Finding Vendors on Craigslist

I would definitely proceed with caution. Perhaps see if you could contact any of her past clients? If there are any facebook review or anything like that you could send them a message? Remember with this kind of stuff you tend to get what you pay for, and I'd have to say Craigslist is the last place I'd look. I think Thumbtack could even be a little better though you have to be very careful with that too.

Payment will be covered in your contract, so just follow those guidelines and you'll be okay.

As for question 1, I'd be a little concerned, but then again I found an amazing room to rent with an awesome couple when I first moved out on my own on CL. The people on that site can be pretty hit or miss, but there are the rare times you find a treasure.

I'll probably be in the minority here, but if her reviews are positive, and the meeting goes well and you feel confident in her abilities, I say go for it. Just make sure you get a legal written contract before giving her any money,and have the contract cover every single detail of what you expect from her and what she expects from you. Cover both your asses and you should be okay.

Thank you both. Her other reviews were on Thumbtack.

Proceed with caution.

1. Make sure you have a fully legally binding contract and if she asks for money upfront, say no.

2. Ask for 3 references you can SPEAK with before signing with her. If she can't provide 3, pass.

3. If she dips out on your day, do you have a back up plan? What happens if she doesn't show up? Yes legally you have means to go after her to get money back but doesnt actually help you for your wedding day.

If you want to save money I would check out Groupon before I do Craiglist. While the vendor may be new and unknown Groupon itself is a great company and if something goes wrong they will refund you.

I found my coordinator on thumbtack and i absolutely loved her. She was amazing for our wedding day and her price was super affordable. I would have been lost without her. She did work for a wedding planning company for years before branching off on her own though.

One review? For the other sites, I'd be careful. I've seen vendors post reviews themselves.

How old is the website? (you can find out pretty easily). How many weddings has this person worked?

Basically I'd want to talk to 3 previous clients. Either she's inexperienced, or not that good. Hopefully its just she's bad at getting people to leave reviews.

Craigslist isn't the most reputable place to find vendors.

I will do that and ask for 3, seems to be a fair amount.

I've read an awful lot of horror stories, on here and other boards, about wedding vendors who were found on Craigslist. We primarily used the venue's recommended vendor list, and then followed them up with wedidngwire and online reviews.

Our photographer advertised on craigslist, she was just starting and needed some free ad space. We just requested a test shoot to see if we liked her style (paid of course but only $50 which is a huge discount in comparison to most photographers.) When we got the pictures back they were wonderful! we've since recommended her to a friend for maternity pics, baby first, and she'll be doing our wedding. Don't discount someone on craigslist, just be thorough when you look at their product and their portfolio.

I advertise on CL for our lowest price ceremonies. Only. Because quality, beyond showing up, is not an issue. We use it to fill up our empty weekday spaces. And don't get me started on TT.

Groupon; the vendor is getting 1/4 of the fee you pay. So think about how motivated they are going to be for you.

Get references.

Thank you everyone for your feedback!!!!!

No matter where you find someone, best to make sure you have something in writing for everyone to sign and agree on.

Please stay away from Craigslist if you can... You can get really lucky on there or can end up with a disaster... Please be cautious and use a credit card, which may help getting your money back if they are a fraud... Sometimes your better off with a someone reputable. Also ask your wedding photographer. I typically end up helping with some of the planning and work out the timeline with my couples even when they have a planner. Think about it, who is the only vendor that spends the most time during a wedding day with the bride and groom.. Talk to your photographer!

Thanks, we actually booked another one who works with our caterer. But that is great advice about the timeline!!!!

Hi @KathrynCongrats on your upcoming nuptials! I know that your wedding is quickly approaching and making sure that you have all of your vendors lined up is very important. If you have any rental chair and/or linen needs feel free to contact me.

Best,

Charlena

****@**********.***