In the past few years, every magazine and wedding blog has drilled into newly engaged couples that they should negotiate and they should ask for discounts. While I agree that negotiating is a great strategy - straight up asking for a discount isn't. Why? What does your vendor get in return from giving you a discount? And, why should you get a discount to begin with? Because you're engaged and planning a wedding? Vendors are providing their skill, knowledge, expertise and passion with you in their services ... you wouldn't walk into a shoe store and just demand a discount simply because you need a pair of shoes. All of the vendors that I work with and know aren't out to screw the engaged. I hear it time and time again at consultations "don't tell x,y and z vendor that its a wedding - they'll jack the prices up!" ... um, usually not so much. Vendors know their market, know what things cost and like every other company that exists, needs to make a little extra in order to actually stay in business.
If you really fall in love with a vendor but know you can't afford their services, sit down with them and be open and honest. Flattery does help. Offering a barter or exchange may work in your favor. Do you have amazing writing skills? Offer to re-write all their marketing material. Do you have the time to come in and cut flowers for them on the weekends? Let them know. Be offering something of yourself, you're much more likely to get a vendor whose willing to give you a break on the cost of your proposal, or at least work with you to bring the cost down. Use your expertise to trade with the vendor in an area that you feel they can benefit. In everyday life, we make exchanges with people based on our needs and their needs - this should apply to wedding planning rather than just demanding a discount.
Figure out what you have that a vendor needs and then exploit it! Bartering is a years old tradition and in many cultures is the way of life - time to employ it into your wedding planning process.
I think every woman dreams of a wonderful and unforgettable wedding. To be the princess once a day - wow! But a wedding ceremony costs a lot of money. I agree with you with the idea in bartering . For a wedding you could trade the photographer or the wedding dress through www.barterquest.com. I am a happy user of this homepage!
ReplyDeleteI agree, if I could find an effective personal trainer or talented web designer who is engaged and in need of wedding planning services, I'd certainly be open to a barter.
ReplyDeleteWouldn't we all be? If you've got a skill that you can trade with a planner or other wedding vendor - USE IT! We're people too who probably want things as well!
ReplyDeleteA great idea- and I'd imagine much better received than just asking for a discount. I know I'd definitely be open to do a barter.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea for brides! For anyone who might get stuck on what to say, try this:
ReplyDeleteI really like your style and I'd love to work with you. I wonder, if I [insert what you'd give in the barter], would you be willing to discuss [insert what you'd like-be realistic] in exchange?
What's great about this hypothetical question is it doesn't box anybody in right way. If the vendor says yes to discussion, great. If not, no harm nor foul! Good luck!
Dina Eisenberg
PositivelyWed.com
Hells yeah! Discounts are for tires, thank you very much. Barter is better - especially for chocolate. Great post.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy this post. I think more couples need to think about this. But they also need to expect that sometimes you don't need what they have but if it is a really awesome couple you find a way.
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