Everything you need for a California wedding

What kind of damage are we talking about for a standard Beep package?

And you honestly think you can get it for under $2,000? And that’s assuming you’ve already factored in the flight tickets...
Plus, they’re asking for a 30 percent down payment upfront!!!

copperowl13 said:And you honestly think you can get it for under $2,000? And that’s assuming you’ve already factored in the flight tickets...
Plus, they’re asking for a 30 percent down payment upfront!!!

Ugh, that is way out of my budget. I’m going to have to go with a more affordable option and just see how it turns out. Honestly, some photographers down in Texas are much cheaper—I’ve actually had a few people recommend someone, and they said the work is solid, so I think I’ll end up choosing one of them. I just don't have $2,000 to spare right now, especially with all my other expenses piling up.

They really are quite good... I’ve heard the buzz myself... seen the footage... they’re top-tier and honestly, the price hasn't even spiked yet.

$2,000 just for photos? 🙄

Seriously, wedding planning has turned into one giant highway robbery...
They’ve basically cornered the market and jacked up their rates because they know we're all desperate enough to pay it...

Susan Jones6 said:$2,000 just for photos? 🙄

Seriously, wedding planning has turned into one giant highway robbery...
They’ve basically cornered the market and jacked up their rates because they know we're all desperate enough to pay it...

Photo and video 🙂 but honestly, it's worth every damn cent 😉

Does anyone have any good catering recommendations?

Yeah, the Beep photo and video package is an option... but if I were to add helicopter footage and a cinematic love story film? Man, that would have cost me a fortune... not to mention adding custom albums for the parents and the wedding party...

But honestly, they are top-tier...

As for the food—Milic Catering is a solid choice... he’s a decent guy to work with, too... just sit down and hammer out the details with him. Honestly, just scroll through their Facebook photos first; once you see the spread, you'll know if it's your style...

I'll check it out, thanks 🙂 does anyone here have experience with the St-Flowers florist, and generally speaking, how are their prices for flower arrangements holding up lately?

fadedsurfer54 said:I'll check it out, thanks 🙂 does anyone here have experience with the St-Flowers florist, and generally speaking, how are their prices for flower arrangements holding up lately?

Regarding catering—I've heard great things about Dalmatino, Calypso, and Rus, though I don't have any specific details on their pricing.

As for the flowers: a bouquet will run you anywhere from $400 up to $267 (this includes boutonnieres for the groom and groomsmen), the head table decor will be between $1,000 and $500, the church decorations will cost about $233, the car decor around $133, and the individual table arrangements will fall between $50 and $33.

Regarding photographers from Texas, I know a few cases where they are way cheaper. Their full packages can go for around $1,200, whereas everywhere I’ve looked here, I haven't seen a single quote under $1,500. Beep is great, I guess, but their base package is roughly $1,700. In the end, I decided to split the photography and video because I don't really need the filming part, and my photographer charges me $700 and does exactly what I ask. It's all a matter of preference, I suppose, but if I have any money left over, I'd rather spend it on a trip than blow it on these ridiculous, honestly senseless amounts.

Gary Rivera2 said:Regarding photographers from Texas, I know a few cases where they are way cheaper. Their full packages can go for around $1,200, whereas everywhere I’ve looked here, I haven't seen a single quote under $1,500. Beep is great, I guess, but their base package is roughly $1,700. In the end, I decided to split the photography and video because I don't really need the filming part, and my photographer charges me $700 and does exactly what I ask. It's all a matter of preference, I suppose, but if I have any money left over, I'd rather spend it on a trip than blow it on these ridiculous, honestly senseless amounts.

That's exactly how I'm looking at it too.
Who did you end up hiring?

granitefox19 said:That's exactly how I'm looking at it too.
Who did you end up hiring?

Check your inbox.🙂

Gary Rivera2 said:Regarding photographers from Texas, I know a few cases where they are way cheaper. Their full packages can go for around $1,200, whereas everywhere I’ve looked here, I haven't seen a single quote under $1,500. Beep is great, I guess, but their base package is roughly $1,700. In the end, I decided to split the photography and video because I don't really need the filming part, and my photographer charges me $700 and does exactly what I ask. It's all a matter of preference, I suppose, but if I have any money left over, I'd rather spend it on a trip than blow it on these ridiculous, honestly senseless amounts.

So, you'll drop $1,000–$1,200 on flowers that wilt in a few hours, $1,000 on a wedding dress you wear for one day, and $2,200 for a band that plays for five hours... but when it comes to the photographer and videographer who capture memories you'll keep for your entire life, you try to pinch pennies and hunt for the cheapest deal? You're looking for a lifetime memory, people!

No comment.

I totally agree, it’s honestly a joke paying that kind of money just to get stuck with 548,961 incredibly dull, uninspired, copy-paste photos ☕

Susan Jones6 said:I totally agree, it’s honestly a joke paying that kind of money just to get stuck with 548,961 incredibly dull, uninspired, copy-paste photos ☕

Well, if you're so sure, why don't you hook us all up with those budget photographers who actually take awesome, legit, and unique shots? You'd be doing us a huge favor!🙄

Why are you jumping straight to conclusions and assuming someone’s photos aren't tight enough?
Everyone’s got their own priorities, I guess...

Like I said, for ME, it feels totally pointless to drop that kind of cash on a massive pile of photos I don't even need.

All I really care about is getting a few shots inside the church and maybe some outside by the entrance, and honestly, that's plenty for me...
Maybe a recording of the service on a disc if I'm feeling fancy...
I'm not exactly an expert on the math here, so who knows how much that would even run me...

Look, it’s pretty simple: if high-end photography is a priority for you, then pay the premium. If it isn't, pay less and move on—that's just how it works. Personally? I’d much rather have ten stunning, high-quality shots than a million mediocre, copy-paste photos. Honestly, I think you can get a decent set of photos and a basic video clip for around $1,300. I'm not saying it's a mistake to pay more if that's what you care about—you should absolutely pay for what you value. But I’m just not the type of person who’s going to obsessively scroll through photo albums, and let's be real, I probably won't even watch the wedding video. I’d much rather focus on building actual memories in my head and, say, taking that extra cash I saved and putting it toward a trip to Maui or somewhere else special.
I'll say it again: that’s my preference, and that’s what I’m going to do. If someone is obsessed with photography and wants the absolute best, they can pay the higher price and call it a day. But nobody can tell me that for $1,300 I won't walk away with anything—I'll still have memories that are perfectly sufficient for my needs.

Alexander Wilson77 said:So, you'll drop $1,000–$1,200 on flowers that wilt in a few hours, $1,000 on a wedding dress you wear for one day, and $2,200 for a band that plays for five hours... but when it comes to the photographer and videographer who capture memories you'll keep for your entire life, you try to pinch pennies and hunt for the cheapest deal? You're looking for a lifetime memory, people!

No comment.

Look, it’s not about finding the absolute cheapest option—that would be having my cousin snap some photos on his basic DSLR. I’m just saying there should be a middle ground. It shouldn't all be about putting on a massive show just to impress the neighbors or prove you have money. 🙂 Sure, memories last a lifetime, but the specific style of photography I actually want isn't something those big-name, overpriced pros offer, regardless of what they charge. And hey, good for them; everyone has the right to price their work however they see fit. It's on me whether I hire them or not. Plus, I suspect that once we’re old and gray, we might remember our travels more than some DVD. But, that's just me. And the dress is mine, so that's a memory too. 🙂

Hey everyone, just giving you a heads-up in case anyone was counting on me—unfortunately, we’ve gotta push back the wedding. If anyone is in a major bind, here’s the scoop for September 12th, 2015: the venue is John Doe, the group is at 7-Eleven, the video will be handled by Leo Bartulica, and Kelly Clarkson is doing the makeup, so hopefully that helps someone out at the last minute..