Often, if your budget is lower than average, the vendors chiming in are those who haven’t been in the industry very long and are looking for opportunities to get their feet wet. (Maybe a seasoned make-up artist who's just getting into bridal world or a bakery startup looking for new clients.) There are always more experienced/time-tested vendors hoping to stay booked and busy, too, and open to doing the work for a range of budgets. A quick note: definitely do your research before posting — if you say you have $1,500 to spend on florals but want a 1,000-peony arch and 20 fancy centerpieces, you probably won’t get any bites.
My first post in the group requested a videographer (since the pricier one had let me down gently) and within an hour, I had 8 - 10 film-pros who wanted to chat about details. They all linked their Instagram pages or portfolios so I could peruse first, and when I found one that fit my style, I sent him a message, we chatted on the phone, and ultimately, I scored an amazing Quality Videographer Dupe for half the cost. Then I did the same for florals. I also discovered an artist who is going to draw adorable guest portraits at our wedding for $650!
The groups are great for the environment, too (cue Greta Thunberg grinning) because brides will offer up their barely-used wedding items for sale, and, even better, they might live a few neighborhoods over from you. Card boxes, welcome signage, candle votives, tablecloths, lighting, you name it, someone’s done using it — and it still looks pristine. Facebook Marketplace is good for that kind of stuff, too, but in a spookier way. I went on an epic quest to find 72 like-new hurricane vases for candles on Marketplace and briefly lost all faith in humanity BUT did eventually end up with 72 like-new hurricane vases for $100 just a mile down the road.
I’ve seen some really awesome things happen in the groups, too. Sometimes people will ask if anyone is getting married the day before their wedding date, hoping to get a bargain on leftover flower arrangements. (And they have!) I’ve seen women post pictures in their bridal gowns and ask for (kind and genuine) opinions on what shoes or jewelry they think they should wear. I’ve seen people post about not being able to afford more than a few hundred bucks for a photographer — and tons of photogs jumping in to offer their services.
Here’s what I will say: Facebook is still Facebook. You still have to do your due diligence to make sure the vendor you’re speaking with is real and legit, not just some new scammy ai bot. (I haven’t seen this happening but anything is possible.) Don’t sign any contracts or send any money until you feel great and assured about the dynamics and the logistics.
Also make sure you join the group in your area that has the MOST members, which will increase your chances of finding a viable match. I joined a few other local ones, but they didn’t have nearly the same reach or vendor database. If you can’t find one close to you, joining more broad and inclusive groups might be your ticket to an easy budget win. If nothing else, you might get a little unexpected inspiration and reassurance you’re heading in the right direction with your own wedding planning. But get out of there before your drunk uncle sees you online and wants to message you some notes about the election.
A list of groups I found for you! (I haven’t vetted any of these except the PNW one.)
