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Allison
Curious September 2026 Warwickshire

Negotiating with Vendors - yes or no?

Allison, 1 November, 2024 at 10:40 Posted on Planning 0 8

Hi everyone, I'm wondering what the norm is when it comes to negotiating with vendors... I've had a few quotes back for various different services, from flowers to make-up and photography.

Did you/would you just accept the quoted price, or has anyone tried to negotiate a little to get a reduction?

There is a photographer for example that my partner and I both love, but the price is just a little high for us. Would you be willing to ask if there is any wiggle room on pricing?

I don't want to offend any vendors! Just wanted to know if this is a thing or not Smiley smile

8 replies

Latest activity by Aiden, 5 December, 2024 at 13:57
  • N
    Beginner November 2025 Somerset
    Niamh ·
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    Personally, I didn’t negotiate with any of my suppliers because they’re priced that way for a reason. However, when it came to photographer because like you we had the same issue of it being a little bit too expensive we asked if they were willing to do reduced hours so we’re not gonna have any morning photos he’s literally arriving at 12:30 and leaving straight after the speeches and those reduced hours made it a lot cheaper, not or photog for the willing to do that but it might be way of getting the photographer you want for the main most important pictures without it cost in the earth.
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  • R
    VIP July 2020 Monmouthshire
    RomanticGreenStationery27135 ·
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    If the price a vendor is quoting is too high for you, it might be worth 'negotiating' in terms of asking what can be tweaked to bring down the price. E.g. I know someone who is a florist, and she can't reduce the price of set floral displays because of the cost involved, but she can advise on how to get a similar effect for a lower price - for example, by reducing the number of flowers and upping the foliage or by picking a similar colour/shape of flower that is cheaper to buy than the flower you specified.

    With photographers though, most have a set rate and only provide half-day cover for midweek or out-of-season weddings. If your day isn't fixed yet, it might be worth asking your preferred photographer if this is something he offers, and if so, at what times. But otherwise, I think you either have to fork out the extra or look elsewhere.

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  • PhotographybyBillHaddon
    Super January 3000 Leicestershire
    PhotographybyBillHaddon ·
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    I have a few set prices but then can offer anything and everything inbetween as not all weddings will fit so my advertised prices are guides and starting points really.

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  • R
    VIP July 2020 Monmouthshire
    RomanticGreenStationery27135 ·
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    That's really good to hear! The majority of photographers we contacted only did a set full day's coverage regardless of when the wedding was - we found two that would do half days midweek but who insisted that had to cover bridal prep which we didn't want! Only one photographer was flexible enough to do ceremony + group shots without insisting on wedding prep too. Hopefully, more people will start providing this kind of service in future. (I didn't so much mind the fixed prices, it was the patronising attitude of 'you must have bridal preparation photos because you'll regret it if you don't have them' that annoyed me!)

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  • M
    Beginner August 2025 Wrexham
    Michelle ·
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    Hello!

    Negotiating with vendors is quite common, especially for services like flowers, make-up, and photography. It's completely acceptable to ask if there's any flexibility in pricing. Most vendors understand budget constraints and might have some wiggle room or alternative packages that fit your budget. You can express your interest in their work, explain your budget constraints, and ask if there's any possibility for negotiation. For instance, you might say, "We love your photography style and would love to work with you. However, our budget is a bit tight. Is there any flexibility in the pricing, or do you have any alternative packages that might be more affordable for us?" Most vendors appreciate honesty and are usually willing to work with you to find a solution. Good luck with your planning!

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  • PhotographybyBillHaddon
    Super January 3000 Leicestershire
    PhotographybyBillHaddon ·
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    It could be that they are willing to travel 3 hours for a wedding BUT that means they do not want to do that for a short ceremony to wedding breakfast wedding so they insist on an all day coverage.

    What I have seen is that a shooter books the shorter wedding but then gets a full day inquiry for the same date and so will cancel the shorter one.

    I am willing to shoot any combo that the couple want any time of year and I only shoot local to Leicestershire so I do not travel and have the risk of getting stuck n the motorway. Why couples book a photographer 3 hours away is madness in my eyes.

    Consider this-- they had a wedding yesterday and they have a 2-3 hour drive home then they should doing all the best practice backing up images ECT then they have another 2 hour drive to your wedding after not enough sleep.


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  • R
    VIP July 2020 Monmouthshire
    RomanticGreenStationery27135 ·
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    The people we looked at were all local - in fact, the one we eventually booked, who offered the flexible package, was furthest away, and even he only had to travel about 40 minutes. I guess it might depend on area and on the number of people wanting a full package - perhaps if 99% of weddings in your area want a full day's photography, you know you won't lose business by turning down a half day midweek. Just makes it tough for those of us who are having short, simple weddings though Smiley laugh

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  • Read
    Beginner May 2024 Pakistan
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    Great question, Allison! Negotiating with vendors is definitely something that happens, but it can vary depending on the vendor and the service. I’ve found that many vendors are open to discussions, especially if you're working with a budget or if you're booking multiple services. It never hurts to ask if there's flexibility in pricing or if they can offer any discounts or alternatives. Just approach the conversation politely and be respectful of their work and pricing. I think most vendors would appreciate your transparency and may even offer something that works better for you. Good luck with the negotiations!

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