Protecting Your Wedding Investment

For most couples, the wedding day will be one of the most expensive days of your life!  You MUST protect your money...your investment...when hiring vendors.  Of course using a wedding planner and their resources will always make the vendor search easier as they have done the hard research. But should you chose to go it alone, below are a few tips to make sure you don't fall for illegitimate businesses:

• Don't pay hefty deposits/retainers to secure services from vendors...basically all up front.  Legitimate businesses will seek a 10-50% up front to secure their services and usually the remaining balance will be broken into payments with the final due a week or two before the wedding. 

• Get references before hiring.  Ask family and friends that have worked with the vendor about their experiences.  Also...read reviews, not just testimonials. 

• Read the FINE PRINT!  I'm not a fan of fine print and don't have it as apart of my planning contract.  But some vendors do and you must review with a critical eye.  If it doesn't make sense...ask questions before signing on the dotted line.

• Know and UNDERSTAND the refund, cancellation and postponement policies before signing.

• If a vendor asks you for a deposit/retainer without you signing a contract...AVOID THAT BUSINESS!  Professionals will always have you sign a contract before exchanging money.

• Pay by credit card.  This is the easiest way to dispute a transaction if needed.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo captured by Olujr Photography)