Can it be done?

Heidys Posted: Jun 22, 2011 04:29 PM

Can it be done?

Hello Ladies,

In a little over a week I have become hooked on this site. This is because of how helpful and creative you all are.

Up until this weekend FH and I were planning on a mid-March wedding. However, the possibility of having it this year has arisen and we are strongly considering going for it. We are looking at the end of Oct./ beginning of November (yes, in four months!). On one hand this is a really short time-frame, and I am going to be under a lot of stress. On the other hand, I think this is a great opportunity to maybe get a good deal on a RH. What do you all think.

I am looking at Fox Hollow (my favorite), Surf Club, Smithtown Landing, The River View, and maybe Marina del Rey.

Surf Club quoted me $100 which I thought was way too high considering I am looking at a Friday/Sunday night and this is in 4 months. I am really hoping to land somewhere between $65-75pp (inclusive). If not, I don't think I can afford to do it in 4months. Do you all think that it is possible to negotiate that at the places I mentioned?

Thanks so much!

halfbaked Posted: Jun 22, 2011 04:37 PM

Re: Can it be done?

As for planning, it can absolutely be done. I agree that $100 (is that including tax/grat.?) seems a bit high for a date 4 months from now. Especially for Friday/Sunday. I would definitely try to talk them down on the price. But don't forget you have other things to purchase besides the RH! I mean, not a lot of other stuff is necessary and you can get away with spending a WHOLE lot or VERY little, but just don't forget you have other vendors- DJ/photog/etc.

Good luck and keep us posted!

fdnybride163 Posted: Jun 22, 2011 04:52 PM

Re: Can it be done?

you def will get a better deal on vendors if you do it in such a small time frame. there are plenty of weeks left for you to put it all together. but just rememeber it might be a bigger burden on your BP and family, havving to cram in bridal shower, bach party, purchasing outfits, and gifts etc in just a few months

AwaitingAugust Posted: Jun 22, 2011 05:33 PM

Re: Can it be done?

you can definitely get it all done in 4 months!

i don't have ideas on RHs though, sorry.

JandS Posted: Jun 22, 2011 05:37 PM

Re: Can it be done?

one of my bms is doing it got engaged a couple weeks ago, married on halloween weekend. You can def get it done.

NYtherapist Posted: Jun 22, 2011 05:55 PM

Re: Can it be done?

I got fantastic price breaks because we booked 6 months out. You can absolutely do it within that price range.

ETA: Walk in to RH appointments telling them that you're looking to book a date in '11 that they're looking to fill. That's what we did and we watched the prices drop dramatically.

soon2beMrsHenry92912 Posted: Jun 22, 2011 06:12 PM

Re: Can it be done?

A friend of mine got married at Fox Hollow a few years ago on a Sunday and they booked their wedding 3 months in advance. It can be done! Because they were filling slot for that year rather than the next, they got an amazing deal with lots of extras thrown in. Because you want to book for this year, you definitely have the upper hand in the bargaining because they need your business. Don't be afraid to ask for extras and bargain them down to a price you are comfortable with! HTH!

ewecki825 Posted: Jun 22, 2011 08:48 PM

Re: Can it be done?

It can definitely be done but I agree that it might be too much for your family and bridesmaids to handle. Good luck!!!

Andrea12785 Posted: Jun 22, 2011 08:56 PM

Re: Can it be done?

We booked fox hollow in Feb 2010, we needed the bigger room and wanted a Sat ngiht. There was only on Sat night in Aug, one in Oct, and one in Nov left (we took the last Oct Sat night). My guess is that they're probably booked. So I'd call there ASAP to find out if they have any openings.

Good luck

chilly313 Posted: Jun 22, 2011 09:03 PM

Re: Can it be done?

Are you talking about the Rverview in Oakdale? If so, fm me if you want info.

Bride in 2012 Posted: Jun 22, 2011 11:44 PM

Re: Can it be done?

Planning wise, yes it definitely can be done, however you may not be able to book your preferred vendors since they have probably been booked for a year or so.

NYtherapist Posted: Jun 23, 2011 12:01 AM

Re: Can it be done?

Posted by Bride in 2012

Planning wise, yes it definitely can be done, however you may not be able to book your preferred vendors since they have probably been booked for a year or so.

Not necessarily true. We got every vendor we wanted.

Bride in 2012 Posted: Jun 23, 2011 12:05 AM

Re: Can it be done?

Posted by NYtherapist

Posted by Bride in 2012

Planning wise, yes it definitely can be done, however you may not be able to book your preferred vendors since they have probably been booked for a year or so.

Not necessarily true. We got every vendor we wanted.

You're lucky then. When my aunt and uncle got married, they planned their wedding in 6months and had a hard time getting the people they wanted. Glad you had a good experience though.

NYtherapist Posted: Jun 23, 2011 08:58 AM

Re: Can it be done?

Posted by Bride in 2012

Posted by NYtherapist

Posted by Bride in 2012

Planning wise, yes it definitely can be done, however you may not be able to book your preferred vendors since they have probably been booked for a year or so.

Not necessarily true. We got every vendor we wanted.

You're lucky then. When my aunt and uncle got married, they planned their wedding in 6months and had a hard time getting the people they wanted. Glad you had a good experience though.

Me too!

Leia1920 Posted: Jun 23, 2011 09:41 AM

Re: Can it be done?

mtk1605 did this in 4 months and i believe she got amazing deals on a lot of things. she's very helpful so if you FM her i'm sure she could help answer any questions you might have.

i would totally do it

kerryums Posted: Jun 23, 2011 09:44 AM

Re: Can it be done?

Doable for sure, but you will definitely have to make a lot of compromises! Not just on your vendors, but you may have to buy a sample gown to get the one you love, or pay extra to have it rushed (and to me, it's not a wedding without the dream dress!)

Just something to consider :) Let us know what you decide!

DreamyD Posted: Jun 23, 2011 10:34 AM

Re: Can it be done?

We booked last month and our date is 10.28.11

You can get vendors for better prices by filling holes in their books- but
finding one's with holes can be challenging.
Luckily I already have my dress- and my bridesmaids already have theirs- so that was one majorly time consuming thing out of the way!
Also-

Think of this seriously-
Can you come up with 20 or 30 thousand dollars in 4 months?

That's the major question!

Good luck and congrats!

anszusterman Posted: Jun 23, 2011 10:53 AM

Re: Can it be done?

Posted by Leia1920

mtk1605 did this in 4 months and i believe she got amazing deals on a lot of things. she's very helpful so if you FM her i'm sure she could help answer any questions you might have.

i would totally do it

She is exactly who I thought about when I read this!

Heidys Posted: Jun 23, 2011 11:01 AM

Re: Can it be done?

Thanks so much everyone you are all so helpful.

A couple of things:

Yes, I've thought about the costs to my family given the short notice. Mom and sisters were actually the ones to encourage me. In terms of BMs I am just going to have my 3 sisters I think. FSILs are painfully shy and do not want to be in the spotlight.

Also, I know that I will be sacraficing some of the details/projects that I wanted to do. I will have to check in with my close friends and fam to see how much they are willing to help out with these projects.

Vendors: yes, i'm concerned about not getting the one's I want...might have to be flexible on this...

Dress: I think the dress is a major factor. I would have to find something soon...and I am afraid to settle. Realistically, how long before the wedding do I need to have it by?

I called Fox Hollow, and they have at least four dates opened, so I am feeling pretty positive. Again, the only deal breaker would be if they don't give me a good quote. But, as many of you ladies have already mentioned, I could probably talk them down.

Will keep you all in the loop!

Heidys Posted: Jun 23, 2011 11:02 AM

Re: Can it be done?

Posted by soon2beMrsHenry92912

A friend of mine got married at Fox Hollow a few years ago on a Sunday and they booked their wedding 3 months in advance. It can be done! Because they were filling slot for that year rather than the next, they got an amazing deal with lots of extras thrown in. Because you want to book for this year, you definitely have the upper hand in the bargaining because they need your business. Don't be afraid to ask for extras and bargain them down to a price you are comfortable with! HTH!

What 'extras' can I ask for?