How To Negotiate With Your Wedding Vendors So You Don’t Get Ripped Off

According to the Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is $33,391. This, despite the fact that formal weddings are on the decline, according to the study. Although it varies a lot by where you live, the cost of the vendors and all of the necessities it takes to pull off the big day will add up quickly, to say the least. No matter where you live or what vendors you use though, there is one proven way to cut the costs, and that is to negotiate with each and every vendor. Friendly haggling may save you a lot, or not much, but at the end of the day it’s worth a shot. Here, a few tried and true tips for haggling like the best of them.

Before you meet with vendors

Set a budget and do your research so you know how to negotiate. The first and most important step to negotiating with vendors is to set a wedding budget before you set up your first meeting. Know exactly how much you can and are willing to spend before you start any conversations. Make sure you research enough to get a solid idea of pricing. You’ll be better at negotiating a fair price when you know what the competition charges. When you set a budget, research and ultimately walk into your first meeting prepared.

When you meet with vendors

Ask for more. Never be afraid to ask for more or mix and match various packages. For example, if one package doesn’t include cake cutting but another does, see if you can swap something for another. Or, if you’ll need extra tables or settings, see if they can offer a discounted rate for the additional ones. Most of the time prices rise each year due to inflation and sometimes vendors are willing to give you last year’s price. The earlier you book, the more room you’ll have to negotiate. Don’t always ask for the cheaper price. When you are negotiating, don’t focus solely on getting the price down. Asking to cut the price by 25-50% can aggravate a vendor, whereas asking for more goods and services, like an additional appetizers on the catering menu, for the same price can be a respectable compromise. Oftentimes the vendor’s profit margin will be enough to provide a quality service and you’ll get more for your money. So everybody walks away happy.

After you select your vendors

 Read the contracts carefully. Although it might be lengthy, take the time to read each contract carefully. Don’t just sign something or you might be stuck with extra charges in the end. Voice any concerns you have before you sign, and drop anything you don’t feel like you will need. Just because it’s “included” doesn’t mean you have to pay for it. Just speak up before you sign on the dotted line. A little negotiation can go a long way and ultimately can get you what you want, for the price and budget you can afford. Be respectful and treat your vendors the way you want to be treated, and they’ll likely return the favor. Feature Illustration: Laura Caseley For The Money Manual