The Wedding Industry is estimated anywhere between $50 and $70 billion a year in the United States. With so many people contributing so much money into it, problems often arise. To avoid enduring such troubles, always purchase and invest with caution.
Establish a budget. You cannot move forward without knowing how much money you have to spend. Choose the season, size and style you desire, and make sure your choices match your budget. Begin planning as far in advance as you can.
Research — read materials, like periodicals and books, which offer wedding advice. Ask friends, family, co-workers, etc about companies and individuals you are considering working or doing business with. Such companies include florists, photographers, limousine services, wedding planners, DJs, and reception halls. Check out these companies with the BBB before you do business with them. Visit www.bosbbb.org or call The Better Business Bureau for Reliability Reports on companies. You can learn facts about a business and find out if they have received any consumer complaints in the past 36 months. If they have, you will be able to see how the company has dealt with the complaints.
An unsatisfactory or satisfactory rating from the BBB may help you make a decision on whether or not to do business with that particular company.
When choosing any kind of service, request a sample. You may be able to view portfolios, taste foods, or, if it is a band or DJ, attend a performance. This may help narrow down your options, or even be the decision making factor.
When you make final, careful decisions, get the contract in writing. Make sure the contract has very specific language and always read the fine print. If you are not comfortable with something in the contract, like a policy about cancellations and changes, be clear and voice your opinions to the business. The things that may have made you uncomfortable about the contract may surface later as a problem.
For most items and services you will have to put down a deposit. The form of payment you use may affect what happens if the services are not rendered to your satisfaction. You have several options, such as credit card, check or third party escrow. Paying in cash is the least safe form of payment. If you do pay with cash, get a typed and signed invoice that states this for your protection.
Be aware of what could happen if you have a dispute with the service provider. What if, for instance, the florist orders flowers and half of them arrive dead? The contract should state what happens in this situation. Are you able to get your deposit back? It is your responsibility to read through the contract and also to plan for emergencies. If you signed a contract stating dead flowers are not a reason to return the deposit, settling the dispute may be difficult.
Keep every receipt, contract and document throughout the planning process. Have a folder or filing system. Insure items if possible and get all terms and conditions in writing. Save or even print important emails. Protect yourself.
For some extra sanity, have a planning meeting with everyone who is helping you put the big day together, such as relatives and members of the bridal party. Clearly explain what you need from each person, and also state what you don’t need.
If you outline your expectations you will ultimately have a better chance at getting the desired results. Keep friends and family in order much like the businesses you work with.
The better you plan, the easier and more enjoyable your planning should be. Remember to enjoy every step of the wedding, including the time before it.
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