Help me to bargain please!

Artytarty

Hi, I am doing a lot of the organising (and Paying) for my daughter and son in law to hes wedding .
We have the venue but need caterers and florists.
My dilemma is, do I say we want three courses, plus canapes, how much per head please? And they try to somehow bring that down or
Do I say we want three courses, they say X pounds per head, and I say ok if you throw In canap!s?
The same for the florist, tell all that we want or say less and then ask for the extra? I really haven't a clue about this and will I doudtedly bungle it up!
We are able to provide our own drinks at the venue. Well, table wine and a toast, then there will be a pay as you go bar.
Many thanks,
Confuddled mother

DomRavioli

I don't quite understand what you're asking.

If you mean can you get canapes thrown in for the same price everyone else pays, you really aren't going to get that. You may get a teeny bit of money off if you are having a massive wedding (300+ guests) but weddings ARE expensive. They won't "throw in the canapes" for free.

Just tell them what you want and what your budget is and they will try and get you something to your costs. If you want canapes, tell them you want them (although most of them are vile recooked crap that people only eat because they are so very hungry).

Same with the florist. Get quotes, tell them your budget and what you want. They will usually come up with a solution by using a cheaper flower.

cashewnut

You need to shop around, ie, visit three florists and go with the one who quotes you the most bang for your buck.

Artytarty

Thank you both.Cashewnut, your advice sounds very sensible and obviou! Thanks. I guess I was asking for negotiating techniques but perhaps I don't need them.,just got to do my homework.

cashewnut

Your approach sounds sensible! Definitely be careful who you haggle with. If a florist gives you a quote and you then ask for a discount they may get offended. With our florist, we opted for the one who gave us the best quote, as well as the most beautiful flowers in her shop. We aren't having loads of florist flowers though, just the bridal party, then my OH's sister is going to a wholesaler to do our table decs (she's done a flower arranging course)

browneyedbazzi

I think shopping around is definitely the best advice - prices for catering particularly seem to vary quite a lot so shopping around can save a lot. I also think many caterers will try to come up with menus that they can do for your budget so I'd be honest and say what you want (ie 3 courses, plus canap!s) and the budget and ask what they can do within that budget. Don't forget to check if waiting staff, crockery, glassware etc is included in prices or needs to be paid for on top!

With regards to flowers, where in the country will the wedding be? If you're in the south east, I've got the details of a charity florist - essentially it's a group of volunteers who enjoy flower arranging as a hobby and they do weddings at a lower than commercial rates cost and the 'labour' portion of the cost gets donated to the charity of your choice. I've seen lots of photos of their work and had a recommendation from one of the venues I am considering. They're definitely on my shortlist.

kayl

When arranging for caterers for my daughter's wedding last September, I did get a number of quotes, and when our first choice had quoted for a main course and pudding managed to get them to include in that price serving tea and coffee and cutting and serving the cake