| Planning a wedding can be a stressful event. The last | | | | cancellation policy. You want to make sure it includes |
| thing you need is to be ripped-off by an unscrupulous | | | | a provision for a refund of the deposit if you cancel |
| wedding vendor or planner. Here are a few tips to | | | | or change your wedding date by a certain time |
| help avoid this problem.Make Your Wedding | | | | period before your wedding. Of course, reasonably, |
| Arrangements and Bookings As Far In Advance As | | | | you would not get a deposit back if you cancelled |
| PossibleMost facilities, vendors, and planners can be | | | | two days before the wedding. Be sure to also include |
| booked more than a year in advance. If possible, | | | | a written statement on the contract that you will not |
| take advantage of this window of opportunity. | | | | pay for services and will expect a complete refund |
| Should something go wrong, it will provide you with | | | | on any deposits if the company does not deliver |
| more time to make alternate arrangements. Also, be | | | | exactly as specified in the contract. A reputable |
| aware that some vendors will actually charge you | | | | company will respect this clause.Regarding |
| more if you order or book things at the last | | | | Photographers/Videographers and DJ'sWhen booking |
| minute.Shop Around and Deal With Trustworthy | | | | these services with a company, often you may wish |
| PeopleBefore booking anything you should shop | | | | to have a particular photographer/videographer and |
| around and get an idea of current prices for each | | | | DJ for your wedding because you have seen their |
| category of your wedding. Don't just hire the first | | | | work or heard their play style and really like it. Make |
| caterer you meet with. Ask around with family, | | | | sure this is detailed on the contract with the person's |
| friends, co-workers, etc. and get their | | | | name. Again, also include the clause that if that |
| recommendations about services they may have | | | | particular person is substituted, you will not pay for |
| used. If you want to be extra safe in this regard, | | | | the service and will receive a refund on all |
| you could also call your local Better Business Bureau. | | | | deposits.This happened at our wedding with the DJ. |
| They can provide you with any problem information | | | | The one we were told was coming and who knew |
| they may have received regarding a particular | | | | how our ceremony music was laid out did not show |
| company.Get Everything in WritingIt would seem | | | | up, and the substitute DJ that showed had no idea |
| obvious to do this, but a lot of couples tend to go on | | | | how the wedding service was to proceed with the |
| "faith" of what a vendor says, then are shocked with | | | | music. There was a mess up with some songs during |
| the vendor doesn't follow through. Get everything, | | | | the ceremony and we had no recourse, as we didn't |
| down to the smallest detail, in writing and be sure | | | | include that provision in the contract. So be aware of |
| both you and the vendor agree on all points before | | | | this. Don't pay for a last minute substitute (unless |
| signing any contract. Include exact descriptions, such | | | | you were thoroughly happy with their service).Rose |
| as if you are ordering flowers: how may bouquets, | | | | Smith is the owner of Wedding Themes and More, a |
| the exact type and color of the flowers, etc.Be | | | | website designed to help you plan your perfect |
| Aware of The Fine PrintRead any contracts over | | | | theme wedding. |
| very carefully. Pay particular attention to their | | | | |