How to Barter Your Way Down the Aisle

By: Sloane Heller

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - Does your future father-in-law own an auto repair shop? Do you do web design? Does your fiancé repair roofs?

If you are getting married, you might be able to barter your way down the aisle.

There are a couple of ways to approach a trade. You can contact the person directly, price out your service and negotiate a deal. Or you can join a trade network, where instead of doing a direct trade you get a debit card. Depending how much you agree to give, you will get back in trades.

Event Videographer Patrick Lamb has done about a dozen trades over the years. He says there are two things you need to be aware of. First, the IRS still expects you to pay taxes, even on a trade. Second, make sure you accurately value the work you are doing and negotiate a fair trade.

"(With) any type of negotiation you want a win-win. If both parties are happy with the end result, you got an equitable trade. No one wants to feel like they've been taken advantage of," says Patrick.

Patrick says right now he'd probably shoot someone's wedding if they could fix his flat roof that's leaking into his kitchen.
BJ Taylor has been working with an exchange network for years and has also done his fair share of trades for weddings.

Even though he has to pay a commission to work with the network, it's easier.

BJ says trade is being used in the U.S. more and more these days because of the economy. He said bartering services on your wedding day can also make it a more intimate event.

"If you trade with someone one-on-one or through a network you develop a closer bond. You are on the same level as they are," he said.

BJ says there are so many services needed on your big day, you are bound to find something you can barter if you think hard.

Submitted by Terry Brandfass of ITEX-AZ