We had an interesting discussion at The Wedding Party office today. A planning company called one of our vendors and actually asked her to raise her prices by 20% so that she can get that amount as a commission! Several of our wedding pros have been approached by this company and asked to pay a commission in exchange for a referral, although not always quite so blatantly.
There can be a blurry line between commissions, kick backs and referrals. Our company policy strictly prohibits the acceptance of kick backs or referral fees - we ask that our vendors pass that dollar amount along to our clients as a discount. But what about a little gift thanking someone for a referral? Is there a dollar amount that is too extravagant and the gift should be sent back? It's not always black and white.
The Association of Bridal Consultants (of which we are members, and the above-mentioned company is not) has a Code of Ethics:
Members will...
- Represent each client fairly and honestly, providing all agreed-to services in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
- Establish reasonable, proper fees for services and provide written estimates to each client.
- Use honest factual advertising.
- Deal with employees fairly, in an unbiased manner.
- Operate an establishment that is a credit to the Association and the community.
- Disclose to clients any payment received from suppliers.
My question is whether or not the brides that hire this company know that not only are they paying them, but the vendors are also paying them. And moreover, is the bride getting the best vendors for her wedding, or anyone that will pay a commission?
Many of the most well-respected professionals in North Florida will refuse to pay these commissions and therefore will not get referred by this other company. Would you want to lose out on the best photographer or band in town simply because they will not pay your planner a commission?
I'd really love some feedback below, both from wedding pros and brides-to-be...What are your thoughts?
What bride doesn't want to have great hair for their hairstylist to brag about on their wedding day? Even though you may not be doing your hair on your big day, it's still nice for the stylist to have an easy-to-work with mane that isn't overdried or full of breakage.
There are tons of hair care products that claim to reduce the wear and tear that daily conditions put on your hair. While some of those may actually live up to what they say, you are really in control of the majority of damage that your tresses undergo. You ask, "How is that?" Well, my friend, it all comes down to heat exposure. If you are the kind of gal that takes a hot shower every day, followed by blow drying and straightening and/or rolling, chances are you're hair could stand a break.
As l am from England, of course l have BBC America! I absolutely love this channel and have come across a new television show (well new to BBC America anyway!) called 
