Wedding Budget: How to Negotiate With Wedding Vendors While steep discounts are unrealistic, there's a good chance of getting a few extras thrown in. (Think an additional hour for your reception, or a champagne upgrade.) You just have to negotiate right. Here's how Even if you're working with the hottest vendor in town, there's always room to negotiate, especially if there's a good reason to reduce costs -- like having the wedding on a less-popular Friday night. Here are some more crucial pointers. Know the market Find out what other vendors offer for the same price point, and use this as leverage. Ask about every single thing that's included in your package. Then find out in advance what extras are going to cost -- and whether those costs can be waived. Stick to your limit A vendor may be willing to cut you a deal as long as you agree to something additional -- for example, he might consent to give you an extra hour of shooting, but only if you have him take your engagement photos. What you need to ask yourself is whether this will actually cost you more in the end. Adopt a friendly but firm demeanor There's no harm in politely asking for a deal. If vendors are excited to work with you, they may be more willing to come up with creative solutions. Be indifferent You need the vendor to believe that if he or she won't meet your offer you will walk away. Consider collaborating with your fiance to employ the old good -cop-bad-cop routine. Practice makes perfect Try your hand negotiating at a flea market to see what talking style works for you.

While steep discounts are unrealistic, there's a good 

chance of getting a few extras thrown in. (Think an 

additional hour for your reception, or a champagne 

upgrade.) You just have to negotiate right. Here's how

Even if you're working with the hottest vendor in 

town, there's always room to negotiate, especially if 

there's a good reason to reduce costs -- like having 

the wedding on a less-popular Friday night. Here are 

some more crucial pointers.

Know the market

Find out what other vendors offer for the same price 

point, and use this as leverage. Ask about every 

single thing that's included in your package. Then 

find out in advance what extras are going to cost -- 

and whether those costs can be waived.

Stick to your limit

A vendor may be willing to cut you a deal as long as 

you agree to something additional -- for example, he 

might consent to give you an extra hour of shooting, 

but only if you have him take your engagement photos. 

What you need to ask yourself is whether this will 

actually cost you more in the end.

Adopt a friendly but firm demeanor

There's no harm in politely asking for a deal. If 

vendors are excited to work with you, they may be more 

willing to come up with creative solutions.

Be indifferent

You need the vendor to believe that if he or she won't 

meet your offer you will walk away. Consider 

collaborating with your fiance to employ the old good

-cop-bad-cop routine.

Practice makes perfect

Try your hand negotiating at a flea market to see what 

talking style works for you.