MY JULY 12th WEDDING REVIEW
eFirst off, I would like to thank everyone on this board. I am not an avid poster, but I am an avid reader of the boards and have been 'on them' since December, 2001.
I can honestly say that I could not have planned my wedding without the help of you ladies. These boards have and continue to give me a sense of community and friendship. Although I have not met many of you, I feel like I know many of you. You have given me advice, kind words and allowed me to keep my sanity during the planning process when I was teetering dangerously close to losing it. Thank you.
Onto my review - I can hardly believe that it is all over. I know many people say it, but so much planning goes into one day and the day literally flies by. I did take some time to soak it in though. I am glad that I did that.
My wedding day was the happiest, most magical day of my life thus far. I would not trade the memories for anything. I loved being a bride. Although there were some snafus, overall things went very well. So - the review (I am going to be very honest, and I hope not to offend. These are just my opinions on my vendors):
Dress - David's Bridal. B+
I bought my dress at a David's Bridal in Massachusetts. I think people's experiences with David's Bridal can vary wildly depending on the store. My experience there was average. The salesgirl was somewhat helpful, but she was attending to several other brides. I do not think you can really expect too much personal attention at David's unless you go in at a really 'off' time. They had to special order my dress because they did not have it in ivory. When the dress came in (back in September), the zipper was broken. Very annoying. They had to order yet another dress, but that one was fine. I loved my dress (as all brides do), but I would not rave over David's.
BM dresses - Netbride.com. A
I ordered my Bari Jay bridesmaid's dresses through netbride.com and was thoroughly satisfied. The ordering process was simple, efficient, and I received the girl's dresses early. Best of all, the girls saved money. I was quoted a price of $280 by Macy's Bridal and I got the dresses through netbride for $140. Not bad at all. I would highly recommend netbride to anyone.
Limos - Royalty Limo. A+
We used Royalty for their 'limbusine.' It was great. The limo bus fit the entire bridal party and their dates. We picked up a few friends along the way too! The bus was well-stocked, in great condition, clean, and was a blast. Our driver was excellent. He showed up early, loaded the bus with all of our 'gear' and orchestrated the lining up of the bridal party when we arrived at the church. He also helped to arrange the post-ceremony receiving line. Royalty far exceeded my expectations which is the reason for my A+ rating.
Photography - VIP Studios. C
This rating is obviously based on my experience thus far. It may change once I see my proofs. I met John back in February, 2002 and booked my wedding (July 12, 2003) on the spot. I discussed with John in detail what style of photography I liked, my preferences, etc. I felt John understood my ideas and requested that he be my photographer. He told me that he had not made the schedule, but he would write that I requested him on the contract. I called several times before my wedding (last year, in January of this year, in April, in May, and finally in June). Only one of my calls was returned (John called to request his second deposit). At that time, he told me that he had not made the schedule, but that he knew I had requested him. Finally, when I called him on July 1, he told me that he would not in fact be my photographer, but assured me that I was in capable hands with 2 of his colleagues.
Two photographers arrived at my house on the day of my wedding. Now, that morning was very busy. Myself and all of my bridesmaids were getting ready, flowers were being delivered etc. The first thing the photographer asked me is if she could sit with me a moment to discuss what I would like because John had told her 'almost nothing' (her words) about what I was looking for. I had discussed this in detail with John and he told her NOTHING! I do not blame her for asking me. I appreciate that she took the time to ask what I wanted. But I am very disappointed in John and VIP. Had I known that he would not be my photographer and then not even bother to relay my wishes to his contractor, then I would not have chosen to use VIP Studios. The way I see it, I am paying several thousand dollars for a service, and I expect that service to be delivered well and to my expectations. Thus far, VIP has fallen far short of my expectations. Hopefully my proofs will be nice, but thus far I am very displeased.
Flowers - Flowers by Rosemarie. A
Flowers by Rosemarie is not a vendor on here. She is located in Sayville and works from her home. She came recommended to me by several people. I was thoroughly impressed with her work. My bouquet consisted of calla lilies and sterling roses and heather. The flowers were full and beautiful. The bridesmaids bouquets were also beautiful. The hydrangea were vibrant as were the roses. I did not do anything too crazy with the centerpieces - just roses, but I was also thoroughly pleased with them. Rosemarie is also very reasonalbly priced. I would recommend her without reservation.
DJ and favors- Spin Around Sound. A-
We hired the DJ for the cocktail hour and the reception. He played most of our 'Must Play' list and did not deviate from the 'Do Not Play' list. We requested a hands off DJ who would not force or guilt people into dancing and who would not be cheesy. Spin Around Sound complied with our wishes. From what I could tell, people danced the whole night. I never saw the dance floor empty which in my mind means they did a great job.
We also has SAS do our CD favors. They did a great job on those. I love love love our CD. The only reason for the A- is that the CDs were not ready until the Friday night before my Saturday wedding at 4:30 pm. My MOH went to pick them up at the DJs and dropped them off at the reception hall, but it would have been preferable if they were ready a few days earlier to avoid the last minute running around.
To be continued....
I can honestly say that I could not have planned my wedding without the help of you ladies. These boards have and continue to give me a sense of community and friendship. Although I have not met many of you, I feel like I know many of you. You have given me advice, kind words and allowed me to keep my sanity during the planning process when I was teetering dangerously close to losing it. Thank you.
Onto my review - I can hardly believe that it is all over. I know many people say it, but so much planning goes into one day and the day literally flies by. I did take some time to soak it in though. I am glad that I did that.
My wedding day was the happiest, most magical day of my life thus far. I would not trade the memories for anything. I loved being a bride. Although there were some snafus, overall things went very well. So - the review (I am going to be very honest, and I hope not to offend. These are just my opinions on my vendors):
Dress - David's Bridal. B+
I bought my dress at a David's Bridal in Massachusetts. I think people's experiences with David's Bridal can vary wildly depending on the store. My experience there was average. The salesgirl was somewhat helpful, but she was attending to several other brides. I do not think you can really expect too much personal attention at David's unless you go in at a really 'off' time. They had to special order my dress because they did not have it in ivory. When the dress came in (back in September), the zipper was broken. Very annoying. They had to order yet another dress, but that one was fine. I loved my dress (as all brides do), but I would not rave over David's.
BM dresses - Netbride.com. A
I ordered my Bari Jay bridesmaid's dresses through netbride.com and was thoroughly satisfied. The ordering process was simple, efficient, and I received the girl's dresses early. Best of all, the girls saved money. I was quoted a price of $280 by Macy's Bridal and I got the dresses through netbride for $140. Not bad at all. I would highly recommend netbride to anyone.
Limos - Royalty Limo. A+
We used Royalty for their 'limbusine.' It was great. The limo bus fit the entire bridal party and their dates. We picked up a few friends along the way too! The bus was well-stocked, in great condition, clean, and was a blast. Our driver was excellent. He showed up early, loaded the bus with all of our 'gear' and orchestrated the lining up of the bridal party when we arrived at the church. He also helped to arrange the post-ceremony receiving line. Royalty far exceeded my expectations which is the reason for my A+ rating.
Photography - VIP Studios. C
This rating is obviously based on my experience thus far. It may change once I see my proofs. I met John back in February, 2002 and booked my wedding (July 12, 2003) on the spot. I discussed with John in detail what style of photography I liked, my preferences, etc. I felt John understood my ideas and requested that he be my photographer. He told me that he had not made the schedule, but he would write that I requested him on the contract. I called several times before my wedding (last year, in January of this year, in April, in May, and finally in June). Only one of my calls was returned (John called to request his second deposit). At that time, he told me that he had not made the schedule, but that he knew I had requested him. Finally, when I called him on July 1, he told me that he would not in fact be my photographer, but assured me that I was in capable hands with 2 of his colleagues.
Two photographers arrived at my house on the day of my wedding. Now, that morning was very busy. Myself and all of my bridesmaids were getting ready, flowers were being delivered etc. The first thing the photographer asked me is if she could sit with me a moment to discuss what I would like because John had told her 'almost nothing' (her words) about what I was looking for. I had discussed this in detail with John and he told her NOTHING! I do not blame her for asking me. I appreciate that she took the time to ask what I wanted. But I am very disappointed in John and VIP. Had I known that he would not be my photographer and then not even bother to relay my wishes to his contractor, then I would not have chosen to use VIP Studios. The way I see it, I am paying several thousand dollars for a service, and I expect that service to be delivered well and to my expectations. Thus far, VIP has fallen far short of my expectations. Hopefully my proofs will be nice, but thus far I am very displeased.
Flowers - Flowers by Rosemarie. A
Flowers by Rosemarie is not a vendor on here. She is located in Sayville and works from her home. She came recommended to me by several people. I was thoroughly impressed with her work. My bouquet consisted of calla lilies and sterling roses and heather. The flowers were full and beautiful. The bridesmaids bouquets were also beautiful. The hydrangea were vibrant as were the roses. I did not do anything too crazy with the centerpieces - just roses, but I was also thoroughly pleased with them. Rosemarie is also very reasonalbly priced. I would recommend her without reservation.
DJ and favors- Spin Around Sound. A-
We hired the DJ for the cocktail hour and the reception. He played most of our 'Must Play' list and did not deviate from the 'Do Not Play' list. We requested a hands off DJ who would not force or guilt people into dancing and who would not be cheesy. Spin Around Sound complied with our wishes. From what I could tell, people danced the whole night. I never saw the dance floor empty which in my mind means they did a great job.
We also has SAS do our CD favors. They did a great job on those. I love love love our CD. The only reason for the A- is that the CDs were not ready until the Friday night before my Saturday wedding at 4:30 pm. My MOH went to pick them up at the DJs and dropped them off at the reception hall, but it would have been preferable if they were ready a few days earlier to avoid the last minute running around.
To be continued....
