The Smart Way to Get Discounts

Everyone likes a discount, and your wedding day is no exception. Once you start adding up the costs and meeting vendors, you might be tempted to do some serious haggling yourself.

There’s nothing wrong with trying to get something at a cheaper rate than expected, as long as you’re not asking for something unreasonable, or willing to hear the word “no.”

“If you are in a bind, feel free to ask a vendor if you can work out a deal,” says Danielle Bobish of Curtain Up Events in New York City. “You have to respect the fact that they need their money, so don’t insult them.” Bobish says there may be things you haven’t thought of, like a different night for a site you love, or a smaller dinner from a caterer you want to work with.

“There are often cheaper alternatives that you haven’t thought of,” she says. “And the only way to find out is to talk to the vendor, or talk to other vendors.”

You should always comparison shop, and search for good bargains. However, a person’s final price needs to be honored, and you’re the one who always has the option to pick someone else.

“If you can barter, that’s fine,” says Bobish. “For instance, if you find out a planner needs a web site and you’re a techie, it doesn’t hurt to offer an exchange. However, it’s very important that you don’t overstep your bounds. Ultimately, if you can’t afford it, think cheaper.”

The last thing you want on your wedding day is to feel like the people working for you are unhappy, or working for too little. And by all means, never take something for a discount in exchange for advertisement. There is nothing worse than seeing “Courtesy of Joe’s Liquor” on the place cards.

-David Toussaint

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