What to do?!?!

I know others (and myself) have posted about 'What do I do next?'!

Well, I have the hall and church booked. And I have refered to many checklists (and timelines). I know what I want to do now, meet with photographers, videographers, florists and bands.

My dilemma now lies in WHO!?!?! I have seen what appears to be a million and 1 advertisements in magazines, and numerous referrals (here and from friends/family), but making decisions on who to meet with is driving me bananas.

Also, we're on a budget and I would hate to meet with a photographer or florist (which I have) whos work FH and I REALLY like (which we did) and them be out of our budget. OH, wait, this already happened!

I met with Cassarino and Pedestals, which were over our budget. Cassarino, well, they were exactly at our budget, not factoring in any extras that will come up after the wedding (adding pics or enhancements). And Pedestals was about $1000 over my budget.

What's a girl to do?!?!

At the same time, I don't want to waste my time going to half-rate vendors.

What's an easy way to weed out the less desirable ones?

Thanks a million!

-Jill

Time to make lots and lots of phone calls.

FH and I don't live in LI and needed to maximize our time when we were there by narrowing down the vendors we saw in person. We reasearched vendors thru this board and a couple other sources (recommendations, etc.) and then started callling or emailing for info. We made lists of questions, split up the vendors and made lots of calls. If someone wasn't willing to give us the info needed on the phone or insisted we come in to find out, it was an easy way for us to cross them off the list. Many of the most important questions can be asked over the phone/via email. Date available, can they work in your budget, etc.

Also, there is an endless amount of vendors out there and you will make yourself nuts if you try to speak with everyone. Only you will know when you are comfortable ending your search, but don't obligated to speak with 50 photographers before you choose a couple to meet with.

Good luck!! I know it seems overwhelming, but it gets easier - I promise!!!

Hey Jill, it's been said before, but these boards are the best type of research I've done with regards to vendors.

Good Luck, and FM me if you want some specifics on vendors (espcially photographers...I went to 7!)

Hi,
I remember feeling the way you do right now. I went to 3 or 4 bridal shows, scooped up pamphlets and flipped through newspapers. Using liweddings and the info. I had I decided to 'chart' the differences then my FH and I went hunting....I realized what was most important to us and what wasn't. I ended up meeting with 5 vendors. My decision was based on price, presentation and how we felt in the company of the photographer. Advice: Ask to meet with the person who would be taking the pics so you can see if you mesh. Some of the vendors I went to:
ADA, Patkin, Vivid, Vivid Images, Precious Memories, Marco and Precious Memories. If you want info. FM me. Good Luck

I started by looking at the most recommended vendors onhere..read a lot and you will easily pick up on who that is....

Then I asked everyone in the family and friends who have been married recently who they used..

And also I checked out the halls recommended vendors...I pretty much chose between one or two after I narrowed it down.