A
wedding celebration is probably the most anticipated event in a
couple's life. When two people decide to say "I do," they eagerly look
forward to a joyous day, which they will remember fondly.
Unfortunately, wedding day blues sometimes taint these memories, as
things do not always go as planned. Not only are weddings important and
romantic occasions, they are also a $72 billion dollar a year industry
that caters to approximately 2.4 million couples annually. In order to
protect consumers from unscrupulous merchants and avoid last minute
headaches, the BBB offers the following report.
Rules to Follow
Plan Ahead:
Try to make arrangements with the various vendors at least a year in
advance, in order to get the date you want. Since reservations are
often booked far in advance, this will assure more flexibility in
planning.
Set A Budget: and then stick to it! Do not
fall for high pressure sales tactics - if you don't want or can’t
afford something, don't buy it. It is your day, and you are in control
of the decisions.
Pay With Credit Cards: Credit
cards offer consumers added protection in the event of a problem,
because you can generally have your card issuer "pull back" the charge
and investigate any problems within 60 days of receiving your
statement, even if you have already paid the charge. In some cases,
they may extend you a longer "dispute" period. Unfortunately, checks or
cash offer no such protection.
Get Contracts in Writing: Remember
that all written contracts should include specific dates, products,
prices, name brands, and be signed by all parties involved.
Cancellation policies should also be included in the contracts. This
includes any refund policies and returns on deposits. If these are not
already included in the contract, insist that they are added before you
sign. New York state law allows businesses to set whatever refund or
cancellation policy they desire. Do not assume that if you cancel a
contract, you will receive a 100% refund. Be sure that you are aware of
refund or cancellation policies before you sign a contract and that the
terms are completely spelled out in the written contract. Also, try to
keep deposits as small as possible as they are often non-refundable.
Smaller deposits may mean less money lost if there is a change in
plans.
Schedule Extra Delivery Time: Anticipate
that you may encounter some problems and allow for delays - do not have
everything scheduled to be delivered the day before the wedding.
Don't Be Lured By the Lowest Price:
Your wedding is a once in a lifetime event, so you want to do it right.
Be careful not to hire unknown companies simply because they advertise
the lowest prices. First, research the company’s quality and
reliability record.
Research A Company Before Using It: There
are three simple ways to find a good company: 1) Ask friends for the
names of companies that they have used with good results. 2) Ask for
references. Any legitimate company will be pleased to provide
previously satisfied clients. However, do not stop there. Follow
through and actually call the clients to find out it they were
satisfied and if they may have some suggestions about doing business
with that particular company. 3) Lastly, check companies with your
local Better Business Bureau before doing business with them. In the
event you do have a problem, you can also contact the BBB to file a
complaint.
The Planning Process
So, where should you actually start? The best place is with the budget:
it is important to realize that a wedding can cost as much or as little
as you want to spend. Deciding how much you want to spend will make
planning a lot easier. You can get a good idea of cost from the guest
list. Once the guest list has been made, the following aspects must
also receive careful consideration:
THE DATE
Scheduling your wedding and honeymoon at the right time can save money.
June is not only the most popular month for weddings, but it is also
the most expensive time for a wedding. Winter ceremonies, as well as
ceremonies during the week are generally the least expensive. Many
vendors, such as catering halls and photographers, will charge more for
services performed during peak times. Keep in mind, however, that a
winter wedding may make a honeymoon to a warm destination more
expensive.
SITE
The location for the ceremony usually accounts for a significant
portion of the cost of the wedding. When evaluating the site, try to go
to a wedding or other special event there to evaluate their services
first hand. Choosing a reception site close to the location of the
wedding can save time and confusion for the guests. As with other
vendors, making reservations as far in advance as possible will allow
more choice of dates.
RINGS
Buying engagement and wedding rings can be a difficult task. Taking the
time to compare jewelers and learn about jewelry can save you a lot of
hassle and prevent problems in the long run. When dealing with the
jeweler, make sure to get a written copy of any refund, repair, and
exchange policy, as well a clear statement of the warranty. The key to
shopping for jewelry is understanding the terms used to describe and
value the jewelry. Gold and silver items should have a quality mark
stamped inside the band, describing the amount of gold or silver used
in the item. Be sure to find out if the jewelry is pure gold, silver or
platinum or is made of some other metal and plated with gold or silver.
With diamonds and other gemstones, make sure you get a written
statement describing the cut, color, clarity and carat (weight) of the
stones. Any reputable jeweler should permit consumers to submit jewelry
to an independent appraiser to verify its quality and cost.
If you are buying on credit, make sure all credit terms are spelled out, including the annual percentage rate.
INVITATIONS
The contract with the printer should indicate the exact date that
invitations will be finished. Ask to review proofs before the
invitation is printed to avoid typing or designing errors. Also, to
protect yourself from unforeseen mistakes: include in the contract the
agreement that any mistakes on the part of the printer be redone at the
company's expense; however, do not expect the company to pay if the
error is your own.
CATERERS
Caterers usually take care of the food, service, linen and liquor. How
do you find a caterer willing to work with your taste and within your
budget? Your best bet is to get recommendations from friends and
relatives who have been satisfied with a caterer they’ve used for a
similar event. To make sure you are getting your money's worth,
carefully check your contract to make sure that relevant issues are
included. The contract should include specific information concerning
the preparation and service of meals. The price and type of alcohol to
be used should also be included. You may want to include the gratuity
payment in the contract as well.
Caterers offer special discounts, such as free meals for the bride and
groom as well as half price meals for the band and the photographer.
These savings can help reduce the overall price, and should be
considered when selecting a caterer.
In New York City, caterers and catering halls are required to be
licensed with the Department of Consumer Affairs. The BBB suggests that
before signing a contract with a New York City caterer, couples first
verify that the caterer has a currently valid license. New York City
consumer protection law regulates the cancellation of contracts with
caterers. According to these regulations, if a couple cancels a
catering contract and the caterer can re-book the date, the caterer’s
cancellation fee may not exceed 5% of the total contract price or $100,
whichever is less, plus the caterer’s reasonable expenses. The
cancellation fee must be conspicuously noted in the written contract.
If a couple cancels a contract, and the caterer cannot re-book the date
after a reasonable attempt to do so, then the cancellation fee cannot
exceed the difference between the total contract price and the actual
cost to the caterer to provide the service. A caterer must return any
deposit in excess of the legally permissible cancellation fees no more
than 30 days after cancellation or re-booking of the date. Also, a
caterer may not subcontract the job to another caterer without the
consumer’s consent. Caterers must alert consumers if they cannot
perform the job themselves.
When signing a contract with a caterer outside New York City, be sure
to have any cancellation policies and penalties included in the
contract.
ENTERTAINMENT
The quality of the entertainment can be the determining factor between
a good wedding and a great wedding, so it is very important for couples
to decide what kind of music they want played. You should view tapes of
the performance of the band or DJ, or view their performance at another
event. The contract should specify which performers would be playing at
your wedding. The contract should also include how many breaks will be
taken and when. If you are required to leave a deposit, be sure it is
included in the contract as well as any penalties for cancellation.
Most bands allow you to choose which songs will be performed during the
celebration, so make sure you recheck the music beforehand to ensure
that your choices are included.
FLOWERS
When choosing a florist, make sure that you find one who is willing to
show you various possibilities and work with your taste and within your
budget. Be sure to get a sample before you place the order so you can
see it. Indicate your desired arrangement, request a sample and make as
few changes as possible. This will ensure that you keep the cost at or
close to what you want to spend. Get recommendations from friends and
relatives who have been satisfied with a given florist. Contracts with
the florist should include specific delivery dates, times and
locations.
PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHERS
When choosing a photographer, be sure to meet with the individual who
will be at your wedding and look at examples of their work. The
contract with the photographer should specify how many photos will be
taken, the nature of the pictures, the number of proofs and the number
of books and photographs in the package. You should be able to buy the
proofs if you so choose. If at all possible, do not pay the
photographer the total amount up front.
If you are having your wedding videotaped, request to see some of the
videographer's past work. As with photographers, it is important to
meet with the person who will be actually taping the ceremony.
Contracts should specify who will be doing the taping, how much of the
wedding will be taped, any additional charges for special effects, and
the price of additional copies of the tape.
LIMOUSINE AND CAR SERVICES
Beware of some common problems with limousine service: if you are
hiring transportation, it is the company’s responsibility to make sure
you get to the ceremony on time. Limousines may arrive late or not at
all, they may not pick up all parties, and you may get charged unfairly
for overtime. Again, couples can cut down on the chances of this
happening by signing a contract. Contracts should specify hourly rates
as well as rates for overtime. It should be absolutely clear in the
contract who will be picked up (wedding party, bride and groom's
parents, etc.), where they will be picked up and what time they will be
picked up.
Shop around for the most reasonable rates. If using a New York City
limousine service, verify it’s licensing with the New York City Taxi
and Limousine Commission. New York City limousine services must be
licensed, and this also offers added protection against problems.
CLOTHING
Bridal gowns range from simple and elegant to extravagant - prices vary
from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Gowns are
sold in boutique shops, department stores and sometimes directly
through dress manufacturers. Generally, the price of the dress is based
upon the brand name, the fabric used and the amount of labor involved.
However, brides should be aware that higher prices do not always
guarantee a better dress. Pricing is also affected by the prestige or
reputation of the boutique or designer. Both the bride and her party
should expect several scheduled fittings before the wedding and should
allow enough time to shop for and choose the perfect dress. Also, make
sure that the shop that will be altering your gown measures you and
orders the correct size. Gown sizes run differently than regular dress
sizes, so don't automatically order the size you usually wear.
Unless each person in the wedding party owns his own tuxedo, the groom
and his attendants should expect to be fitted by the tailor at a rental
shop. Be sure to shop around: some rental shops offer free rentals for
the groom when all the attendants rent their tuxedos at the same shop.
It will be necessary to leave a deposit on the tuxedo rental as well as
shoes and any other accessories included. Again, make sure you know
what you are ordering. Find out whether you will be entitled to receive
a refund on your deposit if any mistakes are the fault of the rental
company.
You should get a written guarantee from the boutique or rental shop
regarding the dates by which the gowns and tuxes will be ready. Give
yourself plenty of extra time before the wedding to allow for garments
to be redone in case something goes wrong. Also, arrangements should be
made between tailors and dress shops in the event that members of the
bridal party are from out of state or out of town during the scheduled
fitting to insure that everyone will be fitted properly and on time.
WEDDING CONSULTANTS/PARTY PLANNERS
Most couples prefer to hire a professional wedding consultant or party
planner, instead of doing everything themselves. Wedding consultants
and party planners have connections that can lessen the aggravation of
planning a great celebration. They can also recommend companies with
good service and lower prices that will suit the client's needs and
taste. Ask around for recommendations if you know someone who has had a
wedding done by a professional.
Make sure the method of billing is agreed upon and included in any
contract you sign with the wedding consultant. Contracts should specify
exactly what the planner will do for you, as well as what you do not
want them to do for you. For example, indicate whether or not you want
the consultant to sign documents on your behalf. Also, you may want to
include fixed directions regarding your specified budget, to insure the
planner is not overly extravagant at your expense.
TRAVEL
When making travel arrangements for out of town guests, try to have as
many people traveling together or staying the same hotel as possible.
Volume discounts for group travel may make it more affordable for out
of town guests to attend the ceremony. Also, choose hotels in more than
one price range so guests can choose how much they want to spend on
lodging. When checking hotels, find out what exactly is included in
their price for guest rooms and then compare prices of hotels you are
interested in. According to both the New York State Hospitality and
Tourism Association and the American Hotel and Motel Association, there
are no state or federal regulations regarding deposits or contracts in
the hotel industry for guest rooms. Policies vary depending upon the
individual hotel, so it is a good idea to determine whether your choice
offers a refund on the deposit in the event the wedding is canceled.
Everyone has a different idea of the perfect honeymoon - fun in the sun
at a beach resort, skiing, camping, visiting far away cities - the list
is endless. Planning ahead will give you more choices, and save you
money. Taking an off-season honeymoon - a warm destination in the
summer, European travel during the winter - will save even more on
airfare alone. Buying tickets in advance and shopping around will also
get you better prices for airfare and hotels. Be sure to verify your
itinerary and reservations with the airlines and hotels themselves, and
not just through the travel agent.
Conclusion
The BBB advises couples to start planning early and to expect to invest a great deal of time and research into every aspect of the ceremony. Couples can contact their local Better Business Bureau to get valuable information and reliability ratings on prospective companies before making purchasing decisions. Likewise, should an unforeseen or unanticipated problem occur, couples can file a complaint with the BBB. Make sure the vendor or company you choose is working for you...and not the other way around. While they may be able to offer many helpful suggestions, the fact remains that it is your wedding and you should have the celebration you desire. Be prepared and arm yourself with enough information regarding what should and shouldn't be included in contracts so that you may spend less time scrutinizing legalities and spend more time perfecting details. And most important, enjoy your special day...after all this, you deserve it!