Well, I obsessed over everything, I trolled these boards for tips, and I used people off of Craig's List for some vendors (Photo, Video, jazz trio). I also got some people who were just starting to break into weddings and so charged a LOT less than other wedding professionals but who have done weddings before (that was key - I didn't want to be anyone's first wedding, or second) and who care about their reputations among brides. My Jazz Trio was one of these, and they recently signed up as a vendor here - National Boulevard Jazz Trio. They charge one set price for up to 3 hours of playing - it's closer to what other people charge for 1 hour.
I got my florist as a recommendation on theknot.com (Donald Hedgecock). I was REALLY lucky with my DJ (www.gigmasters.com) - I was looking for someone who was from the Carribean but who could work any kind of a crowd, and I found him! Wedding Coordinator I got from a tip off of here - her price isn't even included in the Savings Report!
And I got a deal on the reception hall - that was a MAJOR savings obviously.
I got EVERYTHING off of eBay, SO much stuff!
My tiara from www.princessbridestiaras.com clearance page.
I'm making my own album after I get the proofs. So many people decide to add more pics to theirs, I figure I would wait until I saw how many I wanted. www.albumhouse.com sells most major brands to the public.
Oh, and my mom's making my dress. I swear though, if she wasn't I would have gotten my dress from eBay!
Here's my vendor webpage, I put it together to help other people with my research:
Page I would also suggest the book 'Bridal Bargains' by Denise and Alan Fields - LIFESAVER - and
Stephi Stewart's eBook, Fire Your Wedding Planner. Google it. Or at least sign up for her free newsletter. She has a money-back guarantee that she fufills - I know because I got the book and returned it, since I had figured out a lot of the stuff in it already. But it's a great primer.
Always use your own judgement though. Don't go with someone unless you check them out and they feel right to you, irregardless of how inexpensive they are. And don't feel bad if you slurge on something - I got 3 different favors! www.favorfavor.com has really good prices (as does eBay!)
![]()
Okay, that's all I can think of for now.
