}

Wedding Planning 101

Negotiating with Wedding Vendors

  1. Lori says:

    Hi Debbie,
    I know several wedding planners in my area that require any vendor they use, to give them a 50% off their suggested list price and then charge the client the normal charge and pocket the difference. What are your thoughts on this?

  2. […] wedding planning process is filled with negotiations and mediation. You may be negotiating with wedding vendors about your client’s contract, mediating the style of centerpiece between the couple and their […]

  3. Karoline says:

    Great read!! As a new planner this is something I have struggled with. I really appreciate this great insight.

  4. […] Now, during negotiations, there are a few things to keep in mind: […]

  5. utomi silvia Eso says:

    Hi Debbie, I would love to be a good event planner. How do I go about it?

  6. I think it’s important to have a reason to ask for a discount! Do you offer planner, military, non-Saturday, low season discount? As a planner who gets asked about discounts from brides I say I can’t give a “Just because you are getting married” discount because all our clients are getting married.

  7. Great points Debbie, especially the last bullet point. I always say this. I explain the situation with the vendors and they will let me know what they can do. At the end of the day, their price is their price and being in the business I can respect that.

  8. […] to help with actual planning, they are often interested in wedding planners who can find the best deals from vendors. Or they are interested in wedding planners who are just getting started and who are very […]

  9. […] 5. Don’t haggle on prices with vendors. Ask nicely if your client expects it but realize you do not have to negotiate. […]

  10. I love this! You covered my exact philosophies on how to explain this to the client, and how to handle it with vendors up front. Amen!

  11. Great post Debbie! I always cringe when brides ask me to negotiate for them. My response is that I’m always their advocate and won’t allow them to get taken for a ride. That being said, I recommend vendors that I feel are fairly priced and match their budget. So there shouldn’t be need for negotiations in the first place! I don’t mind talking $$ with big companies like Marriott, Hyatt, etc– but when it comes to Bob & Sue photography– that can be insulting to the business owners.

    • Debbie says:

      Thanks Sarah! I totally agree – I wish we could abolish negotiating but it’s a real issue and many brides think that is what wedding planners do. In some senses, like with a huge company like a Marriott or Hyatt, it may make sense to ask for an upgrade or discounted rate if the clients are booking a high revenue event for the property.

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