Sometimes the MORE is the LESS
It has always been an inconvenient question,
disagreement in our industry if a wedding planner should accept commission from
vendors they recommend.
I personally believe and I made a pledge 12
years ago that accepting commission is unethical and I will never take any.
In case the couple is aware of the commission - they
have been informed by their planner - then
it’s their decision to
go on with those conditions.
I am grateful for having couples who understand the
mechanism behind commissions and appreciate my value, our values – cause fortunately I am not alone.
By employing a commission based business with
vendors we end up living on their work instead of earning the value of our work
by engaging the couples directly.
This way I would never be able to support
fully my couple’s interest.
What if something goes wrong with the catering ( dirty, used dishes, soup got
served cold) and I cannot make a complain at the banquette manager cause I
would loose my commission and the 'relationship'..
Wedding is a one time event. We cannot delete awkward
scenes , pause or play back. Wedding planning is a huge responsibility, we
always have to stand on the bastion as guardians to prevent any inconveniences
and make the event unforgettable and smooth. Yes, sometimes we break contract
with vendors even a few weeks before the wedding if their attitude and quality
doesn’t fit into the couple’s value. Yes, we had arguments with catering provider,
photographer, venue, if they seemed
ignoring the couple’s wish.
Fortunately these examples occur very rare, but wanted to illustrate why we
cannot allow kickbacks.