The Savvy Shopper
by donna parks with advice from mary greiner, musicians booking agency

Words of wisdom for the bride-to-be on how to shop smartly and economically for her wedding services and purchases is plentiful in every bridal magazine and guide. Southern Bride & Groom would like to add a bit of etiquette advice to enhance your prowess as a savvy shopper and to help you create the best rapport with your service providers.

Mother was right when she reminded you through the years that you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar (this was her advice on how to get a good man!). It worked with Mr. Right, and it definitely reaps volumes in responses to your wedding service inquiries. When telephoning a wedding service business to ascertain date availability, price ranges, package details and make appointments, keep these ideas in mind:

This is a business transaction so stick with the basics and the facts. Be detailed about the date(s) you need the service, your budget for that service, and the pertinent background or special requirements for your event. It is helpful to have your information and questions written out in your bridal notebook and also be ready to record responses from calls in your notebook. (serious inquiries are seldom made and recorded when you are on your cell phone while driving to work).

This a not a social call. Unless the business indicates that they welcome evening hours, make your calls during business hours from about 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and not on Sundays and holidays.
When leaving a message or voice mail, clearly state your name and telephone number (indicate whether you are leaving a daytime work number or home evening number). You may include the best time for a return call, but avoid including the family history in your message!

Be on time and focused for your appointments (unless Rover is your guide dog, he should stay home and guard your home while you are away) and arrive prepared with your pertinent wedding information (i.e. number of guests, dates and times desired for service, and a checkbook for your deposit). Top-quality service providers are in high demand and their available dates are limited. Remember, rush-service requests usually require an additional fee.

You are not booked until the transaction is completed with a signed contract and deposit. Many brides are disappointed when they ask for a date to be held, and then forget to send in their contract agreement and down-payment.

Shopping for your wedding attire, banquet location, flowers, music, invitations, photography, videography, cake, registry and everything will be one of the most pleasurable and exciting times of your life. Most wedding services are small, talented, independent businesses with limited time and manpower, but with a love for their business and an abundance of wedding knowledge! Please don¹t use their time and knowledge by shopping with them with no intention of purchasing with them. If you intend to make your purchases via the internet, mail-order or a discount/outlet company, then do your shopping with those same service providers. It is also impolite to ask wedding service providers for special prices or rates, because most prices are only negotiable when you are giving up a portion of the full-service. It is perfectly fine to inquire whether a business offers special rates for less popular days or seasons or has value packages. Utilizing our shopping tips should make your shopping more time efficient and enjoyable!