other girls numbers are about right!
girlymetalchick
Posted:
Member since
Average cost of vendors
We also choose the Watermill on a Friday night in May 2014. We were also hesitant with having to get the vendors our self but honestly, they made it very easy. We went with their house vendors In The Mood DJ ($1,695, 1 DJ/MC and uplighting for the room), ADA Photography ($1,495 for 10 hours of photography and edited high resolution pics on a CD) and Sir Oliver Limo ($1050 for 4 hours stretch Hummer limo). They all work together and often give discounts to Watermill brides. We weren't crazy about any of their flower vendors and went with one recommended by family, Flowers by Burton and Sons in Huntington. Don't let the lack of a package discourage you. We're glad we went the Watermill route. :)
DharmaColbie86
Posted:
Member since
Average cost of vendors
When I first started planning I was heart set on an all inclusive package as well because I figured it was just easier that way. But to be honest like the other girls said its great to be able to negotiate prices and pick abd choose vendors you like. Plus being that you have plenty of time before your wedding you can research and meet with as many vendors as you want if you did an inclusive youd be bored til closer to the date. Watermill is beautiful but I fell in love with floral terrace! HtH!
dhuber87
Posted:
Member since
Average cost of vendors
After viewing 7 different venues on long island, my fiance and I also chose watermill. They offered us the best price per plate for what we were getting, besides the fact that the venue is beautiful (there was only one other venue we were going to pick, but they charged extra for an outdoor cocktail hour and went over our planned budget). Although it does seem stressful to pick your own vendors, it is fun to meet with them all and compare prices so you can see who you like, who you dont, and who is willing to work with you rather than getting 'stuck' with one vendor. Also, you can decide to spend more money on one vendor and less on another at your own free will!
JeannaCoppola
Posted:
Member since
Average cost of vendors
Thank you so much ladies. I'm definitely not savvy in this all. So is it better to shop around for vendors prices before booking a venue or is it smarter to book the date so you have it and then start finding your vendors? I'm really lost on all this and I want to be sure it doesn't cause a headache in the end. Thank you all for your responses. It makes me feel a lot better.
jsh109
Posted:
Member since
Average cost of vendors
Definitely book the venue first and get a set date before you start looking for vendors. A lot of the vendors you choose will also depend on when your event is and where it is. Also, one of the first questions they will ask you is the date of your wedding to see if they're even available so it makes sense to have a date first.
