Matrimony Monday 2023 - Protecting Your Wedding Investment

For most couples, the wedding day will be one of the most expensive days of your life together!  You MUST protect your money...your investment...when hiring vendors.  Of course, using a wedding planner and their resources will always make the search easier as they have vetted the vendors, but should you choose 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.  Legitimate businesses will seek a 10-50% upfront to secure their services and typically, the remaining balance will be broken into payments with the final due 30-days to two before the wedding.

• Get references before hiring.  Ask your planner, 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 a part of my planning contract.  But some vendors do and you must review it 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!