Negotiating with vendors is an scary idea for those of us who are averse to haggling, but when you have a long wish list and small budget you’ll want to save yourself as much money as you can. At the very least, you’ll want to make sure that what you’re paying is reasonable. Negotiating effectively takes practice but can save you a considerable amount of money, making it worth the momentary discomfort.

Before you begin

Set a realistic ballpark for the overall cost of your wedding–realistic as far as how much you should expect to pay, and realistic as far as how much you can afford. Doing some homework and utilizing free budgeting tools (see our post for recommendations) can help you know what to expect. Have some means of organizing the information you collect from vendors, like a spreadsheet or planner so you can easily compare quotes, keep track of appointments, and save important correspondence. It’s also a good idea to have some sense of why you’re an especially attractive client so you can better inspire vendors to bend over backwards for your business. If you’re stuck, here are some reasons why vendors will want to get to know you better:

You fill a void. One thing that can help you to negotiate a lower price with vendors is to have an understanding of when they need business most. Choosing a weekday, Sunday, or off-season date gives you a starting point for negotiation. They will want your business and will compete with each other to get it. If you’re lucky enough to be privy to such inside information, knowing that an event has been cancelled on a certain date can also work to your advantage. If you’re planning on a tight schedule, you may be able to swoop in and land a discounted rate. They will be happy to have the business.

You have connections. Recently engaged friends and family, or other prospective clients in your circle can also be a plus for you. Be sure and mention them! Vendors reliant on word-of-mouth business will be eager to book your wedding and to show off what they can do.

You’ve done your homework. Most vendors have a general idea of how their prices compare to the competition and you should too. Ask around and find out the going rate. You may be able to find a few vendors who will give you a quote via email or over the phone. Also, consider whether you’re willing to receive fewer services than in an already prepared package. As an alternative to reducing the cost of their services, vendors may try to retain your business by offering alternatives like less manpower, fewer hours on the job, etc. Go into the discussion with an idea of where you are willing to compromise.

You’re flexible. You can often save money by leaving some details up to the professionals, rather than making all the decisions yourself. Enlist the help of vendors to stay within your budget. For example, some have saved money on their wedding by allowing the caterer to decide what hors d’oeuvres to serve. Professionals are better informed about what things cost and how this varies by season, etc. and may come up with ideas that make better use of your money than you would come up with on your own.

You’re resourceful. You may be able to save money by supplying equipment yourself. If you have resources at your disposal that a professional would otherwise provide, find a vendor who willing to work with what you have. This can also eliminate surprise fees–extra equipment or supplies needed to accommodate a particular space. Read the fine print, understand what the vendor needs and make it clear to them what you have to offer. If they are not willing to work with you to keep costs down, keep looking.

Professionals providing wedding services vary in their flexibility and not all are open to negotiation. They may not be able to come down in price, but it’s possible that they may be able to compromise in other ways worth considering. You can always benefit by taking some time to think things over and exploring your options–don’t be swayed by pressure to sign a contract before you’re ready.

It’s important to remember that wedding vendors negotiate with clients all the time. They do not see all negotiation attempts as greed-driven manipulation, but they do appreciate politeness and respect for what they do. Whether you’re looking for a photographer, a caterer, a DJ, or any other service-provider, doing a little research into their industry is worth the effort. With an appreciation for what services are worth and a respect for what these pros do, you’ll have an easier time sticking to your budget and getting what you want. You’ll also feel better about writing those checks when the time comes.

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