Vendor Negotiations

aricherry

Thanks to all who have been helping to answer my questions. My next question:
1. have you negotiated any vendor pricing?
2. what did you say or do?
3. What type of vendor/service was it?

I really wanted to hire a wedding planner to do this for me, but my husband says we don't need to hire one. (what are your ideas on that?) So I am stuck negotiating for myself. I thought maybe we could offer the vendor something in return for discounts but I realized that we dont have any skills to offer. (I'm a stay at home mom/student, and he is a computer tech guy, I think he also does some projest management.) I NEED tips please.

Thank You

TXsun

1.yes!!
2. I offered my graphic design services in exchange.
3. I got my photographer to add an extra hour for free in exchange for a monogram design and GOBO desgin (she was getting married the next month)

I got $50 off my hair with my stylist for creating business cards for her.

I love bartering

CindiLA

Bartering is a great idea if you have something to barter with -- like being a graphic designer or a CPA or something. I work in Human Resources, so, unless my vendors have FMLA questions, I am out of luck.

Having said that, I still negotiated all of my vendors. For me, that is a really fun part of the wedding. Now, bear in mind, I am not a girly-girl who loves fashion and colors. I am a business woman who appreciates beautiful things but can't necessarily make beaurtiful things happen without some assistance (enter wedding coordinator!).

I hired Kelly at Eventology Weddings and she is great. I do get the benefit of her discounts and also she knows "secret" vendors- florists who work from home, an inexpensive, but great band....etc...that has saved me a bundle.

When it comes down to negotiationg directly with the vendors, ANYTHING is possible. My approach was simple: I love this (service, venue, etc..), however, I would prefer to pay this price, get this free, get some benefit....etc... To put is simply, they will say "yes" or "no". Do NOT be afraid to ask. And, also choose your battles. For instance, I didn't even attempt to negotiate my wedding coordinator's fee - she is an independent business woman like me and I want her best. I didn't want to negotiate her down. However, I DID negotiate my reception venue's rates.

The big thing in my corner is that I am getting married in January. Since that is an off month, people are more apt to negotiate.

Hope this helps!
C

EmF2011

I agree with CindyLA.. My coordinator has vendors that she works with all the time and the discount is just passed on to me. Just remember that EVERYTHING is negotable..

Emily

jobie02

I asked if I could pay cash, pay up front, etc.  I have wedding insurance, so I was ok doing this.  I got some great discounts paying all cash up front.  I got receipts and a contract that said I paid in full.