In today’s often turbulent economy it is  becoming more and more common place for wedding and event vendors to diversify and offer services that not only help to stretch a clients already tight budget, but also ensures that they have more than just one reason for a bride to select their service over a colleague in an ever-increasing saturated competitive market.  Which is why we are seeing a “marriage” of services occurring within the industry.

Photographers are adding videography. DJ’s are adding lighting packages.  Caterers are offering custom cakes and desserts.  And Event Planners (i.e. Wedding Coordinators) are adding event design and floral services.  Makes sense as so much of one area of expertise spills into the other; which of course saves the client time, energy and a few dollars along with way.

The problem with diversification and the “marriage” of like services is that in  an effort to “have it all” bridal clients are assuming services that are not necessarily included and are making it the vendors problem to solve rather than their own.

I’m not saying that the vendor can’t or won’t be flexible.  What I am saying is that unless the clients’ contract explicitly reads “x, y and z” services, the assumption and presumption should not be made that those services are included.

Just because the vendor offers for example Event Planning and Decor Services does not mean that they are all-inclusive and that paying the price tag for one includes the other.  The diversity of services means that the vendor provides both; however the use of both is not required for that vendors’ services to be secured.

Time and time again vendors are being held hostage to the assumptions and desires of their clients because the client “thought” that the service they selected was “all-inclusive”.  I mention this as a cautionary tale to both bride and vendor alike.  Vendors, you must be as succinct as possible even to the extent of “spelling it out” for your client what level and length of service you are providing.  Your contract should state that what you are charging includes x, y and z; or just x and z; or whatever the case may be.  Brides, you too must do your part to ask the thorough questions, get the proper answers and READ your contracts BEFORE you sign them.  Once your signature is on the dotted line all bets are off as far as re-negotiating the vendors price and terms of service.

Personally I LOVE the marriage of services and enjoy being able to provide as much service as possible to my clients.  It allows me more opportunity to spend time with them, bond with them and really blow their socks off come wedding or event day.  I can however do without the confusion and ensuing frustration from time to time.

Readers, what are your thoughts on the matter?

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