Vendor negotiating without insulting

Just ask nicely! It worked for us with the venue And if the answer is no, then keep looking.

I didn't negotiate with venders, but with that being said we did get some deals. I was just really honest and upfront with everyone I called and emailed. I told them our overall budget (under $10,000) for the wedding as well as how many guests (40) we were expecting and what I wanted or needed (in relation to florist/DOC) and everyone was helpful. Of course come places were out of our budget, so we just moved on and found even better venders later.

Vendors hike up prices by over 100% considering that people will bargain. Bargain your heart out... tell them you spoke to another company and they offered to do it for much cheaper. They are all very competitive.

@LetItSnow. I also know a great photographer in the Edmonton area. She did our engagement photos (held our wedding in a different city, so couldn't use her for our wedding). But she did do SIL's wedding in March also.

Sweetie, all he can do is decline. =)

Ask what he could do to reduce the cost...prints included? Not necessary if you have all rights to the disk. Engagement photos included? Take those off and have a friend shoot some!

Renata, that is just not true and it borders on insulting. It never occurs to me that people are going to bargain with me. I have different packages that take into account what couples need to have and I try to guide them to pick what they need. I don't want them to pay more than they should, nor will I lower my price 'just because'.

In this case, maybe you can have less time with the photographer, less prints, less stuff. You are also in February, not typically a prime month (except for Valentines day) so that may help too. While a photographer may not be able to bill out a prime day for less, they may be willing and happy to in off season.

And I like the title of your post, btw.

@Celia...why would you find it insulting, I am curious? It is not a personal stab at you...it is simply an honest situation, where sometimes it cannot be adjusted. Some offer a discount for a good review...or maybe they would honor a Groupon that they no longer have going. Just like it cannot hurt to ask...they have the right to decline.

P.S...my Photo Booth company adjusted their price. Not because I asked them if they would meet my budget, but when I did not reply with an immediate YES, he offered to reduce the idle time charges (by 50%) as well as the travel fee. (waived completely!)

Kat, I don't find the idea of getting to common ground insulting at all; it's what both sides want. I want to work with couples who want to work with me, and there are a number of ways to make that happen.

I find Renata's statement that we all mark up everything %100 percent because we expect to haggle insulting. That's not how pros work.

I would never offer a discount for a good review. That just seems weird and skeevy, lol.... and no, it never hurts to ask.

Ohhh...I misread your post...sorry. I did not mean, "I will give you a discount if you give me a good review"...but more along the lines of, "If you will review me, honestly, after...I can offer ___% discount." Some do this! Have come across it, already!

Gotcha.