Stop Paying for Tire-Kicker Leads
WedStay delivers quality over quantity. Join our curated network of elite vendors serving couples with $40k+ budgets, not marketplace spam.
The True Cost of Wedding Vendor Advertising
The Knot charges for visibility. WedStay charges for results. Calculate the difference for your business below.
Your Business Numbers
Average vendors spend $200-$500/month
Industry average is 3-8%
Your typical service fee per wedding
Qualified leads you expect per month
Your Estimated Savings
$2,400 per year
That is 67% lower advertising cost with higher quality leads
Additional profit potential: $2,400
The Knot Model
Ad SpendWedStay Model
Direct Bookings* This calculator is provided for demonstration and informational purposes only. Results are based on industry averages and hypothetical scenarios. Actual results may vary significantly based on individual business factors, market conditions, vendor category, service quality, geographic location, and marketing efforts. WedStay makes no representations, warranties, or guarantees regarding the accuracy of these calculations or that any vendor will achieve specific results. Past performance and projected figures do not guarantee future outcomes. This tool should not be construed as financial, business, or professional advice. Consult with qualified professionals regarding your specific business circumstances.
Stop competing for visibility. Start converting qualified estate wedding clients.
Apply to Join WedStay NetworkWedStay vs The Knot: Real Cost Comparison
The Knot charges vendors $200-600/month plus $15-85 per lead. WedStay charges $100/month flat with zero pay-per-lead fees. Here is the full breakdown.
| Feature | WedStay | The Knot |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Platform Fee | $100/month or $1,000/year | $200-600/month (varies by market) |
| Pay-Per-Lead Fees | $0 - Zero pay-per-lead | $15-85 per lead inquiry |
| Lead Quality | Curated - 15% acceptance rate | Open marketplace - spam common |
| Average Wedding Budget | $40,000+ | $15,000-30,000 |
| Vendor Count | Curated elite specialists | 200,000+ vendors (heavy competition) |
| Vendor Vetting | Rigorous - 15% acceptance | Open to all who pay |
| Direct Couple Contact | Yes - full contact info | No - messages filtered through platform |
| Annual Cost Estimate | $1,200-1,500/year flat | $3,000-10,000+/year (varies wildly) |
| Booking Guarantee | No - but quality leads convert | No - pay regardless of booking |
| Hidden Fees | None - transparent pricing | Featured listings, ads, premium placement |
| Venue Type Focus | Estate/mansion/private property specialists | All venue types - generalist |
| Contract Length | Monthly or annual (save 17%) | 12-month minimum typical |
WedStay Annual Cost
Or $1,000/year with annual payment (save 17%)
The Knot Annual Cost
Costs vary by market and lead volume - can exceed $10,000/year
The Hidden Cost of Low-Quality Leads
The Knot vendors report responding to 100+ inquiries to book 1-2 weddings. At $35 average per lead, that is $3,500+ in lead costs per booking. WedStay vendors report responding to 20-30 inquiries to book 1 wedding - with zero pay-per-lead fees.
Your time has value. Would you rather respond to 100 tire-kickers or 20 serious couples with $40k+ budgets? WedStay curates quality over quantity. Our 15% vendor acceptance rate means you compete with elite specialists, not 200,000 generalists.
Join our curated network of elite vendors who chose quality leads over marketplace spam. Apply in 5 minutes.
Apply to WedStay NetworkWork With Couples Who Value Quality
WedStay couples have $40k+ budgets and book vendors they trust. See the caliber of weddings in our network.
Why Elite Vendors Choose WedStay
We built WedStay for vendors tired of marketplace spam and pay-per-lead fees. Here is what makes us different.
Quality Leads, Not Spam
Every couple on WedStay books an estate/mansion venue with $40k+ budgets. You will not waste time responding to inquiries from couples at $5k country clubs or backyard weddings. Our venues require professional vendors - these couples need you, not the other way around.
Zero Pay-Per-Lead Fees
Pay $100/month flat, period. No $15-85 charges per inquiry. No surprise bills when you get 50 leads in peak season. Budget your costs like a business, not a casino. The Knot averages $35/lead - that adds up to $3,500 for 100 inquiries that may book 1-2 weddings.
Direct Bookings Only
Couples contact you directly with full contact info - phone, email, wedding details. No platform middleman filtering messages. No waiting 24 hours for The Knot to forward inquiries. Your inbox, your leads, your business. We connect serious couples with serious vendors.
Curated Network, Not Marketplace
You compete with elite vetted specialists, not 200,000 generalists. Our 15% acceptance rate means couples see quality over quantity. The Knot shows couples 50+ photographers in every market. WedStay shows 3-5 estate specialists. Less competition, higher conversion.
Transparent Pricing Model
Monthly or annual membership. No hidden fees. No forced ad spend. No premium placement upsells. No algorithm games where you pay more to be seen. Your profile displays equally to all couples. Fair, simple, predictable. Lock in annual rate at $1,000/year (save 17%).
Estate Wedding Specialization
Every inquiry comes from couples booking private properties that need full-service vendors. No venue kitchens, no in-house coordinators, no power hookups. These weddings require your expertise. The Knot mixes venue types - you waste time explaining why you cannot work their country club wedding.
I was paying The Knot $450/month plus $25-40 per lead. Got 200+ inquiries in 2024 and booked 4 weddings. Switched to WedStay in March - paid $100/month, got 35 inquiries, booked 3 weddings. Same revenue, 90% less cost, zero tire-kickers.
Real vendor feedback. WedStay vendors report 3-5x better lead quality with 75-90% lower costs compared to The Knot marketplace model.
Apply to Join NetworkVendor Questions Answered
Every question vendors ask when comparing WedStay to The Knot. Real answers about costs, leads, and ROI.
Ready to Join Our Elite Vendor Network?
Application takes 5 minutes. Portfolio review within 2-3 business days. Start receiving quality estate wedding leads within a week.
Apply Now - $100/Month Flat