Question for the guys!

We are preparing some wedding related articles for the guys. So, in an effort to structure these articles around your concerns, can you please either post or FM your wedding concerns?

(please only respond if you are one of the guys)

Thank You!

Well I am pretty actively assisting in the planning of the wedding, whether I like to or not. I would suggest articles regarding more topics that I think men usually deal with...

Tuxes, limos, dj's, negotiating with vendors, etc...

Anything that can help with knowing what questions to ask and how to negotiate..

Price comparisons/ going rates would be helpful also..

Q) It would be nice to see what the different styles tuxes are out there. If they should match the BMs or can we have a different color all together.

A) go to www.afterhours.com this site will show you all the different stile tuxes out there as well as they have a sub-site that will let you build your own tux. This is neat and will give you ideas . Also sit down with your FW and pick out style and tux that YOU LIKE and that complements her dresses.

Q)What to expect when talking to vendor?

A) Vendors are out to make a buck like every other business. However, take the passive -aggressive attitude that you appreciate their service ,but, let them know that they are providing a service to meet YOUR NEEDS not theirs. But remember to be respectful yet stern.You want what you want and it is YOUR DAY.Besides they are competing for you and not the other way around.

Q) what will different vendors try to sell us when we really don't need it.

A) You have answered your own question .Vendors work off a strategic plan. They all start with the biggest and most coast affective packages to meet your needs and theirs. But , again they are their in the end to meet your needs . Vendors are in a Service oriented business and with today's growing accessibility in communication they are aware that they are not only selling a service but a reputation. So make a list of YOUR NEEDS and only accept those who can meet them . If you don't need a service, tell them and you decide if you should go to another vendor to get want you want.

Note : THE RULE OF THREE

It is like going to get an estimate for your car . Get three estimates from three different Body shops and see who has met your needs on price and quality of service. Then go back to each of them and put them in a position to have them compete against themselves and not you competing against them. This might sound long and arduous ,but, it is the people who take the time to do this that usually wind up getting exactly what the want and more importantly for the price and quality they want.

Q) Every Dj will tell you that they are the best but is there a way to know what you are really paying for?

A) All the rules apply here that I stated above. By now you should have an idea in the direction you should be going and the attitude you should have. As far as Djs go they are like all the rest of the vendors , you should go see them see videos of their work and communicate with others here on LIW to see the quality of work they have done, this explains the reputation point I stated above.
I personally feel that it all depends on two points. 1)the MC and 2)the quality of equitment.You can always pick the music and lets face it any one who is a DJ can put a record on. But I want a great MC who knows how to work the crowd and has a great personality who has the experience in different types of weddings SO he or she knows how to identify the type of people we are and how to get us grooving.


Well, that is how I see it , although these are my views and are subject to scrutiny, I hope I have shed some light on these very important questions and answers.

Good Luck to you all , I welcome your rebuttal and criticisms.

Thank you -Bill

Well, my husband, the unappreciative recipient of a plasma TV, who has neglected to sign up for LIW.....

........ would love to read articles about the technical stuff. He was especially interested in the photography, videography, anything to do with video editing, photo montages, the digital age, even making programs (why do I get the feeling he will make me pull a post that says he enjoyed making programs??).

So that is my input on behalf of, my man, who gets no dinner b/c he didn't sign up here yet!!!!