We're not getting married until 9/21/08 so I know we have time, but I'm so confused about vendors! We're on a tight budget (who isn't ?) and I've heard that you can save a lot by using the 'house' vendors b/c they get a kick back from the RH. Then I've heard that you should shop around to get a better deal. On the other hand- again, it's been pointed out that if something goes wrong with a 'house' vendor, that the RH has some pull and can help get you what you want. Can anybody help?!?!?
Wintersbride
Posted:
Member since
Re: Choosing vendors
First suggestion: although you have time, book early to lock in good prices.
Second suggestion: you may get a good discount from using a house vendor, but sometimes you can get a better price from another vendor. In addition, sometimes the house vendors aren't always the best. Definitely check them out and look for reviews on the the Bride's Review board. Shop around. If you get a good vendor, you will not need to worry about the CH dealing w/ them.
Hope this helps!
chrissyandvin
Posted:
Member since
Re: Choosing vendors
Posted by Wintersbride
First suggestion: although you have time, book early to lock in good prices.
Second suggestion: you may get a good discount from using a house vendor, but sometimes you can get a better price from another vendor. In addition, sometimes the house vendors aren't always the best. Definitely check them out and look for reviews on the the Bride's Review board. Shop around. If you get a good vendor, you will not need to worry about the CH dealing w/ them.
Hope this helps!
I agree with her... I am not using ANY house vendors for my wedding! I actually got lower prices from vendors who weren't even my halls vendors! You are going to have to shop around.. but like the above poster said.. it is good to book a little early because you can lock in 2007 prices! Goos luck!!
mrsh2b
Posted:
Member since
Re: Choosing vendors
Here's my advice for this daunting process:
Start looking now and lock in '07 prices.
Do not believe you will get a better deal with a house vendor. The RH does not give a kick back to the vendor; its the other way around. For every wedding a vendor that your RH recommends books, that vendor has to either give the RH a certain % of the sale or a set fee. As a matter of fact, as you shop around to the house vendors v. non-house vendors, you may find that the house vendors have a 'special' price list just for couples getting married at that RH. It's not discounted, it's jacked up.
Also don't think that if something goes wrong with a house vendor the RH will have pull for you. Not so. This is business. I have had 2 friends have pretty bad experiences with recommended vendors from their respective halls. Both of them complained afterwards and the response they got? 'Sorry to hear that'. End of story. Maybe if the RH gets extensive complaints they will stop recommending them but it's really not their problem if there are a few issues here and there with their vendors.
Definitely shop around. Get recommendations and go from there. Definitely check bbb.org before you book anyone. Remember everything is negotiable so the price they initially give you can be either reduced or you should be able to get add-ons. Good luck in your search!
DKelly
Posted:
Member since
Re: Choosing vendors
Thank you sooo much!!!
Drv0716
Posted:
Member since
Re: Choosing vendors
I looked into the DJ recommended by the RH, and even though I was offered a pretty good price because of the RH, I stil found a better price (and IMO, better service) elsewhere. It definately pays to shop around.
PreshusSmurf
Posted:
Member since
Re: Choosing vendors
Our photographer/videographer and dj are both recommended by our hall, it gave us a small extra sense of security about booking them.
Espo22
Posted:
Member since
Re: Choosing vendors
First off its not early to book...if you go on the 08 boards you will see ALOT of the girls already have either almost all major vendors booked already or close to it. Some 08 girls have called vendors but couldn't get them because they were booked.
2nd-Just because they are a recommended vendor it does not mean that they will be cheaper...Infact some of my RH's recommended vendors are more expensive than alot of others. So don't pick based on just that. Go with who you like best and is within your budget. I did pick a few of my RH's vendors but thats because that is whom I liked the best. Also, if something goes wrong not much your RH can do really in most situations.
jsta76
Posted:
Member since
Re: Choosing vendors
Posted by Espo22
First off its not early to book...if you go on the 08 boards you will see ALOT of the girls already have either almost all major vendors booked already or close to it. Some 08 girls have called vendors but couldn't get them because they were booked.
Also another thing is to consider the season, September (if thats when you are getting married) is still considered peak wedding season. Plus you might have to compete with other events with some vendors.
What we decided to do was call a few vendors on their list and a few vendors off their list. Then we did a comparison of prices and all other things factor in.
We're booking our photographer this weekend and they happen to be a reccomended vendor. We loved her work and her prices were competitive with others. I know she's getting a kickback but i'm fine with that since we were able to negotiate to include things we wanted.
