Please visit BBB’s Wedding Resources page for more information.
Weddings are stressful enough. The last thing anyone wants on their big day is dealing with companies that can’t deliver or potential scammers looking for your money. Better Business Bureau (BBB) can help by providing valuable information on wedding providers, from caterers and florists to musicians and photographers.
BBB receives many complaints each year regarding wedding providers, including wedding supplies and services, cakes, venues, caterers, limousine services, consultants, and photographers and videographers.
Many complaints about wedding services concern the timing of the delivery of the product or service. Complainants told BBB that they had ordered products such as wedding dresses and wedding favors with the expectation that the products would arrive in time for the wedding, but there were delivery delays without an acceptable refund or other right of recourse.
Likewise, most of the complaints related to photographers and videographers concerned the deadlines for receiving the final photos or videos. Consumers said they expected to receive photos or videos within a certain amount of time, but the company delayed sending them without sufficient explanation. Others complained about “no show” limos or DJs. Consumers also reported that it was often difficult to communicate with the company.
After all, BBB often sees multiple wedding vendors closing their stores for their clients without any brief notice. When the company is no longer in business, it can be very difficult for consumers to get their money back despite not receiving any products and services they have purchased.
Some tips on how to avoid wedding problems:
- Find out about companies before you hire them. Before falling in love with a provider, check their availability for your wedding date. Read reviews. Check the company profiles on BBB.org. Ask the company in advance about their plan for delivering the product on time. Do they have guarantees? What is guaranteed Do not pay the entire fee in advance.
- Check how long a company has been in operation. Find out how many people are still using their services to avoid getting paid for a business that may shut down before they can offer their product or service.
- Check the prices. If you heard about a supplier at a bridal fair or other special event, ask after the event if the prices are the same. Be wary of sales tactics that make you commit to a product or service right away.
- Unexpected fees. Some caterers, hotels, or reception locations attempt to charge additional fees for “plate splitting,” “cake cutting,” or “corking fees,” especially if you bring a cake or brandy from another source. Find out whether there are any fees in addition to the cost per person, tips or room rental.
- Dresses that don’t keep up. Brides have complained to BBB about bridal shops ordering the wrong sizes and colors of dresses, as well as dresses that are late to be changed in a timely manner. Make sure your order includes new merchandise that is a size that fits you and your bridesmaids. Remind the shop of your schedule in advance.
- Transport problems at weddings Complaints about limo service include poor customer service and strict cancellation policies. Find out more in writing. Ask how the company deals with problems if you are not satisfied and what they charge if you need the vehicle longer on your wedding night. Do not pay the entire amount in advance.
- Change musicians. Couples shouldn’t rely on a website, demo tape, or phone conversation when booking a band or other music service. Find out where to hear the musicians play before you hire them. Ask who will actually be performing at the reception and get a written confirmation from the band or musician, including the playing time and the cost of extending the time on the evening of the event.
- Problems with photographers. A common complaint is that the photographer doesn’t show up for the wedding or doesn’t deliver pictures until months after the wedding. Find out when and how the pictures will be delivered, whether you will get all the pictures on DVD or CD, how much time you have to select the pictures and whether other members of your family or wedding party have access to the pictures.
- Floral changes. Fresh flowers are a perishable commodity and the final bouquet or arrangements may need to be changed depending on what is available on the wedding day. Make sure to include a minimum size or number of stems in any bouquet or arrangement. Ask how the florist handles any last-minute replacements and costs, especially if the value of the flowers actually used is significantly different from what you agreed. Find a florist in your area.
- Preservation of the wedding dress. Some bridal shops or other businesses sell wedding dress preservation packages, including dry cleaning and a box, for $ 250 or more. Much of this packaging is nothing more than regular dry cleaning and a cardboard box that may not be acid free. Check with a reputable cleaner about the cost of cleaning your dress after the wedding. The cleaner or another supplier may be able to sell you an acid-free box and tissue for a cheaper price.
- Wedding memorabilia. Monogrammed napkins, decorations, swizzle sticks, pens or other souvenirs are often marketed to enhance the event or to commemorate the wedding. Avoid the temptation to buy items that are overpriced, of poor quality, or add unnecessarily to the total bill.
- Get it in writing. Get all sales promises in writing, including specific dates, products, prices, brands, etc. Make sure that all verbal agreements are included in the written contract. Cancellation policy should also be included.
- Pay with a credit card. Avoid paying cash upfront for services. When you pay with credit cards, you are protected against problems not available with other payment methods.
- Follow up. Confirm all services one to two weeks before the event and check all agreed details. You don’t want to experience unpleasant surprises on your wedding day.
Potential wedding fraud:
- The contact dress. Some shady private sellers will tell you it’s a one-of-a-kind Vera Wang, but at a ridiculously low price, it could be a fake and definitely not worth the money you’re saving. Always buy from reputable sellers or designer stores.
- The gift bag. Piling your wedding loot on a table at the venue looks great, but it also depicts thieves who may be lurking or even working at the venue (not to mention guests you don’t know very well). It is always best to request gift purchases through your wedding registry.
- Even service providers are being cheated. Wedding photographer fraud is making the rounds. A photographer is hired by email, a check is sent for more than required, and the photographer is asked to wire money to a non-existent event planner. The payment bounces off and the photographer loses.
BBB Serving Mainland BC and BBB St. Louis contributed to this report.