Coordinators ripping us off?

Larisa629 · August 14, 2011

Hi Maui brides,

I just came across something when calling some vendors around Maui and I wanted to get your input. I called some limo companies to get rates and info besides what my coordinator gave me, and one of the limo companies told me that if I didn't go through a coordinator than my rate would be lower. He then informed me that wedding coordinators get a commission cut from the company which requires the company to increase their prices to us brides. Weeks ago by coordinator told me that they do get a commission but I never thought that it would be me paying for it!!! Has anyone else heard of anything like this? I feel like I'm already paying a lot of money for a coordinator and to think that they are getting extra money and charging me more doesn't seem that fair. What do you guys think???

Larisa

mauibound · August 15, 2011

This is my first post and wow I'm so happy someone else noticed this stuff too!!

Yes you are 100% correct. Here what happened with me. A VERY popular highly spoken of coordinator on Maui was inflating the costs of services and rentals. If it wasn't for me actually calling the rental company I would have never known. This coordinator was not one that charged a 20% coordination fee so I thought I was safe....I wasn't.

You may tell your coordinator that you have $10,000 budget and she will spend your $10,000 and get you everything you wanted BUT what she won't tell you is that you could have done the same thing for $7,000. As a bride on a budget this can mean the differnce between no honeymoon and a fantastic one.

I was given some inside scoop on how things run and the best advice from this vendor on Maui was the following.

1. Beware of coordinators that do not tell you who your vendors are.

2. Always ask if they are charging a fee to book a vendor for you

3. Try and make direct contact with your vendors, don't get left in the dark.

I was told that coordinators do come in handy when booking ministers and musicians as they often get highly discounted rates not available to the bride. My hair stylist actually told me he would not book through the coordinator without uping the fee a lot.

Try thinking about hiring a "day-of" coordinator so that you get the best prices from booking directly with vendors, but you have someone that day to make sure things fall into place. You can save tones of money that way.

Hope this helps!!

Larisa629 · August 17, 2011

Wow!!! I wish I knew this 7 months ago when I first hired a coordinator!! Now, I feel stuck and I have already paid almost half of my coordinator fee!!

I thought that something was strange when my coordinator told me not to call the vendors that she had given me and that I had to go through her for all of the booking. It makes sense now! The good thing is is that I did call them and I did receive a quote from the vendors myself so that I could point that out to her if anything came up different. I was actually able to negotiate a package for $250 lower than what my coordinator told me just by calling and telling the vendor my budget. So I think you bring up a really good lesson for all brides out there.

I agree with you that having an on-site coordinator for the day is a good choice and it can save you a ton of money. Especially if you are on a budget and you are willing to make some phone calls!

Another thing that I want to mention is that some vendors will refuse to work with coordinators. For example, the Rabbi that we chose will only talk to the bride and groom. And unfortuantely I did not know this, and my coordinator package included a minister which does not cover the Rabbi's $1000 fee.

So I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who seemed to notice this. Thanks for replying. I will definitely do my homework before booking anything again.

abbyndarren · September 21, 2011

Oh my, I'm so disturbed by your reviews. I can't believe how expensive WC are in Maui. I have been researching on which WC to choose, their so many of them. I'm very aware that certain WC charge 18% on top of their rate, but others have a flat rate. Thank you for your warnings and suggestions. Wish me luck that I find someone honest.

Larisa629 · September 22, 2011

Absolutely!! good luck girl, just do your research and I'm sure everything will be ok

Jessica4LUXE · September 23, 2011

Wow! We are wedding planners here at LUXE and since we charge a service fee, we do not take any commissions from any vendors. Good job on calling the vendors yourself Larisa, though hiring a planner should generally mean that you do not have to do all that work!

I guess everyone should ask a prospective coordinator is their wedding will actually cost them more by going through them!