Whether you’re a new wedding vendor or a seasoned professional, pricing your wedding services can often be a daunting task. So, if you’re wondering how to price wedding planning services, you’re in the right place. Pros: These wedding vendor pricing tips are for you!

Why read about pricing for wedding vendors?

Brides get a ring slipped onto their finger, and all of a sudden, there’s a big to-do list. They are expected to plan the biggest—and most memorable—event of their entire life. It can be a lot of pressure for a newly engaged girl, but that is where wedding professionals can step in and help out.

Whether you are a new wedding planner or a seasoned florist, here are basic thoughts on how to go about pricing your work. Get ready to learn all about how to charge for wedding planning services.

5 Practical Wedding Vendor Pricing Tips

1. Price your wedding services according to your experience.

I know this may sound like a crazy idea, but with weddings, it takes some time to build a portfolio and reputation. Therefore, start by pricing yourself accordingly. Everyone needs to start somewhere! As a planner or photographer, you may want to collaborate with friends and family to showcase your work. That way, you can demonstrate to future clients what you are capable of.

Also, ensure that the work you display on your site is actually your own, which is what your clients expect to see. If you don’t have images of your events, consider partnering with other wedding professionals to create a styled shoot. This could also lead to referrals if all goes well. In the wedding industry, word-of-mouth is huge, whether it’s from a former bride or other wedding professionals.

As you build your portfolio, be sure to increase your prices. Additionally, be a little more selective about your clientele once you are out of the building your business phase. (Although we are all always building our businesses, aren’t we?).

2. Consider what weddings cost in your specific area.

I live in the lovely city of Lynchburg, VA (although I grew up near Philadelphia, I’d call it more of a town!). Our locale actually attracts brides from other areas due to the budget-friendly nature of our weddings. Therefore, you will want to research local wedding budgets to determine an area-friendly price to charge.

A $30,000 wedding in my area would easily be double the price (or more!) in more metropolitan locations. So, do consider where you are when pricing. You don’t want to price yourself too high or too low. That is, unless you are trying to book a certain number of weddings – more on this next.

3. Charge for your wedding services according to your workflow.

I know of a few wedding vendors who adjust their prices slightly for two reasons. One, they don’t want to do too many weddings, and two, they like to work with a select type of clientele. A photographer who charges $2,000 may take on 30 weddings a year, whereas a photographer who charges $6,000 may do only 10. But both are bringing in $60,000.

Also, play nice with your area vendors. Don’t undercut everyone and then raise your prices dramatically, as we are all in this together. Remember, referrals are essential. Therefore, working together is a must, as a single venue can’t host every wedding every weekend. Referrals are very big in the wedding industry, so using the “golden rule” is very helpful.

4. Stick to your wedding pricing structure.

Before I say this, let me acknowledge that I am aware of several professionals who take on clients in hardship situations. Often, they discount their pricing because they are good people with a heart, which is a great thing. A mother with cancer, a couple getting married quickly because the groom is in the military… do those things! They are suitable for the community, make you feel stellar, and are wonderful all around. I’m not talking about those situations.

You may have a bride who wants you to discount your prices. If you offer a special or discount of 10% or more, that’s fine. However, be sure to stand your ground and not be a pushover. If a bride wants $8,000 worth of catering but only has $4,000, encourage her to explore other food options that are within her budget instead. You are the wedding professional. I know you can offer her great choices that will fit her budget and taste level.

Unfortunately, some vendors have actually gone into the hole over some weddings. Of course, that is not the point of being in business. Take things on a case-by-case basis, but also protect yourself so that you can stay in business.

5. Remember that you are pricing for a wedding.

When it comes down to it—to circle back to the beginning—it IS the biggest, most memorable day in the life of a couple. Be pleasant and clear about your expectations. Have contracts to protect yourself and your couples, and also have a very clear payment plan in place upfront. Weddings are expensive, and your service is just one piece of the puzzle.

Don’t be the vendor who is demanding payment at the reception (unless it was agreed upon beforehand). Discuss pricing, contracts, service levels, and payment terms at the outset so that everyone is on the same page throughout. Help your couples (and their parents!) make this the best experience of their lives – as it should be. And you’ll get those referrals in the end.

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