What do you say when a potential client asks if you get discounts or if you will negotiate prices with wedding vendors?

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It really depends on your business model and market.

If budget conscious brides are your target and you have pre-arranged for other vendors (who have the same target market) to offer discounts to your clients, then you can tell potential clients that you already have arranged for certain vendors to offer discounted services to your clients.  

If you haven’t previously negotiated discounts, be honest about this. If you would like to offer discounts, offer to ask your recommended wedding vendors during the planning process if they will give a discount or complimentary upgrade for your clients. 

If you prefer not to negotiate prices, that is completely fine. When you are asked this question, emphasize that you have relationships with many reputable event professionals and that you help clients choose the vendors who will give them the best value for their budget, overdeliver on their services, and have exceptional customer service.  This shows the value that you bring to the table as a professional wedding planner.

Tips to remember when negotiating with wedding vendors:

• During prime wedding season in your area, wedding vendors may not offer discounts since they can easily be booked at their full rate during this time.

• Newer vendors are more likely to offer discounts. Established vendors with solid reputations may not offer any kind of discounts or upgrades.

• If you aren’t comfortable asking for discounts or negotiating contract prices, be clear with potential clients that you do not generally ask for discounts. Another way to overcome this is to tell clients that you recommend the best vendors in their price point which will save money and time.

• Consider how you would feel if a venue or another vendor constantly asked you to discount your rates for planning services.

The most important thing is to do what feels right for you. If you have your own wedding planning business and hate negotiating, you don’t have to do it.  

My philosophy in my own event planning business is that you get what you pay for. We very rarely ask vendors to give discounts. Both my team and I are upfront about this during consultations with potential clients. We do not discount our own prices and do not expect our preferred vendors to either.

How do you feel about negotiating prices with vendors? Like it or hate it? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

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