One of the most challenging parts of planning a wedding is budgeting, especially when you are on a budget! As you start to dive into the planning process, and come to realize just how much everything costs, it can become very easy to fall into the mindset of finding the cheapest vendors out there. Now the questions remains: Should you price shop for your wedding vendors? My answer (which will probably surprise you!) is yes and no.
Wait a minute? Your a wedding planner in San Diego, and you are telling me it's okay to price shop?!! Yes I am, but now let me explain myself. I am a strong believer in sticking to a budget, and no matter how big or small your budget is, there are going to be things that you can't live without at your wedding - the non-negotiables - and then there are going to be things that you don't really care about. For example, having amazing photos and an organized wedding may be your two biggest priorities, but you could care less about the cake and the music at the ceremony.
I encourage you to create a list of your few non-negotiables, and your few bottom priorities. Those vendors that you are listing as a top-priority should NEVER be price shopped. Because these are things you really care about, they should be booked first and should be your "splurge" vendors. These vendors should be booked because you LOVE their work, not because they are cheap. If you solely price shop for these type of vendors, I guarantee you are going to be disappointed when it comes to your wedding day.
On the contrary to this, take the things you really don't care much about and find less expensive vendors. This is time when it is okay to price shop. If you are price shopping here, you still need to ensure you are finding reputable vendors. Don't solely book the cheapest one you find. Do your research, find 3 cost effective vendors, meet with them in person, and talk to couples they have worked with. You don't need the best of the best for things that aren't important for you, but you still want to put together a great wedding team.
Now go find your splurge vendors, then go "price shop" for those vendors that aren't a priority to you. What do you think? Do you agree with me?
Cheers,
Ashley
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