LCBride2007

I'd probably pick #1, I can't imagine having a ceremony and reception w/o music!

I sent out STDs a few weeks ago for my June '07 wedding. In there was the date, location, travel agent info., website info., and stated that invites would follow. I will send out my invites about 8 weeks ahead of time, and have the usual RSVP cards, and probably more location info.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jen Hahaha! I think we might have the same parents!!!! Actually my parents are cool about everything, they gave us a set price for what they will contribute and then basically said the rest was up to us! Its the rest of my family that is driving me crazy with their insane ideas of what a wedding costs.....my aunt even suggested that we have the reception at the "Elks lodge" or American legion where they can cater it (out of aluminum trays!!!) Oh lord help us all But then again, this is the Aunt that thinks its rude to have a DW, because SHE can't afford it (she's one of the ones thats pissed about missing out on free food and an open bar ) Quote: Originally Posted by Soon to be Mrs. Hull Jen I feel you on that, my grandma asked me if I wanted paper plates because she needed to tell the caterer!!! PAPER PLATES, can you believe it. Well I made my dad do some googling and he understands a little better now, but when I first got engaged they were being ridiculous. OMG, ladies! i guess i should thank you for making me realize one good thing about paying for the wedding ourselves. yikes.

Quote: Originally Posted by jthrasherphoto.com truer words have never been spoken. why can't all brides be like you? be careful what you wish for! btw - can you tell my FI that, please? to hear him talk, you'd think i was bridezilla! ok, not that bad, but i think i am pretty reasonable!

Quote: Originally Posted by jthrasherphoto.com you'd think wouldn't you. but you'd be wrong. hence the occasional frustration well, you're right, there are some people that just don't get the saying "you get what you pay for" - nothing you can do about those people! if you pay $500 for photos, you're going to get $500 worth - not $5000! nothing wrong with paying that, but you will just get different results.

lol - Christine, that would be awful!

Quote: Originally Posted by jthrasherphoto.com but just be friendly about it, and don't sound cheap even if you are. lol I don't think any of the really "cheap" brides will be contact you, they might just go straight for the bargain photographer!

That makes complete sense, and I agree! I think photographers (and other vendors) often offer packages that include the things that are pretty common and popular for a bride. But maybe some things are more important to you than others, like the digital images over an engagement session. So a photographer might be willing to rearrange a package to work better for you - like I said, can't hurt to ask!

"If someone took the time to meet with me, get to know me and showed a genuine interest in my work rather than my prices, I'd be much more willing to negotiate my rates." I totally see your point, and appreciate you sharing your point of view. But I will say, on a brides behalf, if she's contacting you and taking the time to ask you if you're flexible w/prices - she IS showing genuine interest in your work! And if her budget isn't flexible, she probably thinks she shouldn't waste your time (or hers) with a lot of questions and discussion. Does that make sense?

Maybe some of the vendors on this site can chime in and give us their perspective on negotiating with clients.

I'm not either really - especially in cases where negotiating isn't always done - like this. (buying houses, I am a pro! - lol). I'd just be honest, tell her what your budget is, and ask if there's anything you can work out that works for both of you. There may not be, or in order to get to your budget she may have to eliminate too much for you, but all you can do is ask. I'd just say something like "I really love your work, and would love for you to photograph my wedding, but unfortunately my budget is $xxxx. Would you be able to work with me to come up with a package that works for both of us? " Ok, not the greatest wording, but you get the idea ...

Those are the ones I was thinking of getting, do you like them?

Could be - maybe she'd be more flexible to shoot a local wedding. How cute - I just looked at her price list again - one of the options is a loaded iPod with your photos. Ahhhh, technology.

I'll probably do that as well - and I plan on making them their own special little OOT bag w/stuff to keep them busy. If it turns out that a lot of people are bringing their kids, I may look into hiring a nanny for the wedding. But most that are coming are old enough to kind of be on their own, or their babies and can't go very far! I may ask the parents what they'd prefer.

You can always try asking her if she's flexible, or seeing if you can create a custom package. Can't hurt to ask!

Let's be honest, do I have any "short" lists? haha I did contact her, and she was the most expensive photographer I looked at - her cheapest package was close to $6000, but those may have changed by now. But she is amazing, no doubt! The phone number I have for her is out of San Fran.

i didn't think so - and not sure i want to coordinate all that anyway!

Quote: Originally Posted by A10CALGAL Cute Nicole! I kinda wish I had done the collapsable ones, but they didn't have the color I wanted in that style. Oh well, someone can carry the box for me ) I was thinking they'd be easier to pack too - but I haven't looked into the details (colors, etc.). I was thinking of getting a mixture of colors or something. Is there any way to put a different name on each of these - like so everybody knows which drink is theirs?

Sarah - you're my inspiration! Cindy is rough on me - but I realized I probably shouldn't be using 8lb weights. Though I am getting through the whole workout - I feel it!

YAY - more Las Caletas brides!!! WOOHOO!! I'd love to hear about what you guys are doing (and probably steal ideas!). Are you pretty much done with the planning, or what do you have left to do? What is your wedding date?

You better get crackin'! I got back from NYE weekend and had hundreds - I read the ones I felt pertained to me, or that I was involved in - and I admit, I skipped the rest! (gulp!)

Thanks, Natalie - glad to see you're back!

Lucky for you all, I am never far from my laptop, which pretty much has my life on it ... here's from my contract: Food and Beverages Dinner: Dinner Buffet (grilled steak, chicken, fish, pasta, fresh vegetables, rice, patatoes, salads, tropical fruit) Dessert: Dessert Buffet (flan, rice pudding, pie, brownies, tropical fruit, etc.) Cake: Wedding cake available in white or chocolate adorned with fresh fruit or flowers Drinks: Open Bar (Includes: Tequila, Vodka, Rum, Whiskey, Beer, Mixed Drinks, Soft Drinks, Juices, Bottled Water etc) Hors d'oeuvres: shrimp, parma ham, smoked salmon, caviar, cheese, crackers

Quote: Originally Posted by Adamsgrrl Ann -- In chicago, Go to Jewelers Row, its on Wabash. There's basically a strip of wholesale jewelers on Wabash. Bellow is the link for the map. That's where we got my e-ring (JRs or PJs or some initials - a friend of the family). Quote: Originally Posted by Adamsgrrl I also have an asscher cut ring, but mines solitare. I already decided to get a enternity ring with round diamonds to swicth things up a bit. I hadn't even thought of doing that - now I have more options!

Wow - gorgeous ring! are you doing a band?