How to Negotiate With Wedding Vendors

HOW TO GET WHAT YOU WANT

brought to you by AbsoluteWeddingStore.com

If the new "IT" at the boutique are tagged $1000, that's what you'll pay - no exceptions - unless you're patient enough to wait for a sale or wait until it's no longer "hot". With wedding vendors like florists, caterers and photographers, however, there's often room for negotioation. Do it early in your discussions and well before signing any contract.

Do your homework first. Have a set budget and know the average prices in your area.

Set priorities. Instead of dickering over low-cost items (boutonnieres), concentrate on reducing the price of big-ticket items (centerpieces). Know what you want - are you hoping for a monetary discount or some freebies? Which one is your priority: quality or pricing?

Stay clam. A savvy customer uses facts, common sense, and good manners - not screams or tears - as bargaining tools.

Disagree nicely. Whatever happens, be courteous. Being rude and belligerent will get you nowhere.

Put everything in writing. Make sure any verbal agreements are added to your final wedding contract, or your vendor might come down with negotiation amnesia.

KNOW WHEN TO HAGGLE

Sometimes, as in the case of Saturday-night weddings, the prices are pretty firm. Other times, the discounts are easier to come by, such as when:
- a wedding vendor is starting out and needs to build buzz.
- you're buying something in bulk, such as multiple cases of wine.
- you're getting married in the off-season, on an off day, or at an off time.
- the wedding vendor can handle more than one wedding in a day (like florists or photo studios with big crews).
- your wedding is a month away and a wedding vendor is still available. If you don't book him, chances are, no one else will.

SAY WHAT?

Some tips on talking the talk.
Don't say: "My budget is $2,000. What can you do for me?"
Say: "I love your style, and I think your photos are incredible. I'd like to see if we can work something out on my budget."
Bottom line: Don't bring up an exact dollar amount right away. Vendors are more likely to bend over backwards for someone who truly values their work.

Don't say: "I've got to have orchids at my wedding, but these prices are crazy!"
Say: "I love the look of orchids. Are there any alternatives that cost less?"
Bottom line: Be flexible, and the vendor will come up with creative ways to give you the look you want.

Don't say: "This isn't going well. Maybe I should call my dad, the attorney."
Say: "This isn't what I had in mind, but I appreciate your ideas and your taking the time to discuss them with me."
Bottom line: If the wedding vendor really wants your business, he may reconsider. Making nice has rewards!

NO-REGRETS WEDDING PHOTOS

How to get wedding shots you really want:
1. Give your photographer a list of people you want in each posed photo (do this ahead of time).
2. Appoint a "gatherer" from each family to round up the relatives you want in posed photos.
3. Ask your bridesmaids to remove their watches before taking photos. Timepieces often look clunky with formal clothes.
4. Take group pictures before the wedding ceremony - and before everyone stars drinking and dancing (and sweating). Make an announcement at the rehearsal dinner informing the bridal party and family members what time to arrive. If you want to start shooting at 2:30, tell them to arrive at 2:15.
5. Tell the photographer who to take direction from at the wedding (you, the groom, or another family member).
6. For candid photos, tell yor photographer if she should focus only on close family or shoot all the guests.
7. ID your nearest and dearest by having them wear a flower.
8. Clearly state what you don't want - for example, just a few photos of your nieces and nephews - not dozens.
9. For small weddings, don't assume that your photographer will get every important shot. Give her direction - or you may wake up the next morning without a photo of you and Mom.
10. Pity the groom's family, chances are you won't be seeking their input on centerpiees, invites or much of anything else. But you should consult with them about whom they'd like in their family shots, and if there are any special pictures they want. Ask for a list a month before the wedding.

Most modern wedding photography is about capturing candid moments, but posed shots are an important chronicle of the day - think of them as visual history. Keep the number to a minimum, wrap it up in 40 minutes, and get on with the fun. Posed situations can include:
Bride and groom
Bride with maid of honor
Bride with bridesmaids
Groom with best man
Groom with groomsmen
Ring bearer and flower girl
Entire wedding party
Bride and groom with bride's parents
Bride and groom with bride's family
Bride and groom with groom's parents
Bride and groom with groom's family
Bride and groom with both sets of parents