Three wedding supplier quotes sit open on a screen. One asks for twice as much as the other two combined, yet all claim to cover the same job. The differences aren’t always obvious. One photographer’s €2,200 quote for ten hours contrasts with another’s €1,800 for six hours plus €250 for each extra hour. At first glance, the cheaper price seems like a win, until the timeline of the day is factored in. If coverage stretches from morning prep to the first dance, that €1,800 quickly becomes more expensive.
Breaking down what exactly you’re getting for the headline number is essential. Suppliers package their services in wildly different ways, making side-by-side comparisons tricky without digging deeper. What’s included in a “standard” package can vary radically. You need to calculate costs based on your actual needs, not just the starter tier a supplier offers.
Then there are hidden costs. VAT in Ireland is 23% on services, and some quotes show this as “exclusive of VAT” in the fine print, which can add hundreds or even thousands to a four-figure bill. Travel expenses trip up couples frequently. A Dublin-based band playing at a marquee in West Cork might include fuel, tolls, and overnight stays either in the initial fee or as separate charges billed later. The best approach is to ask suppliers directly whether VAT, travel, and accommodation are factored into their quotes or will appear on your final invoice.
The size of the team and equipment also explain price differences. A videographer working alone with two fixed cameras will cost less than a pair of operators covering two houses simultaneously. The same applies to florists and decorators. Some quotes include delivery, on-site styling, and next-day breakdown, while others expect you to collect arrangements yourself. Labour and logistics add up, so clarity before the day helps avoid last-minute chaos.
Insurance and contingency plans are often overlooked but can matter. Venues usually require public liability insurance from external suppliers. Professionals carry this as standard, and their fees reflect the overheads of running a business. More importantly, established suppliers typically have backup plans. If illness strikes on the wedding day, a replacement professional steps in without panicking the couple. Paying slightly more for that peace of mind can be worth it.
Keeping track of all these factors can get overwhelming. Building a simple spreadsheet helps. Columns for each supplier and rows for essentials like total price including VAT, hours of service, travel allowances, extras like second shooters or instrument changes, deposits, and payment milestones clarify the real differences. Seeing numbers side-by-side cuts through marketing gloss and reveals what you’re actually paying for.
Still, price isn’t everything. Choosing a wedding supplier is partly about style, talent, and how well you connect with them. The cheapest option might not bring your vision to life the way you want. The intangible qualities that draw you to a particular photographer or band aren’t listed on a quote but matter just as much when the big day arrives.
So, when those three PDFs are open on your screen again, don’t just eyeball the headline figures. Ask what’s included, check for hidden costs, and understand what resources and backup plans come with the price. Then, line up those numbers in a spreadsheet to spot the real deal. You’ll save yourself surprises and maybe a bit of stress too.
According to Weddings Online.
