Wedding Good source of reviews/recs for coordinators?

[rockzilla]

I''ve already checked out project wedding. We''ve set our budget for this (we want a week/month of coordinator) at $1,500, but most of the quotes coming in are closer to $2k, with tax etc. included.

Anyone know of other sites that could help me in finding someone in my budget? Do you think this is a vendor we could possibly negotiate with?

I''m in LA if that helps.

 

[tropiqalkiwi]

I would go to the planner you want to work with most, even if they are a little over your budget. Tell them you want to work with them, and ask what they could do for $X amount. You might be surprised at how willing they are to negotiate, but that means you might have to compromise as well.

They might even be able to save you money, so you could offer something like "we have $X to give you in our budget, but will give you X% of whatever savings you get for us." Only do this if you have a set amount for each item in your budget, so if your planner can get you a special deal on the flowers you want she would keep some of the savings. Example: Floral budget, $1,000 - Planner gets you everything you want for $800 and she gets a percentage of the leftover $200.

Of course these options are only necessary if there is a certain caliber of planner you want. For cheaper options you might want to advertise on craigslist or look into blooming assistants who want to start wedding planning on their own.

Please note: I have never worked with a wedding planner before so these techniques may or may not work, but I have bargained with sellers and vendors before and most are willing to negotiate prices so it is worth a shot.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 10/20/2008 8:25:44 PM
Author:rockzilla
I''ve already checked out project wedding. We''ve set our budget for this (we want a week/month of coordinator) at $1,500, but most of the quotes coming in are closer to $2k, with tax etc. included.

Anyone know of other sites that could help me in finding someone in my budget? Do you think this is a vendor we could possibly negotiate with?

I''m in LA if that helps.

Hi Rockzilla - Wedding coordinators, the ones I have come across, anyways, are definitely open to negotiating or "customizing" a package to fit within your budget. Just let them know your budget and ask if they are able to supply a package that encompasses your needs within that budget.

Sites that might help you are the dreaded Knot.com or if you are averse to that, an incredible resource are any other vendors you may have or may be considering. For example, the coordinator at your venue or ceremony site or your photographer or florist etc should be able to provide you with a list of referrals for coordinators who they have worked with and have found satisfactory. Or, if there are wedding coordinators who are outside of your budget and unwilling to negotiate, they should be able to provide you with recommendations as well.

Personally, I found several advertisements for local planners in Seattle Bride magazine and went from there. I''m sure that they have something similar in LA, which should serve as a good resource for you.

I just checked on WeddingChannel.com under their Local Vendors section for you and saw that they have several wedding coordinators listed in your area. I also took a peek at Stylemepretty.com as well and found this info.

Good luck and I hope that this helps!

 

[rockzilla]

Thanks, guys! I''ll let you know how it goes

 

[Morgie44]

In the Chicago area, many coordinators offer an hourly rate, maybe you could get a better deal, based on paring things down to what you actually are looking for? Also what are you looking for your coordinator to do in the week leading up to the wedding? I know here, most of the day-of coordinators also manage confirming all of the vendors, the rehersal and delivering all necessary items to the reception etc. in addition to the traditional day-of go-to role. Is there some other services you are looking to have taken care of?