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