How NOT To Get Screwed By Wedding Vendors

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In my last blog post, I talked about what to do if you get screwed by a wedding vendor.  But how can you avoid getting screwed in the first place?

QUICK NOTE: My book, The $10,000 Dream Wedding, reveals the essentials you need to know, the scams to look out for, and the common mistakes to avoid.  But here are some simple steps you can take to avoid getting screwed…

If you take the time to do your research beforehand, you’ll be able to avoid the courts later on.  You won’t have to worry about getting ripped off.

On the other hand, if you don’t do your homework before hiring you can get taken advantage of and then not have a leg to stand on in court.

Two Ways To Avoid Getting Screwed

1)  Hire Reliable Wedding Professionals With An Impeccable Reputation

• Ask for recommendations of family and friends who actually used their services personally.  Word of mouth recommendations are great…but only from people who actually hired the vendor.  “Friend of a friend” referrals are not nearly as reliable.
• Check the Better Business Bureau for complaints against the vendor.  Make sure your potential vendor has no complaints against them.
• Ask your local Chamber of Commerce for referrals.
• Ask potential wedding professionals for references and then CHECK THEM.  Keep in mind that they are only likely to refer positive references.  However, if you ask good questions you can often “read between the lines” and find out what they were like to deal with.

2)  Put Everything In Your Contract.

• Get everything in writing.  Spell out IN DETAIL the products and services you want.  If you want the DJ to play specific songs, list them in the contract or in an addendum.  If you want the photographer to take certain specific photos, write them in.
• Make sure your contract includes a “penalty” if the vendor violates the terms of your agreement.  For instance, you should get a 100% refund, including your deposit, if they cancel.  If a DJ doesn’t play every “Must Play” song or a photographer doesn’t take every “Must Take” photo, you should get at least a partial refund.  This provides a financial incentive for them to keep their word.
• Some vendors will resist this.  After all, they’ve written the contract to protect themselves…not you.  Simply tell them, “I’m very detail oriented.  I’d like to trust your word, but I feel much more comfortable getting everything in writing so that there is no misunderstanding.”
• If a vendor refuses to make the additions to the contract that you request…DON’T HIRE THEM.  You’re only asking that they provide a written guarantee of their verbal promise.  If they plan on fulfilling their agreement, why should they have a problem with making it official?

Money Back Guarantees

Some wedding vendors offer a Money Back Guarantee.  This is a smart way to reduce your risk.  The terms may refund all or part of the fee if they don’t fulfill their agreement.

You might also ask a potential wedding vendor if she would be willing to offer such a guarantee.  This way if the vendor doesn’t keep her part of the agreement, you’re protected.

You’re paying a lot of money for your wedding.  It’s up to YOU to protect yourself and make the most of every penny you’ve got. Follow these guidelines and check out my book for more details.

Got a question about protecting yourself when hiring wedding vendors?  Leave me a comment.