How to talk to vendors when you found cheaper options?

I think you have to compare apples to apples. Is this florist using dried flowers for the $20 boutonnières? If not, you have to think about the cost of fresh flowers, labor (sourcing those fresh flowers and designing the boutonnières), delivery, etc.


I’m not sure what city you’re in, but $15-20 per boutonnières are pretty standard where I live and had my wedding (Southern California).
Will this florist also be doing other floral pieces for you such as bouquet and centerpieces? If so, she’s creating multiple pieces that are going to flow in detail and design for your wedding. If you go with the etsy option, will the same shop have matching centerpieces and bouquets?
Some people don’t care if their florals all look the same and just look for ones they like whether or not they go together. For me, it was really important to have a very cohesive design throughout my wedding. These are definitely things you have to consider when purchasing items or hiring vendors.

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This is a good point! I hadn't thought of that. She will be making centerpieces and the bouquet, etc. Probably fresh flowers, so it may be worth the cost...Thanks for your input!

View Quoted Comment Of course! Yeah some people don’t care too much about flowers matching so it’s really up to what you want!


I will say, my florist was clutch when we realized we needed an extra boutonnière— she made one on site and saved our butts. Haha

I was just honest with vendors that we went in a different direction. Most deal with lots of brides and inquiries that won’t amount to much so I don’t think it’s an issue. I just wouldn’t leave them hanging as I think a lot of brides do that.

“I am reaching out to let you know that due to recent circumstances, our budget is much tighter than we anticipated. I truly appreciate all of the effort and meetings and I am incredibly sorry to have to choose an alternative option. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and wish you health and happiness in these difficult times.”


I don’t know. Maybe something similar to that? Or that but tweaked to fit your needs?

You can also buy a wedding dress for $50 or $5,000. That doesn't mean they are the same, or that either one is better than the other.

If you are hiring experienced professionals, they have set prices, a proven business model, and customers willing to pay their prices - otherwise they wouldn't stay in business. If you don't like the price, find a different vendor at a price point that works for you, but don't try to nickel and dime people. You may find a lot of the prices you think are expensive are actually pretty standard; if you compare vendors and they are all within the same range, that's just what the product/service costs. In general there is always a range of both price and quality for wedding services, so you can prioritize where you want to spend your money. If less expensive dried boutonnieres are just as good to you as more expensive ones made from fresh flowers, then get the dried version, but don't ask the florist to charge you half of her set rate for handmade fresh boutonnieres because you found a different product on Etsy that is less expensive.

If you don't like what vendors are charging, don't waste their time by trying to lowball them. It's disrespectful. If the prices are not within the range of what you have budgeted, thank the vendors for their time and move along.

View Quoted Comment Yeah I wasn't sure what the etiquette was, hence why I made this post to figure out how to proceed