The first big event that most brides have to plan is their own wedding. So, it is unlikely that they have worked with vendors to discuss such big plans, before.
Image Credit: Dion Gillard, via Flickr, CC By 2.0
If this is the case with you, we know that you may be worried about making the right decisions and handling everything right. This guide will take you over the points that will help you work with your vendors well, so you can get the best deal possible for your wedding.
Decide what you want before you begin looking at vendors
Having a clear idea of what you want for your wedding, is the best way to start. You and your fiance should first decide what type of wedding you want, the theme you would like, anything specific that you would like to have at your wedding, the style of reception, the location, and all such relevant details, before you even start considering who will do it for you. This will help you start looking for the vendor who will be able to deliver to your expectations, while meeting all the other factors.
Do your research
Talk to other brides who were married recently, to get a fair estimate of what your wedding costs will come to. You can obtain recommendations for vendors this way, and it will also give you a fair idea of whether you have any overheads to consider. Some vendors offer discounts on referrals, and if you are lucky, you may find the vendor you seek at a much lesser price, this way.
Fix your budget
One of the biggest problems brides face is finding vendors within their budget. The way around this is to prepare your budget in advance, so you know the maximum limit you can afford to stretch to, should it be required. First plan your overall budget, and then divide it into the various components. Fix the upper limit for each, and make a firm decision that you will not exceed it, come what may.
Look for vendors within your range
There is only so much you can negotiate with a vendor, so be realistic with your expectations. If a vendor you love is way over your price range, be prepared to look for other options. This vendor may even be able to refer you to someone who can work within your budget. Shop around and you should be able to find the right person for the job. Just make sure you start early and have enough time to research.
Be open-minded about options, and everything will work out
If you have your mind set on working with a particular vendor, but your budget doesn’t allow it, try to work out a solution with the vendor. Some vendors will be open to working on a lower budget if you allow them full freedom to work their magic with what is available within this price. You will have to communicate what is important to you, and they will execute their plan, with that in mind.
At Best for Bride, we can help you with every wedding planning need. Get in touch with us, and we can help you find the right deal for your budget, and plan the dream wedding you always wanted. What are you waiting for, come visit us today!
Good tips. I think if you can be strong on your budget while at the meeting you are going to get the best deals. At the same time you do not want to skimp and end up with a cookie cutter, blah wedding.
I have heard horror stories of planners going over budget because they are planning weddings THEY want compared to what the bride and groom want. That would be a bad thing in my mind.
My fiance is a master at getting the deals. This should be a slam dunk for us 🙂
I hope that works out for you, sticking to a budget is not always easy.
Our wedding planner keeps coming back to me with more ideas that cost more money. I already told them we have a budget and they “agreed”, but now there is always something “more”. What should I do? Cut ties?