Post # 1

Member
98 posts
Worker bee
Ugh… I’m so frustrated right now. My fiance and I are on a pretty tight wedding budget and, although I know I dont “need” chair covers/sashes, I really “want” to make it work out! I have no more than $300 for 250-300 sets though… sounds pretty unrealistic (I REALIZE THIS) but I just keep crossing my fingers to find an unbelievable deal! I’ve spent a lot of time looking on the other boards, but I’m not finding much.. 🙁 Am I alone or is anyone struggling with this? Has anyone ever found an amazing deal? Just thought it wouldn’t hurt to ask.
Post # 3

Member
546 posts
Busy bee
I smooshed chair covers into my budget as well. I originally budgeted for 120 guests and now it looks like we will be having around 100-105 so bonus! I am renting mine for $2 a cover.
There is a website, though, that I think SELLS them for about $2.00 a cover and sometimes has free shipping I think; or maybe shipping dea.s. If you do this you can sell them after and not go in the hole too much. I guess you would have to do your own pressing, set up, make sure they fit, etc.
I’m not positive of the site… it maybe have been linentablecloth.com.
I’m not sure what kind of chairs you have but you can also do something like this:

Post # 4

Member
3709 posts
Sugar bee
I used craigslist for things like chair covers, decorative columns, chafing dishes, etc. Most vendors were willing to negotiate on prices. In a few instances, I passed on items b/c of price only to have the seller contact me b/c nobody else wanted to purchase the items.
Just keep looking…I also posted “wanted” ads for some items listing my maximum budget and got lots of responses. You have some time, so if you start now…you should be able to accumulate enough items by next August…good luck!
Post # 5

Member
98 posts
Worker bee
I will continue to keep me eyes open on both craigslist and linentablecloth.com. This is what I get for deciding on a larger wedding… The guest list isn’t set at this moment, so I think I’m going to make my fiance sit down with me so we can narrow it down a bit more. Thankfully, the number we invite should be significantly larger than the number who attend.. this is because half the guests will have to drive 4.5 hours to my fiance’s hometown.. where our wedding will be). Anyway, thanks again for your advice.. I’m just frustrated because this is something I’ve always wanted but my fiance doesn’t think it’s necessarily worth it.. so now it’s up to me to persuade him!
Post # 6

Member
7 posts
Newbee
@Lydeeyah08:
This is what I would recommend. Post some ads on Craigslist under various locations like “gigs” and “event services”. Tell them exactly what you are looking for on price, location, etc. Make sure you are diligent in reviewing portfolio’s, personalities, look for any reviews they have on yahoo or google local pages. Heck don’t even be afraid to ask photographers what they think of other photographers.
Maybe even lay it out there that you are open to photography students…
I think you will be surpised how many responses you will get. If I have an open day and can make a few hundred dollars, why wouldn’t I? Well, maybe if the Steelers were in a play-off game I might consider the game… 😉
Now, here is what I have to STRESS!!! BUYER BEWARE on Craigslist. There are some really great photographers who are inexpensive. There are also some that you will regret hiring FOR SURE! Just be careful. Do not feel you have to accept a low quality photographer just because you have a limited budget. Post your ad everyday for a week or 2 and see what you come up with. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
[link removed per self promotion policy – sorry!]
Post # 7

Member
459 posts
Helper bee
Must check out CVLinens.com. They have awesome prices and typically free shipping for purchases over $75.
Good Luck!
Post # 8

Member
546 posts
Busy bee
@August411:
???? She is talking about chair covers not photog’s.
Yeah maybe CV linens!!! I’m sure you can sell them after and probably get back atleast 1/2 your money.
Post # 9

Member
98 posts
Worker bee
thanks everyone… these suggestions are greatly appreciated. i’m working on my budget still but i’m finding us to be in a tighter situation than i thought. looks like seat covers and sashes are very unlikely!