Planning a wedding can be one of the most exciting (and stressful) times of your life. They are expensive and there is an extensive amount of long term planning. You have to think about the location, the wedding dress, the bachelorette party, the bridesmaid dresses, the cake, the photographer and so on and so on.
So, what happens if your photographer suddenly isn’t responding to your texts and takes off with your deposit? Or the bakery making your cake goes out of business?
Check out these 7 tips to protect yourself and make sure your big day is fun-filled and worry free:
Plan ahead
Try to start your arrangements early so there’s more flexibility in planning.
Find reputable businesses
Do your research and ask friends and family for recommendations. Make sure you get at least three references. Beware of deals that are too good to be true and check their standing with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Read the contracts front to back
Make sure all the dates are included in the contract and find out what the cancellation and refund policies are (including returns on deposits). Make sure that the terms are completely spelled out in the written contract and that you know exactly what will happen if the contract is cancelled for some reason.
Avoid paying cash
That way if there are any shenanigans you can ask your credit card provider for a chargeback. Also, avoid paying in full before the contracted goods or services are provided to you.
Check in periodically
It may be a good idea to mark some days in your calendar to check in with each vendor to make sure things are moving along at the scheduled times.
Leave extra time
Give yourself some leeway and anticipate that there may be delays.
Get everything in writing
This is a good practice for any contract. It’s important to have serious discussions regarding contracts, dates, and cost in writing for your own record. You may need to refer back to it later if you run into problems.
Once you start planning, make sure you equip yourself with enough information to make informed decisions as the process moves along. That way you can focus your attention on the fun stuff and not worry about the legalities because you’ve already covered your bases. If an unforeseen problem arises, you can file a complaint with your local BBB.
ADDITIONAL READINGS:
Contract tips if you are booking a party
Buying flowers online? Read these tips first.
Contract deposits: are there limits?
Using your credit card for online shopping? Get these tips!
Your options as a consumer when a business closes
Hi
I am planning small wedding. Can you give me the latest as yo numbers? I see conflicting info online. We are going to be on a dock with the officiant.We have 20 people including officiant, in hopes by July that will be allowed.Our dinner is set up for 6 at a table and wondering if we will be able to do that. We have a back up plan in the event the allowable amount is still at 10.
thank you
B
Hi Beverley, thank you for contacting us! The place to go and get correct information would be the website of BCCDC (BC Centre for Disease Control). Here is the link to the page that mentions weddings. The tricky part is that this information is as of today and it could change. As of March 8, 2021, here is what it says “You can have a maximum of 10 people attend, including the officiant. There should be no receptions of any kind inside or outside in any venue including homes or community-based venues.” Keep checking the same website for any updates!
Hello,
A venue asked for a $100 deposit to hold a date. I regrettably sent an etransfer. After 7 weeks I had not received a contract or a price for the event so I asked for my deposit back – 3 months before said date. They are saying it is not refundable even though they did not disclose this in any email or conversation. What can I do to get my money back?
Thanks in advance.
Hello and thank you for reaching out to us. Sorry to hear about your situation and an e-transfer deposit is definitely a bit tricky to navigate as you cannot request a charge-back like a credit card. Having said that, if you never received a contract you may be able to still ask for your money back. We have a lot of information on future performance contracts on this page of our website so please have a read. You can use the form we have on the page and send it to your wedding venue. if you don’t hear back from them within 15 business days, please contact our office to submit a formal complaint.