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VIP January 2012

Letting vendors know your budget

Cavan, on March 14, 2011 at 3:59 PM Posted in Planning 0 9

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I've made a reasonable budget that I can work with but, of course, if I don't have to spend as much as I've allotted that would be even better. My question is - Do I tell my vendors the actual budget I have or do I tell them a smaller amount?

For example, I am willing to spend $3500 on photography but I would rather spend less than that. Do I tell them I want to spend that amount or do I tell them $3000 or lower instead? I'm worried they will jack up their price if their standard pricing is lower than that.

I've also heard that when buying a gown to tell the consultant you want to pay less than you actually want because if you say you want to spend $800 to $1500 they will pull the dresses from the higher end? Any experience with this?

Thanks for the advice!

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9 Comments

Latest activity by Cavan, on March 14, 2011 at 4:37 PM

Kristen Wynn · on March 14, 2011 at 4:01 PM
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Contact the vendor and ask to see a price list. If the price is listed, you will know what it costs.

Most vendors are very fair. We have set prices and aren't trying to get more out of you if you can afford it. We try to give the same price to everyone out of fairness.
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Devoted June 2011
Kells · on March 14, 2011 at 4:02 PM
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I would keep your budget to yourself. My fiance and I have found some of the things you mention... price increases and such. When we were asked what are budget was we said we are still working on that. This way we had a better idea of really what they charge.
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Master October 2010
Jaemi C. fka Jaemi S. :-) · on March 14, 2011 at 4:03 PM
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When I went dress shopping I did tell them a little lower because I knew that they would pull some dress that were a little on the high end and it worked out well. Also look at the price tag beforeyou try it on, if one just makes you cringe. Don't do it. When it come photography it looks like you have a reasonable budget. I would look and see who's work you like and see what their packages look like. Then go from there. Photographers please correct me if I am wrong, but most are will to work with you if you like parts of package A and package B or even an alcarte. The important thing is to know what you think is a good deal. Also don't be afraid to ask us. Many brides I am sure live in your area and will be happy to help you out.
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Master August 2011
Meghan · on March 14, 2011 at 4:04 PM
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I wouldn't come out and state your budget. Just say you have bugetted for photography based on what you THINK going rates are. Give them an opportunity to show yu their packages and options. $3500 is alot, even for profesional photographers. So, you may see what your $3500 buys and not want to everything it includes.

As far as dresses- I would tell them a lower price point, because then you can always move up if you don't find something you like.

Most vendors are reputable, but a few will try to screw you. Most vendors also know they are not the only person you are talking to. They won't overprice because then they immediately lose you!
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Nichole Bertucci · on March 14, 2011 at 4:19 PM
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My prices are set prices so telling me your budget would have no effect on them. I think honesty is always the best policy - let the vendor know you have a budget and the amount that you can spend.
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VIP January 2012
Cavan · on March 14, 2011 at 4:37 PM
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Thanks for all the advice! And I'm happy to hear that most professionals have set prices, that will make it easier for me. It's also nice that some will be willing to work with me.

Thanks!
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