No one wants to extend themselves for an overbearing, demanding person during wedding negotiations. Being a pleasant person implies that you will be a pleasant customer. A surly client will cost them time in handling complaints and making last-minute changes.
Besides, how likely is it that a pushy customer will provide good word-of-mouth for their shop or venue? An experienced vendor knows the value of time and goodwill and that will translate to savings whenever you enter your own wedding negotiations.
Did you hear about the vendor from a neighbor? Were you impressed by their product or service at an event you attended? Are their designs unique custom creations? A reputable vendor takes pride in his or her work and talking about it to them helps with wedding negotiations.
If you have an honest compliment, don’t hold back. Expressing interest in working with a certain vendor will benefit you more than appearing indifferent. Flattery will get you everywhere in wedding negotiations.
The “I” in wedding should be capitalized. That day is all about you. In the planning stages, focus on the “we.” See your vendors as teammates and coaches leading you to a successful big day whenever you meet with them to discuss wedding negotiations.
They have the power to allay your fears and guide you to solutions. Turn “me, myself and I” into “You and I” and then “we and us.” You are both working towards the same goals: a beautiful wedding and a happy bride and wedding negotiations can make everything pleasant for both parties!
Now that you’re engaged, disengage when planning your wedding. You don’t have to develop multiple personalities, but the more you can separate your emotions from the process of wedding negotiations, the better.
Think, “WWMWPD?” translated into, “What would my wedding planner do?” They would sit down with you, elicit what you wanted for your wedding and then go out and get it for you during wedding negotiations. If it helps, no one has to know you are the bride, just that you are handling the arrangements.
When you make an appointment to be introduced to their services, try your best to be on time. If you must be late, be sure to call and ask if they still have the time to meet with you, and offer to reschedule the wedding negotiations.
Be mindful of the time during the meeting, too. If it gets close to closing time and you are not finished, offer to come back again. Most times they will insist you stay, but you don’t want to run the risk of keeping them from going home. Being considerate and acknowledging that they have a life makes you a customer worthy of receiving a discount during wedding negotiations.
Discussing prices for services on a Saturday afternoon at the height of wedding season is a recipe for hearing “No” often. Keeping an open mind about setting a date and time, design and delivery of a certain element – even the type of reception can open affordable unconsidered alternatives to you if your wedding negotiations take place in the right setting.
Not everything needs to be negotiable, but you can save money in the adjustable areas. The vendors know the tricks of their trade, and being flexible gives them room to use their knowledge to accommodate your needs whenever you and your groom meet for your own wedding negotiations.