They served Champagne and Strawberries. Guests were there to toast their good fortune. I think 2nd mariages are more realistic and couples are very well aware of their resouces.

It was very elegant and sophisticated just as the couple was. They also married at city hall.

and ingenuity. If you are smart enough to educate yourself about wedding and etiquette and you are committed to the time and attention that it takes…You can have a truly elegant wedding!

The budget is a guide of what the bride thinks she will spend.

Diane,

The line, above, is key. I think it’s important for a vendor to ask brides for a budget range for the vendor’s category of service. Couples tend to have a variety of responses. Under $xxx or I don’t have a budget are the common responses. Seldom does one hear a good range.

In actuality, brides may be fearful that a vendor will already target the top of their range.

When hearing an unreasonably low dollar-number or range, a vendor is usually well-served by asking: How did you arrive at that number? It’s helpful to know whether they did research, they are repeating what her older sister paid for the same service five years ago, or that’s all the money she has left.

Ultimately, the approach you suggest is a sound one. As the bride acquires good information, her decisions become better, and sometimes the budget guidelines change (stretch or contract).

Thanks for your contribution,

Andy

Every bride has in mind services that are most important to her and she will spend more for that service then another. It then comes down to connecting to the right bride for your service and price point.

If you can practice flexibility and educate the bride as to why your services are of more value to her than your competitor she will appreciate your time, perhaps select you to be her vendor and you have left a good impression with her whether she hires you or not.

Referrals come from a variety of sources, always take the opportunity to leave a good impression.

Diane

Thanks for your comments. Just a modest come back from me.

You should note my use of the word ‘probably.’ That’s my hedge . The subtext is that a couple with less than $5000 must appreciate the limits of their resources, as it relates to a throwing a glorious reception. You’re absolutely correct. Getting married, itself, is not the expensive part.

Having gone through the process of being a groom, I, too, had to deal with ‘what is customary in the wedding industry.’ I quickly reached the belief that the most important element is that the bride and groom are in accord with what they want to do, and are good hosts in the process. After that, ‘must-do’s or must haves’ are academic.

Keep on commenting!

Andy