Pricing Wedding Services - Helpful Tips & Psychology

This is such a big topic in the wedding industry. How do you price your wedding services so that you earn what you deserve AND still remain competitive? What price will a bride be most receptive to? These are just a few of the questions that you have to think about. Here is how I like to break pricing down in order to make smart, strategic decisions while earning the highest profit…
1. First, determine your cost for each service that you provide. It sounds obvious but this is your starting point for determining your price.

2. Determine if your service is unique or rare?
•If it is unique, you can charge a premium. Brides are less sensitive to a higher price if it signals better or distinct quality. The trick here is to make sure that you effectively communicate why and how your service is unique. It is a good idea to collect customer testimonials to help demonstrate your distinguished service.
•If it is NOT unique, you’ll have to do some homework. Find out what your competitors are charging? Brides have access to a ton of information and will likely choose the cheaper option for a wedding service that is not unique. You’ll need to make sure that you are within that competitive range.

3. Provide three price packages. For the most part, people tend to avoid decisions that have extremes in them. For example, offering two prices (one low and one high price) forces a person to pick one way or the other. Instead, most people are more comfortable with three options where they can feel like they have more control over their decision.

4. Copy what the movie theaters are doing. We’ve all been to the movies and have had to decide on a Small, Medium, and Large soft drink. When you see…

Small, 12oz, $1.10
Medium, 16oz, $1.20
Large, 20oz, $1.30

…you are more likely to go for the Large because it is such a better deal over the Small and even the Medium. With this strategy, the movie-goer received 30% more soda and only paid slightly more than if he chose the Small or Medium. The same goes for wedding services. The key here is to 1) ensure that the most expensive package offers an obviously better value and 2) ensure that your package prices are close together. Then, brides will be more inclined to choose your largest package.

5. Show the lowest price first. People anchor their decision based on the first value that they see.

6. Add a sense of urgency. Brides are more inclined to choose services that include words like – limited time only or must book before X/XX.

What other pricing strategies have you used to maximize your revenue?


About This Blog: Christine Dyer has an MBA in marketing and shares over ten years of marketing expertise with the wedding community. In this weekly blog called Supercharge Your Wedding Business, you'll find advice on an array of wedding business topics such as how to market to brides, social networking, wedding PR, wedding sales, vendor networking, branding, pricing and much more. .Please pass this news along to your own professional wedding network. To receive this advice in your email inbox each week, Sign Up for a Free BridalTweet Membership.

Views: 442

Comment by CONTEMPORARY PHOTOGRAPHY on October 28, 2009 at 2:22pm
I have two pricing structures - one low, and one at or near my nearest peer's prices. Good idea about the 'extras' and 'time is of the essence'.
Comment by sharon Yantis on October 28, 2009 at 4:43pm
Fantastic information -- and plan to use your suggestions in getting a jump-start on my floral designs for weddings. Thanks so much for the great article.
Comment by WeddingMediator on October 28, 2009 at 5:22pm
Came across this excellent although highly cautionary post on Twitter from @nancyliuchin on #weddinbee. Very eye-opening for all of us, but especially for those in the floral industry http://su.pr/2bprbO
Comment by Astrid Mueller on October 29, 2009 at 8:44pm
Hi Christine - great post, thanks!

Regarding point 5 - I've heard the opposite before, from a serial entrepreneur (his name escapes me right now). He recommended to state the most expensive first. People may be shocked at this first price. The medium price may be more agreeable (sigh of relief) and the lowest one affordable (win win). This may count more if you have a super expensive service and are a celebrity or so? I wonder...

I like your soda comparison!
Comment by WeddingMediator on October 30, 2009 at 1:50pm
I think this pricing order question actually begs another question: is it better to list prices or not? I like my coaching fee for a couple of reasons. There's nothing worse than decided to look for a resource find one you like then contact them to realize you can't afford it. I'd rather avoid embarrassing my prospects. And, those do call are qualified.
Comment by Ariana Urdu on November 3, 2009 at 12:03pm
I really liked the movie comparison! :) Great newsletter
Comment by Alan Dodson on November 3, 2009 at 10:51pm
Five words about pricing: CHARGE WHAT YOU ARE WORTH!
Comment by Tanya Porter on November 9, 2009 at 11:36am
Great post! When I first started out, I came up with the "Partial Plan", which is now being copied by many other coordinators! Thanks!
Comment by WeddingMediator on November 9, 2009 at 12:26pm
So, Tanya, say more. What's the partial plan all about and why has it been successful for you?(i'm assuming it has been ;)
Comment by Bob Holl Entertainment on November 9, 2009 at 12:45pm
"Add a sense of urgency" That is a point that I sometimes forget. Good article and reminders..
Thank you!

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