How to make sure you're paying the right prices for your Italian wedding
Having the best suppliers is priceless - they really will make or break your wedding day; but how much should each supplier cost? Making this decision about the team you hire to bring to life your wedding dream inevitably pulls on your bank balance; but these people also hold your emotions, your satisfaction and your day in their hands. This is an important decision!
Get searching for inspo; source the right information from the start to help you recognise whether your moodboard is realistic.
Directories are a brilliant way to gauge the range of supplier price and what services they offer. Prices will range based on experience, service, what they believe is their worth etc. For example, florists offer different preparation services, so expect their price to reflect this extra work.
LL Tip: Work out what you want from a supplier, gauge the price range and then pitch yourself along the price line based on what you deem to be a priority. What is good value to you personally? For example, if a top photographer is a priority for you then clearly you'll invest more budget here.
Download a budget tracker (ours is pretty great...and available from the La Lista Shop for free) and assign money to the different areas of your wedding, based on your supplier research.
LL Tip: Have a good understanding of what you want; a good understanding of the supplier price range and know where your priorities lie.
Don't be afraid to shop around once you know what budget you have to play with. This will ensure you are getting the best quality supplier for your budget. Negotiation can bring prices down, but don't expect to secure a huge chunk off your quote. You might be able to take advantage of circumstance with a supplier; so if you hear that a supplier is out in Italy on a job the day before your wedding, then perhaps they would consider knocking a little off for you.
La Lista has a community of Italian wedding couples in our Facebook group who constantly question each other about supplier price - what to expect and what they have paid. This group gives you a useful understanding of what you can expect but do tread carefully when comparing, as every supplier has a very different way of delivering service.
From your initial chats with suppliers, be clear on what service you are after and make sure that the information you receive back from them is unambigious. Ask the right questions and confirm the answers before a contract is drawn up.
If this is your first time organising an event of this size you might need to rely on the supplier to guide you through. Trust and a good connection will help you lean on them during this process.
Get that contract signed by both parties to cement the price and service agreement.
The contract will highlight the entire service you are booking with each supplier and the cost. By having it all tied up a year to 18 months ahead of your wedding day will mean that any price rises will not affect you - unless you change the parameters of the service you're requesting.
You are going to be spending a lot of money on your wedding, so spend it wisely and consider all options.
Our final tip - investigate your options, get to know what you want; this is your wedding - you know your budget - you know your vision.
Our private Facebook community is an incredible soundboard for all things Italian wedding - from supplier costs, to getting hold of the best pool inflatables for your post-wedding party! Come on in and join the conversation.
Written by Emily Jennings, marketing person and wedding day-dreamer; lover of a boho vibe and a wedding night filled with a thousand lights.
Categories
PLANNING | REAL WEDDING | BUSINESS | SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT | INSPIRATION |WANDERLUST
