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North Carolina-Outer Banks
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Have you successfuly negotiated with any vendors?

obxlaurakobxlaurak member
10 Comments
in North Carolina-Outer Banks
Any tips for those of us just starting out with the planning process?
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Re: Have you successfuly negotiated with any vendors?

  • JAK33JAK33 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I haven't done much negotiation yet, but I did mention another kottie (khoy!) and the photographer quoted me less than the published price right off the bat explaining the discount. 

    I have tried the subtle hints, "we are paying for this mostly ourselves, so we are very cost conscious" and "we are doing it on a Thursday is hopes to save in vendors", but little luck so far. 

    Interested to see the other's comments!
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  • obxlaurakobxlaurak member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    My fiance and I are members of the OBX Chamber of Commerce so I am hoping that may get us a little bit of a discount with some vendors.  I'm not too shy about asking, just wondering if there is any etiquette or tips! 
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  • JAK33JAK33 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    That could totally work for you guys!  I bet most of the vendors are members as well and may cut you a good deal as fellow business owners in town.  Goooood luck!!!!
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  • obxlaurakobxlaurak member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Thanks JAK!!  Some days (well, most days) I wish we didn't have to stick to a budget.  But such is life! 
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  • Krhoy20Krhoy20
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    JAK...did you end up booking Chris for photography?!
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  • JAK33JAK33 member
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    We haven't picked anyone yet, I like his work and he is very reasonable, so the chances are good!  I think you are this fall so maybe I will wait and check out your pics and feedback :).
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  • Flip0330Flip0330
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011

    I didn't have much luck at all - I hope you have better luck.

    The only person that I really had luck with was our florist - but I think thats more her working within our budget.   Oh, and I was able to work a little bit with the woman who is doing our ceremony music.
    In general, I have found that the attitiude of most of these vendors is that if you don't book their services, someone else will.   They basically don't have to adjust their rates.

    I will also tell you that our budget has changed since we initially started planning...some of that is b/c I was throwing numbers into a spreadsheet and sometimes guessing amounts.   Some of the things that I guessed incorrectly were: the cake, the florist/decorations and transportation.

    Good luck!

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  • obxlaurakobxlaurak member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I have my spreadsheet but I have no idea if it's accurate - especially for things like flowers and cake.  I'm hoping that I over-estimated in some areas so that it will balance out with the areas I underestimated.
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  • Flip0330Flip0330
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Thats exactly how I was...I can share with you these details from my budget if you would like.
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  • obxlaurakobxlaurak member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I'm mostly curious about flowers and cake, if you don't mind sharing! 
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  • keb2482keb2482
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I managed to get a 10% military discount out of our cake vendor.  My FI is active duty in Korea.  I also got a slight discount from our photographer, but not much as we are planning on a prime weekend.  The Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.
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  • Krhoy20Krhoy20
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    JAK- yes we are using him in Sept(20th). I will post pics then!
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  • Flip0330Flip0330
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    obxlaurak - just sent you a PM
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