Almost anyone living in today’s world has likely heard of, if not used, Craigslist at some point. For anyone who hasn’t heard of this, Craigslist is a classified advertisements website with sections devoted to jobs, housing, personals, for sale, items wanted, services,community, gigs, résumés, and discussion forums (according to Wikipedia). It’s the newspaper ads gone digital and funnier. And by the way, did you know they launched in 1995? Yikes.
Every now and then, I find myself poking around the site looking for something funny to read or maybe a dresser for sale in my ‘hood. But what kills me is when I see “experienced” wedding “professionals” advertising their services for dirt cheap (or free) on this site. Before I go any further, I will say that I am guilty of using Craigslist when I first started my business. But no where in my listing did I say something that I wasn’t. I was upfront and honest about my level of experience, and clear as to who I wanted to help and how.
Ok, back on track. If you are looking for a vendor for your wedding, I do not recommend using Craigslist as your only source of research. If you find something that may to be too good to be true, it likely is. But if you do reach out, learn as much as you can about that individual before agreeing to anything. Craigslist can be a very scary tool when it’s put into the wrong hands and you don’t want to be a victim of the many scams that Barbara Walters talks about on 20/20. Is Barbara even still on 20/20??
Also, if you are thinking about posting an ad on Craigslist for services - I don’t recommend it, but IF you do… - please, please, please do not include your wedding date or exact venue along with your contact information. A quick google search will get the wrong person your address and they’ll know exactly when you won’t be home. #notgood
Anyway, what I DO recommend using Craigslist for is those nights when you are feeling a little bored and not in the mood to work on some weddings plans with your partner. Head over to the “Best Of” and have a ball laughing your backside off at the interesting and funny-as-hell things that people post. Some are a little raunchy, others are incredibly creative, others go right over my head – but they all crack me up. And you and your partner will enjoy it too.
Cheers,
Danielle is an experienced and certified wedding coordinator and life-lover from NEPA. She is also fabulously obsessed with love, laughing, details, bread, naps, the color yellow and her pup, Mollie.
Danielle,
While I agree that craigslist.com is not the go-to place to search for wedding vendors, you CAN get lucky and find very talented individuals that are just starting their business, and who may be able to cater to couples who just don’t have $$$$$ of money for their wedding. I advertise in well known places like the knot.com, and weddingwire, wedding chicks, and other wedding blogs, but I also advertise in craigslist. This is why: If a couple is searching for a photographer, they will go through the listings, and they will see WHY those photographers are charging low (which is usually the case, quality= price), they can find hidden gems. There are awesome photographers, who charges more, but for a good reason. Good listings will have great photographs, links to a portfolio, and references. I have gotten many great leads that turn into clients by advertising at craigslist. I have seen other very talented photographers in craigslist, and if they are advertising there, it’s probably because it works for them. Also, not everyone looking for a photographer in craigslist is looking for a bargain. I had one lead that requested my most expensive package…
Thank you for your comment, Zareth! And I agree that are some hidden gems on Craigslist. But it’s still very important for the consumer to do research about the potential business outside of what’s listed on Craigslist. But 100% agree that all businesses should do what works for them. Thanks for reading!
So well put!
Well said!! It’s so much better to be safe than sorry!!