Guest Post Now Published on WeddingWire's WeddingAces!

Recently, I was invited by Wedding Wire to write a guest post as a Wedding Ace on their sister-site, Wedding Aces. It has just been published and can now be viewed by clicking the link below!


http://www.weddingaces.com/2012/01/tricks-of-the-trade-negotiating-with-wedding-vendors/


Tricks of the Trade: Negotiating with Wedding Vendors
Guest Post by Rachael Zebrowski, Vintage&Lace, Wedding Planner

One of the best pieces of wedding planning advice I received shortly after my engagement came from a newly wed friend who said, “Negotiate! Negotiate! Negotiate!”

From my friend’s insight, I soon learned that one of the best-kept secrets in the wedding industry is the incredible willingness of most vendors to negotiate a trade.

Many couples on a tight budget take one look at the price of a venue and write it off as out of their range.  However, if you get creative, there are ways to craft a better deal.

Instead of just asking for a discounted rate, ask yourself what you have to offer that might be of value. For example, my husband and I chose a brand new wedding venue to host our reception. Knowing that the venue would need photos for their marketing material, we offered them the use of our wedding photos in exchange for waiving the Event Use Fee. Recognizing the offer as a win-win for both parties, the venue took the deal. They received loads of professional photographs to use in their marketing campaign while we saved $2,000 (which we then used to hire a top-notch photographer)!

The possibilities for trades are endless; think about what goods or services you can bring to the table and start negotiating. It never hurts to ask and you have nothing to lose!

Look for more ways to save soon, like substitutions, being flexible with your date and time, and joining forces with another couple. Happy Planning!