While it can take a bit of footwork, comparing vendor pricing is a powerful tool you can use to avoid spending unnecessary money and it will allow you to speak to your vendors at “eye level” about pricing. A number of vendors will offer a loose idea of their pricing on their website, which makes comparisons easy. Others will require you sending an inquiry to learn about pricing. In both cases, you want to gather a full-scope understanding of what they offer in their pricing to be sure you’re comparing apples to apples and staying within your budget.
While these items aren’t set in stone, here are a few offerings you would typically find in each of the following vendors…
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Photographer:
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2 or more photographers working to catch every angle and have back-up photos
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8 hours of wedding-day service
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Complimentary engagement shoot with purchase of wedding package
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Print release
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Option of seeing a few full portfolios prior to booking
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Deposit to hold date and remaining balance to be paid a few weeks before the wedding
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A fair cancellation or date change clause
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A clause covering what happens in case of “Acts of God” such as pandemics, fires, etc.
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Caterer:
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Staff to manage food and bus tables lightly throughout evening and clean up all catering-related elements after the event
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Option to rent linens and upgraded dinnerware
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Complimentary menu tasting for 2-6 guests
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All items needed for food stations, including linens, serving equipment, disposable dinnerware, and food labels
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Basic beverages such as water, lemonade, or tea
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Bartender service (for a fee)
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Cake cutting service (for a fee)
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Deposit to hold date and remaining balance to be paid a few weeks before the wedding
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A fair cancellation or date change clause
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A clause covering what happens in case of “Acts of God” such as pandemics, fires, etc.
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DJ:
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All necessary AV equipment, apart from electricity
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Lighting for DJ space and dancing
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No restrictions on number of announcements made
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Ceremony music for small added fee
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Meeting or call weeks before event to finalize reception plans
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Deposit to hold date and remaining balance to be paid a few weeks before the wedding
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A fair cancellation or date change clause
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A clause covering what happens in case of “Acts of God” such as pandemics, fires, etc.
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Venue:
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Tables and chairs sufficient for venue space
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Some basic polyester tablecloths for all tables
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Restrooms
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Temperature controlled environment
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ADA accessibility
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On-site parking
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Space for rain plan
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Deposit to hold date and remaining balance to be paid a few weeks before the wedding
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Food and beverage minimum spend if venue requires their catering
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A fair cancellation or date change clause
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A clause covering what happens in case of “Acts of God” such as pandemics, fires, etc.
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Florist:
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Photos of past work
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Ballpark estimates of item costs
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Option to purchase items a la carte
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Guidance with seasonal flowers for best price
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Deposit to hold date and remaining balance to be paid a few weeks before the wedding
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A fair cancellation or date change clause
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A clause covering what happens in case of “Acts of God” such as pandemics, fires, etc.
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And of course…
If your busy schedule doesn’t allow for this, we can help!
Photo by Shining Light Photography
