Negotiating with Vendors 2012-05-11

If you search the internet for tips to help you negotiate with vendors, you will find lots of articles and advice.  Some of it is good, some OK and some ridiculous.  


This article from The Knot suggests that you "Try your hand negotiating at a flea market to see what talking style works for you."  Sorry, but wedding professionals are not flea market vendors; we don't haggle. 


Telling a vendor what another competitor charges isn't a great tactic.  Here's why....What I charge for wedding planning isn't the same as what another planner charges.  They offer different options and services.  You aren't comparing apples to apples.  You may pay less only to find out that the other vendor had better service or better tasting food...something that is hard to put a price on. 






The advice to be indifferent and prepared to walk away, that works at flea markets not for wedding professionals.  You might miss booking your dream photographer who only takes one wedding that date.  Would you negotiate with the plumber coming to fix your broken pipes that are spilling water across your floors? 


Don't lie to service vendors and call your wedding a "big family reunion."  The tools and supplies that are customarily included at a wedding wouldn't even be packed if you call it a party.  You could be missing out on services that would have been included - wasting you money in the long run. 


Good Negotiating Tips 


It is completely acceptable to tell a vendor your budget, in fact we prefer to know your budget up front.  If a quote comes in higher than you can afford, talk to the vendor.  We can usually come up with really creative ways to meet your budget.  Flowers too high? Ask the florist to suggest cheaper alternatives, such as flowers that are in season or cheaper per stem for the centerpieces and save the best for the brides bouquet.  


If you can be flexible with your date, such as an off-season or a Friday or Monday, you can get great discounts on venues.  Look for ways to simplify which will save you money.  Do you need both programs and fans?  That is easily $200+ out of your budget.   


Be reasonable about your budget and what you can accomplish with it.

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Why wedding vendors charge so much... 2012-05-17

Most brides can get sticker shock when they begin getting price quotes from wedding vendors.  There are articles and blog posts about how wedding vendors charge too much and why everything with the W word is so expensive.

Wedding vendors have to make a living just like everyone else, only we only have about 52 - 70 days a year to earn all our income.  We have a limited time to pay for housing, put food on the table and make a living.  


If a vendor charges $1500 and does 20 weddings a year, they earn $30,000 a year before expenses. Once you calculate the hours we work, we would earn single digits per hour. 
We work hard to network with professionals to stay competitive. We also have expenses...all the advertising you see, travel costs, the bridal shows you attend, and the websites and blogs you visit.  Those aren't free.  

Photographers and videographers purchase expensive equipment in order to make you look amazing.  They have editing systems and software.  Florist, bakers, and caterers have supply costs with food and flowers, items that change price with the seasons and economy. 


Wedding planners are constantly networking and researching to know the best vendors for your budget, to learn the new up and coming vendors and offer great service to our clients. We are half fairy godmother and half Cinderella. We work very hard but we also make magic happen.  


Great read: Why weddings cost so much



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Fresh, Natural Outdoor Wedding 2012-05-22

This  beautiful outdoor fall wedding was a gathering of friends and family to celebrate the love of this couple.

The bride wanted the event to be fresh and natural, much like the venue which consisted of an old log cabin, barn and tents set up for the event.  The venue was surrounded by woods, fields and a creek all creating the secluded and natural feel the bride desired.  The bridal party stayed overnight in the cabin the evening before the wedding sharing laughter and friendship.








Many of the vendors were friends or co-workers of the bride.  The ceremony musicians brought guitars and drums and played hymns and old religious songs. The groom made all of the chalkboard signs. The florist came onsite the day of the wedding and decorated using flowers she brought as well as florals and stems from the nearby field.  The boutonnieres were succulents or wild stems and berries.










The cake was decorated with roses, succulents, and rosemary and herbs from the bride.  It was multiple single tier cakes placed on an antique cake stand.




This wedding was filled with simplicity that highlighted the incredible love this couple shows for each other.




Photographer: Lauren Owens Photography
Event Planner: Events by Elaine
Venue: Hachland Hill
Flowers: FIORI - 615-838-8381
Hair Stylist: Elise Harding (friend of bride)
Cake: Hannah Lehrer (friend of bride) (more...)

Summer & Fall 2012 Bridal Shows - Nashville & Middle TN 2012-05-04

Keep checking back as this list will be updated will events as they are announced. 


Aug 26 - Pink Bridal Show Nashville
Sep 23 - Perfect Wedding Guide Bridal Show
Oct 14 - Pink Bridal Show Murfreesboro
Nov 4 - Here Comes the Brides Franklin

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Gift Bag Insert - Free Download 2012-04-27

Note sure where to start with creating a gift bag insert?

Here is a free template download to get you started:  Gift Bag Insert Nashville

This file can be opened in Word or Open Office.  It is set up as a tri fold brochure and pre-filled with information such as restaurants or things to do around downtown Nashville.  But everything can be customized to fit your wedding and style.  Enjoy! (more...)