UK bridal magazines could do their readers a big favour by educating them about this, but for obvious reasons they’re not going to do that, so prompted by a conversation I had at yesterday’s wedding …
Q. What does it actually mean if a florist, car firm, photographer, DJ or whatever is on a venue’s list of “Recommended Suppliers”?
A. It should mean that they can be relied upon to always provide a first class service which will enhance the experience provided by the venue, but it can simply mean that in return for being recommended by it, your supplier pays the venue (or somebody working for it) a percentage of what you pay them.
Q. How do you tell which?
A. I don’t know. Trust your instincts?
Q. What’s the difference between a Recommended Supplier and a Preferred Supplier?
A. Most of the time there isn’t one because the terms aren’t used properly. To my way of thinking, if a venue is taking a percentage from the supplier, they should use the term Preferred Supplier.
Q. What sort of percentage are we talking about?
A. Usually 10%, sometimes 15% of what you pay the supplier.
Q. Why does this situation exist?
A. Because many suppliers are willing to pay commission to a venue in order to work at it, or indeed just to get the bookings.
Q. What happens if you don’t want to use any of the venue’s favourites?
A. Most of the time, nothing. However, there are a few places which will try to surcharge couples who don’t want to use the people on their list, so as not to lose out on the extra income. Unfortunately this isn’t made clear before couples book the venue …
by Dan
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