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Want to get the most out of your meetings with vendors? We've got all the know-how you'll need.

There are plenty of wedding vendors out there, but not just anyone will do. You need to find the right pro and negotiate for the best price so you can be sure that, when the big day comes, you'll get exactly what you want. These tips will help.

Set Your Budget and Style

Avoid Rip-Offs Don’t fall for tricky tactics, says Kronzon. Here’s how to get savvy. Putting On the Pressure: Avendor may try to rush you into putting down a deposit by offering a “today only” deal, or telling you they’re about to book up. Calmly explain that you need time to think it over. Don’t make payments for anything unless you’re sure you want it. Making Nice: Some sales people may act friendly just to make a sale. “Don’t buy a dress you’re not completely in love with simply because the salesperson paid you a compliment,” says Kronzon. Shop around for a gown you know you love and that fits your budget. Tacking On Charges: A vendor may unexpectedly add a little extra to the price you’ve agreed upon and explain that it’s for taking group photos at the tables, for example. “Be nice but firm,” says Kronzon. “Say you’d like to avoid paying the fee and ask to have it waived.” You can bring up the fact that you can get a better rate elsewhere, if that’s the case. Or say you’ll pay for the additional shots, but you’d like some extra prints as well.

Before you meet with a vendor, be sure that you've determined your total budget. (Go to bridalguide.com for an idea of the percentage you should allot to each aspect of the wedding.) Then, prioritize with your fiancé—if you're foodies, for example, you might spend more on dinner and cut back on flowers.

Next, you and your groom should discuss the style you envision. Will it be simple, minimalist floral arrangements or a lavish display? A sit-down dinner or chef-manned food stations? "Even if you don't have a specific vision in mind, you should know your likes and dislikes," says Harmony Walton, owner of The Bridal Bar, in Los Angeles, which maintains a list of experienced wedding vendors. "This is your event, and you want to make sure the vendor can carry out the job the way you want it done."

Comparison-Shop

For some vendors, especially photographers, you can call ahead to find out the fee for a package of services. For others (like florists) you'll need to meet with the pro and get a price quote for the services you decide upon. Either way, visit several vendors for each service to get an idea of their work and prices. Always check a vendor's reputation with the Better Business Bureau, and request the pro's references (and be sure to call them!).

"Comparison-shopping is critical," says Shirit Kronzon, Ph.D., coauthor of The Bargaining Bride (New Page Books, 2006). "That's how you'll know what other vendors charge for the same services. If you can say, ‘This price surprises me because so-and-so offers the same package for less,' your vendor may give a little on the price—or add something extra, like another hour of photography."

Be sure to stick to your original plan. "There's a vendor that is a perfect match for every couple," says Walton. If you can't get what you want from a vendor in your price range, or if the person seems difficult to work with, keep shopping around.

Cover the Details

Once you decide to hire a vendor, discuss all the details of the services he or she will provide, and be sure you fully understand them. If you're purchasing a package, find out how many hours are covered, and whether there are any inclusions you haven't discussed, like free champagne in the limousine. Always ask about any extra fees before you put anything in writing—some caterers may add corkage or cake-cutting fees, for example.

When you're ready to sign on the dotted line, check that all the specifics are included on the contract—in as much detail as possible. The contract must include the date, time of delivery or arrival, number of hours of service and a description of the goods you're paying for. Also, be sure anything you don't want—say, carnations—is on there, too. That way, you'll know what to expect on the big day.