Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Small Town Deals!
We're trying to use local Vermont vendors, but we've also found a few sweet deals online.
Living in a small town is a challenge for any bride. I hope these suggestions help all brides find their perfect vendors!
1) Word of mouth.
Do not ignore the well-meaning advice of your co-workers, hairdresser, and even the postman. During a faculty meeting the other day I asked, during general conversation, "Does anyone know any bakers in town?" I was inundated with suggestions of local retired bakers and talented culinary students in our area.
2) Craigslist, Yelp, and Bravobride are excellent resources. YES, Yelp does contain reviews for rural areas. I was surprised, very happily surprised.
3) Decide which items are worth buying "out of town."
Delivery charges are often steep, and I'd rather work with a local baker to buy a slightly more expensive cake than to score a cheap deal with an out-of-town baker only to pay $150 extra for delivery.
Small town bakeries, dress shops, caterers and service providers are often able to make better deals than large urban outfits.
4) Don't forget to mention your roots.
I do believe I receive better service and discounts when I remind my vendors I am a local high school teacher. Most likely, they graduated from my school and/or have relatives currently enrolled. Loyalty can be very motivating!
As always, read all fine print, get every agreement in writing, and read over all contracts carefully.
***
And now onto a few of my vendors!
(image copyright: Christa Pidgeon Photography)
Our photographer, Christa Pidgeon, was booked a few months ago. She's a new Rutland-based photographer with a lovely and vibrant portfolio. Christa has recently increased her prices, but we booked her last Fall to secure a low rate AND a free engagement photo shoot. Check out her gallery!
I highly recommend Salon 2000 in Chester, Vermont. Sarah, the salon's talented founder, will be helping with the "girly preparations" on our wedding day, including hair and makeup. Salon 2000 is a great establishment; they offer classic spa services--massage, facials, manicures, tanning--in a friendly warm space. Bonus: they are a block away from our Church!
We've been finding small decorations at excellent bargain prices online. Our newest purchases are these blown glass golden gorgeous goblets found on Bravobride. (Oh, the alliteration!) We'll be using them as toasting flutes, and we found them for 80% off market price.
See, we don't have to travel to "The City" after all! Have you found any local vendors and been surprised by the quality?
Living in a small town is a challenge for any bride. I hope these suggestions help all brides find their perfect vendors!
1) Word of mouth.
Do not ignore the well-meaning advice of your co-workers, hairdresser, and even the postman. During a faculty meeting the other day I asked, during general conversation, "Does anyone know any bakers in town?" I was inundated with suggestions of local retired bakers and talented culinary students in our area.
2) Craigslist, Yelp, and Bravobride are excellent resources. YES, Yelp does contain reviews for rural areas. I was surprised, very happily surprised.
3) Decide which items are worth buying "out of town."
Delivery charges are often steep, and I'd rather work with a local baker to buy a slightly more expensive cake than to score a cheap deal with an out-of-town baker only to pay $150 extra for delivery.
Small town bakeries, dress shops, caterers and service providers are often able to make better deals than large urban outfits.
4) Don't forget to mention your roots.
I do believe I receive better service and discounts when I remind my vendors I am a local high school teacher. Most likely, they graduated from my school and/or have relatives currently enrolled. Loyalty can be very motivating!
As always, read all fine print, get every agreement in writing, and read over all contracts carefully.
***
And now onto a few of my vendors!
(image copyright: Christa Pidgeon Photography)Our photographer, Christa Pidgeon, was booked a few months ago. She's a new Rutland-based photographer with a lovely and vibrant portfolio. Christa has recently increased her prices, but we booked her last Fall to secure a low rate AND a free engagement photo shoot. Check out her gallery!
I highly recommend Salon 2000 in Chester, Vermont. Sarah, the salon's talented founder, will be helping with the "girly preparations" on our wedding day, including hair and makeup. Salon 2000 is a great establishment; they offer classic spa services--massage, facials, manicures, tanning--in a friendly warm space. Bonus: they are a block away from our Church!
We've been finding small decorations at excellent bargain prices online. Our newest purchases are these blown glass golden gorgeous goblets found on Bravobride. (Oh, the alliteration!) We'll be using them as toasting flutes, and we found them for 80% off market price.
See, we don't have to travel to "The City" after all! Have you found any local vendors and been surprised by the quality?
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