Budget Wedding Vendors in the NYC/LI area
Hello! There's a brand new, improved page at http://www.geocities.com/budgetvendors. Check it out!
If there's someone you think should go on this list, email me at nsgraham@yahoo.com. Please note that I'm only listing people I've found and although I try my best to only have good people on this list, I'm only passing on information and I can't be held liable for anyone's experiences. Please check out references and the BBB (www.bbb.org)and use your own best judgement. If people have websites, I'm not saying too much about them here - but if they don't, I'll try to list all details as I know them. Also, try Craigslist.org, the New York section - I found a lot of these people there. I don't update this page all that much anymore, so all rates are subject to change, especially as people start gaining a client base. If you find that the info here is outdated, please shoot me an email with the new info. - Nadine
Bouquet by Donald Hedgecock, the wedding of lesleyw (liweddings.com),
Susan Francy, photographer
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| Photographers / Albums / Musicians and DJs / Videographers / Florists / DIY Flowers / Other Things (Makeup, Calligraphy, Coordinator, etc.) / Non Wedding Related Savings |
Matt Schwartz (NEW! March 22, 2005) www.shehitpausestudios.com starts at $1000. Just mention that you found him on this page so he knows the budget you're working with. :-)
Casey Fatchett (NEW! March 22, 2005) www.fatchett.com/weddings, packages start at $1000. His email:
My approach is friendly, low key and flexible, providing upscale photography for today's discerning couple. My combination of traditional & photojournalism styles of photography provides the best of both worlds, creating a well rounded and unique wedding album that will allow you to relive your special day for years to come.
Bradley Lau (NEW! March 22, 2005) www.EliteWeddingPhotography.com. Packages start at $1,395.
Charles Chao (charleschao.com (NO www!) is a photojournalist breaking into weddings. charles@charleschao.com. His email:
Marianella Vera www.nellavera.com (646) 245-5803. "melaper" on the knot sent me this:
Alexandra Brodsky www.abrodskyphotography.com
A knottie (I know her real name but not her Knot name) sent me info on Alexandra Brodsky. Here are her prices:
Package A $1800
Package B $2600
Package C $3400
Additional
Photojournalism has become a popular buzzword for many wedding photographers in the industry. Photojournalists tell stories with pictures. True photojournalism involves emotion, light, and technical skill, all combined to create images that make impressions, evoke memories, and most importantly, tell a story. Full Day Coverage rates begin at $1050.00 which includes one assistant. 100% digital, will provide original digital files on a DVD.
Rates vary depending on amount of prints you would like to receive.
Email me to check availability of your wedding day.
Our engagement session photographer is an assistant to a pretty well-known photographer that is a Knot favorite. She is launching her own business and when she told me her prices, I wanted to get you her info right away! We are paying $200 for our engagement session and that includes unlimited time and 4 rolls of film. Her wedding package for 2004 is only $750 and for 2005 she is charging $950. She shoots 100% film and the package includes a small album, unlimited time, all proofs and negatives. Her name is Marianella Vera and her website is www.nellavera.com and contact number is (646) 245-5803.
My fee, plus an assistant (if needed) for an 8 hour day
All film up to 18 rolls of black and white or color film (your choice) for event coverage and portraiture
All equipment and equipment rental
All processing
Transportation (up to 60 miles outside of New York City)
A set of 4x6 proofs
All negatives
My fee, plus an assistant (if needed) for an 8 hour day
All film up to 20 rolls of black and white or color film (your choice) for event coverage and portraiture
All equipment and equipment rental
All processing
Transportation (up to 60 miles outside of New York City)
A set of 4x6 proofs
All negatives
A 9x9/8x10 album (for a 25 page spread)
50 thank you cards
Digital files of wedding album selects
My fee, plus an assistant (if needed) for an 8 hour day
All film up to 24 rolls of black and white or color film (your choice) for event coverage and portraiture
All equipment and equipment rental
All processing
Transportation (up to 60 miles outside of New York City)
A set of 4x6 proofs
All negatives
Two 9x9/8x10 album (up to 25 page spread)
a set of three 4x5 albums
50 thank you cards
Digital files of wedding album selects
Each identical wedding album $400
Photography $ 150 per hour
Second photographer $500 for an eight hour day
Film $30 per roll
Additional 4x6 Proofs $22 per Roll
Pre rehearsal dinner portrait $300
Engagement portrait $200
Rider Photography - really beautiful photos, I can't say they're budget anymore, their prices went WAY up since I booked them - but since I really liked their work, I'm keeping them on here for a little while :-) Here are my wedding pics - Flowers by Donald Hedgecock.
Hi rates have changed, but he still has a decent $1600 package.
Rodger Hagadone http://www.newyorkweddingphotographer.com Amazing eye. Having a sale this wedding season (and last too, so maybe that's a promotion ploy?).
Minnick Photography Great prices and good pictures! From Hmpena on LI Weddings.com:
I just booked Bill Minnick as my photographer and couldn't be happier. He was great to work with and his pictures are amazing. His new package prices start at$799 for 3 hours of wedding coverage. He has a really good package for $1899, which includes 6hrs wedding coverage, a minimum of 500 4x6 proofs (your to keep), a leather 8x10 bride and groom album with 30 8x10's, 2 4x5 parent albums with 24 pictures in each, one 11x14 enlargement , 100 thank you cards with wallet size picture. Includes one photographer's assistant. Packages increase from there.
Judy Schiller Will work with most budgets, including my $1500 cutoff. Contact for details. Published in Bride's Magazine! (December 2003)
Twelfth Night Photography Recommened on theknot and liweddings.com. From $775. (December 2003)
Duet TONS of people love these photographers on liweddings and theknot. Combination photo and video.
Photography by Krista Starts at $1900 for digital photography, for up to 8 hrs of coverage, 1 photo assistant. $2150.00 for up to 8 hrs of coverage, 35 mm only, 1 photo assistant. 9 hrs of coverage is $2595.00 - medium format and 35 mm, 2 photo assistants, 600-700 proofs. Leather bound albums start at $500.00 and up.(April 2004)
Dimitrii Sherman Hippiebridegirl is using him and loves him. I lost her testimonal, however, his work speaks for itself I think.
Ebay I got my album from eBay! It's beautiful and classic. However, I would not do the "engraving." Here's my seller's store: http://stores.ebay.com/Album-GalleryAlso try Pro Wedding Albums Very nice people.
http://www.LuxuryAlbums.com They offer the Seldex album, which I LOVE, but was too expensive for me.
Kolo albums Perannum.com Lots of people sell Kolo albums, but these people can imprint your name and date.
(New)Lapis Luna I think these quys would be good for people who'd like to have a band instead of a DJ, and can't afford NYC band prices. Here's their email:
For the reception (cocktail hour included) 4 to 5 hours of music, Saturday:
Trio: starts at $1500
Quartet: $2100
Quintet: $2700
These are our budget prices. We do have larger bands as well. Our pricing comes to
around $100-$175 per musician per hour for reception/cocktail hour. It all depends
on their budget. If it is a small budget, we of course still work with the couple.
It comes down to giving them wonderful jazz music by real jazz musicians,
regardless of budget. If they want all of this plus ceremony music, it is $50 to
$75 per musician for ceremony (usually solo guitar, duet of guitar and bass, or
guitar and flute though we do have other options).
We tend to travel to weddings alot (we play all over the East Coast), so if that
is the case there are travel expenses to take care of.
The Brooklyn Conservatory Find-A-Musician service - $100 per person, per hour. Thanks Wanny (from theknot.com)!
"From classical soloists to jazz orchestras, the Conservatory has placed musicians, with such organizations as The New York Public Library, Queens Botanical Garden, Salvation Army and with Brooklyn Borough President Howard Golden. All musicians are experienced performers as well as educators. The cost is $100 per hour, per musician with a 20% fee against the total for the Conservatory."
Trudy Silver, pianist, From Knottie jf224:
Trudy Silver (trudy@5ccc.com) $100 an hour - Trudy played jazz standards for our ceremony and cocktail hour - she was great! She's actually a music teacher at a H.S. in NYC, so she doesn't have a website for her wedding-related services. The fact that she's not a "wedding pianist" also means, though, that her prices are GREAT! (She's a former co-worker of my mom, so that's how I found her). FYI, our ceremony songs were "All The Way" for the wedding party processional, "The Way You Look Tonight" for my processional with my parents, and "The Best if Yet to Come" for our recessional. It was great!
Braden Palmer, Guitarist. Here's his email:
For a guitar-flute duo, we charge $250 for the first hour, $100 for each additional hour, plus transportation expenses. For a soloist, $150 first hour, $50 each additional hour, + transportation. You can call me personally at 917 518-6489.
High Voltage Sounds Starts at $600, people on LIweddings love them, go to liweddings.com and do a search for the reviews. You can also send Forum Mail to 2003OCT10 on liweddings.com for a personal reference.
Gigmasters.com for live music and DJs, including Counterpoint, a string ensemble that charges $125 per hour per person.
Smooth DJRus DJ Services my wedding DJ, was professional and on point. No silly jokes, just announcements and music. Played almost exactly want I wanted him to play, and got Jews and Jamaicans to dance together! From St. Thomas.
DJ Mack Legendary 70's DJ, 30 years experience, has worked all over the place, including the Waldorf Astoria, instant online quote, got a quote of $625 for 4 hours in LI, including a $125 online discount and a $50 travel charge.
A Touch of Magic DJs Good prices for NYC DJs. Starting at $595 I think. Someone on the NY board used them and loved them. Been on Good Day NY.
Colorblind Productions Jeannette Kim sent this to me to put up here: "Hi Nadine -
My DJs are Colorblind Productions (http://www.colorblindprd.com).
They're $600 for a 5 hour wedding - great deal!
I haven't used them yet, but so far, they seem great. They're a husband/wife team, and the wife does double duty as a bridal assistant of sorts (esp helpful if you don't have a wedding coordinator!). I've called/emailed a bunch of references, and they have all come back totally glowing."
However, when I (Nadine) contacted them in late August, they quoted me $800, so maybe they're rates are seasonal or something. They offer photography for $750 and Video for $1000. Info on their site.
Allison Loggins is a flutist. Check out her website! Here's her email:
Starlight Video Starts at $995. Recommended on theknot.com. Doesn't go to LI. :-( Skylight Video Also starts at $995 if you book though website. DIFFERENT PEOPLE THAN STARLIGHT. :-) Good demos on website. Third Planet Video is a small company. Craig Seeman is a professional with 20 years post production experience. Does weddings on the side. Demo on website. Chris Lackner (9delirium@earthlink.net, 315-382-3294) charges $600. Here's his email:
My base rate is $600. This gives you:
You can also choose any additional upgrades to get
just what you want. Any of these may be added on
for an additional $50 each.
If you want something that I haven't covered above,
or something that is out of the ordinary- ask me
about it. Not all wedding videos will be the same.
I want to be accommodating to your needs. Feel free
to write back with any questions (or call at
315-382-3294). I can mail you a demo DVD upon
request.
-1 DVD (1 and 1/2 hours max running time)
-2 hours of tape for coverage
-regular edits and dissolves
-ceremony highlights
-reception coverage
-completion in 1 month
-2 extra DVDs (parent copies)
-1 additional hour of tape for coverage
-special transitions beyond dissolves ("page peel"
or iris transition for example)
-adding music provided by you.
-guest comments/messages
-entire ceremony rather than highlights
-coverage of any additional event (such as the bride
getting ready or
accompanying the still photographer on a
photo-shoot)
-speedy completion in 1 week
MrsJill recommends Michael J. Fecik. His # is 631-928-5645 and his basic package is $800.
Michael Zhu, Forever Video (718-899-3869, 917-593-3833,
Myforevervideo@yahoo.com)
Ceremony only package: $599
-2 hour video coverage of the Pre Ceremony and the
Ceremony
-Use a broadcast 3-chip camera (Sony DSR-300A DV
camera)
-Use a wireless mic for the Ceremony
-Use Non Linear Editing Systems to digitally edit the
video footage
-Add in a few favorite love songs of your choice
-Produce a finished and fully edited video
-Provide 3 DVDs or 3 VHS tapes in hard cases featuring
pictures of bride and groom
Grand package: $999
-5 hour video coverage of the event
-Include the Ceremony and Reception
-Use a broadcast 3-chip camera (Sony DSR-300A DV
camera)
-Wireless Mic for Ceremony
-Use Non Linear Editing Systems to digitally edit the
video footage
-Display Invitation Card
-Add up to 15 childhood and/or dating photos to a
Photo Montage
-Add in a few favorite love songs of your choice
-Add in special visual effects (e.g.animated
transitions, B&W, slow motion,...)
-Produce a finished and fully edited video
-Provide 3 DVDs or 3 VHS tapes in hard cases featuring
pictures of bride and groom
Majestic package: $1499
-Include everything from the Grand package
-8 hour video coverage of the event
-Cover bride's preparation
-Video a photo session in the church or at the park
-Add up to 30 pictures to a Photo Montage
-Display credits for bridal party
-Include a recap of the entire day's highlights
Royal package: $2399
-Include everything from the Majestic package
-The event will be covered by 2 expert cameramen
-Cover groom's preparation
-Include the Cocktail Hour
Special Offer for Sweet 16: $699
-Coverage of the event
-Use a broadcast 3-chip camera (Sony DSR-300A DV
camera)
-Use Non Linear Editing Systems to digitally edit the
video footage
-Add in a few favorite songs of your choice
-Produce a finished and fully edited video
-Provide 3 DVDs or 3 VHS tapes
Tom Mulligan, Looking Glass Video Memories Really nice guy - like his stuff. Starts at $800.
Martin's Video Out of NJ. Starts at $595, but would have charged a $200 travel fee to Huntington LI. Still only $800, and recommened on NJ boards.
Amy at Chelsea Wholesale Flower Market Lots of people in Manhattan swear by Amy at Chelsea Wholesale Flower Market. Here's a quote from knottie Strider:
75 Ninth Avenue
New York, New York 10011
Phone: 212-620-7500
Fax: 212-620-3810
Amy was a so great to work with. She was clam and sweet. She wasn't pushy with her ideas. I gave her the basic look I wanted and she ran with it. Chelsea Wholesale Flower Market is also priced very, very good. You will be amazed at what you get for so little money. I had about 12 centerpices, some flowers for the men, a large ceterpice for an entrace way. Cost was about 1,400. Some other quotes I got were around 3,000 and up. Amy did lovely bouquets and centerpeices.
Astoria Flower Mart (www.astoriaflowermart.com) - From Knottie jf224:
In Queens, but will travel to LI (Manhattan? Maybe, I don't know): Donald Hedgecock has a deal with Sans Souci Restaurant that I'm pretty certain he'll extend to everyone: 1 Bride, 1 MOH, 1 BM, all Boutonnieres, 2 Mothers - $185 + tax, and he'll take the tax off if you pay cash! Your choice of flowers & style. Extra Bouquets, $50, Extra Cosages, $15. His books are oldfashioned (lots of baby's breath) but he'll copy a picture of anything. You can see my bouquet on my knot bio. kclarkin used him, recommends him and says not to worry about his old fashioned books - he's great. People on Liweddings.com like him a lot. Here are some pictures from a wedding he did, including the bouquet at the top of this page. 718-429-9400, 718-672-7714, 1-800-654-0257. Jenn Blossoms, Floral Student love2029@yahoo.com. angela8704 from theKnot writes this:
In LI: The Flower Barn has really good prices - all the flowers you'd need for a 100 person wedding, with 4 BMs and GMs for $720! All roses! In Brooklyn: Floral Fantasy has an ad in Modern Bride Magazine, $350 for Complete Bridal Party, 1 MOH, 3 BMs and 4 GMs and others, Roses, Orchids, mini carnations. 10 Tables, 2 dozen roses, $499.99 For roses, the best price is Farmdirect.com. $67.99 for 100 Short Stemmed Roses, shipped! Freshroses.com is another source for flowers, and for more than just roses. They have an all rose wedding package - 400 roses and filler for $400 dollars, shipped, enough to do a 100 person wedding. For suppiles, you can get great prices at: For ideas, go to www.wedcraft.com - great for brides on a budget! Lisa Garzona is a bride who's starting a invitation business. She was recommened to me by a few people. I don't know what normal custom invite prices are, so I'm posting the price list she sent me, but these strike me as pretty good.
makeupbyoksana.comTibbyrose on theknot.com recommends her makeup artist: "Her name is Oksana, I just booked with her and she is so sweet and really good. Her price is only 60$ each if you have 4 or more people- I think it's 75 just the bride. What's cool is that when it's the 4 or more she doesn't charge the bride more then everyone else. I love the way she did my make up. I don't mind if you mention that I recomended her. Her website is
makeupbyoksana.com and her phone is 718 969-4570" Here are Tibbyrose's trial pics. Kiki Freeman, BeautifulBridesMUAServices@verizon.net: I found this lady on Craigslist.com. Very sweet. Prices on her website. Judith Garner, Wedding Coordinator. Judith is so nice and organized, and she did a wonderful job with my wedding and my insane family. Her rates are $250 and up, depending upon duties and travel. weddingdreams111@yahoo.com
Reva Rothman's Samples - Reva is a Calligrapher, $1.50 per set. Very good.
I worked with Helen at this family-run business. Flowers were not a priority to us, so I reserved only a small portion of the budget for them. Helen was more than willing to work within my budget and create exactly what I wanted: something simple and elegant. Each bridesmaid carried a single wrapped calla lily, which I think looked gorgeous; my bouquet was burgundy callas; each mother carried a single wrapped calla, with some greenery; the men all wore freesia bouts; for the ceremony we had two vases of white callas with curly willow on pedestals at the front, and candelabras lining the aisle (which was scattered with petals); the cocktail hour was decorated with red rose petals and candles; all of our 20 reception tables had red roses in a fishbowl, surrounded by red petals and candles. All of this cost us under $1800! FYI, I purchased the votives at buyacandle.com – it was the best price I found – and Helen’s staff put them on the tables and around the venue for me. I highly recommend this florist.
92-32 Queens Blvd., Rego Park, NY
"She's a floral design student who lives in Queens. Her only official "wedding flower" experience was her own wedding a year or two ago, but she has some samples that she's done for class and I think her bouquets are adorable.
Basically to get experience and build her portfolio she is doing my wedding flowers (1 bride bouquet, 2 BM bouquets, 1 groom bout, 5 other bout's, 1 corsage, 2 purse flowers) for $150, which I would imagine is about the the cost of materials. And she's delivering all the stuff to 2 locations in the city for me on the wedding day.
She seems so nice and so willing to go the extra mile to build her business. She's even going to get ribbon for my hand-tied bouquet that matches a certain blue swatch I gave her!"
(516)785-4565
1285 Alken Avenue
Seaford, NY 11783
3031 Quentin Road
(718) 998-7060
Save-on-crafts.com
www.jcmarketing.net BEST prices on glass - go to online catalog, then click on Glass. Tower vases from $3.08 each, free shipping!!!!
Save the Date
> Postcards 1 sheet = $1.00 (4 on a sheet)
> Flat cards (post card size) + Envelope 1 sheet = $1.25 (4 on a sheet)
> Cards (the folded kind) just printed .75 each w/envelope
> Cards (folded) with decoration on front betwen 1.00-1.25 each w/envelope
Magnets
> 4.5 X 5.5 $1.25 each (post card size)
> 3.5 X 2.0 1.00 each (business card size)
> I can also make cards for you to put your magents on. Of course that price would be extra.
Programs start at 1.00 each for a simple one page program.
Thank you cards
> start at .75 each including envelopes.
Favor tags
> depending on size 100 for $15.00
Place cards with design on it
> with writting 50 for $15.00
> without writting 50 for $10.00
Place cards with a 3-d type of design
> with writting 50 for $20.00
> without writting 50 for $15.00
I also do other cards and such for baby, new home, business cards.
Carmela for Calligraphy: melsinkwell@aol.com, 856-428-2543. *$1* a set, also VERY good. Thanks to knottie Jem04 for the sample pics. Sample 1
Sample 2
Calligraphy by Lori: calligraphybylori@yahoo.com. $1.25 a set, also VERY good. Will have samples up soon.
A Fine Letter - Cheapest HAND WRITTEN calligraphy, from 25 cents an envelope! (630) 234-4711
www.cudge.net Wanny from theknot.com found this great resource for decoration supplies located in NYC. They have 72 Votive Candles AND Glass Holders for $35.22!! No need for shipping charges - just go pick up your order.
Bidding for travel.com Great Priceline.com resource. People place their winning Priceline bids - save 70% on hotels! I've gotten 4 star hotels in New York for $75, LA for $45 a night! Try their Vacation product for all-inclusive honeymoons.
Terislist.com If you shop at Shoprite or Shop and Stop, you really owe it to yourself to check out Teri's list. Both of these stores double coupons, and it's a way save TONS of money on your groceries. She compares present sales to older sales, works with the sale cycle, etc., but you can save 50-60% easily. You have to buy the paper and clip coupons, but then you just print out this list and take it to the store with your coupons, buy the things on the list and check out. I've been doing this for a while and it really works - Kelloggs cereal for $1 a box, Name brand deoderant for 50 cents, toothpaste for free! My grocery bills are typically 60-70% off retail. You can say I refered you if you want - nsgraham@yahoo.com.
www.play-by-play.com For theater lovers. See all sorts of shows - off-Broadway and Broadway, for $3 a ticket after paying a yearly $99 membership fee. See also audienceextras.com and Theatermania's Gold Club.
www.fatwallet.com Stalk the forums - great deals on technology.
www.restaurant.com I've been using this service for awhile now and it's really great! I've probably gone to 10-20 restaurants in the city, and I've paid from $1 to $10 for $25 gift certificates. I've gotten a $50 gift certificate for $15!
You can buy the certificates from their website www.restaurant.com or bid for them on eBay (search my restaurant name, then click About Me).
Hundreds of restaurants, the ones I've gotten include:
