By Michael Brito (www.favorideas.com)
It’s a fact. Even in the bridal industry, there are a few shady people who don’t mind trying to make a fast buck off young, starry-eyed couples about to tie the knot.
In your case, it might a wedding photographer who nickels and dimes for every little thing, or a pricey wedding consultant with dollar signs for eyes. But don’t worry — you can ward off those misunderstandings, headaches and lasting regrets by following these simple tips that help to ensure a worry-free wedding.
First, establish a contract. This really is really a no-brainer. If you’re dealing with a reputable business, you’ll find this is standard procedure. Remember; don’t assume anything (don’t even assume that the detail you’ve talked about for 20 minutes straight is “understood” unless it makes it into writing).
Always read the fine print and all the terms and conditions. Sure, they’re boring, but if you anticipate a few things that could go wrong and analyze what recourse the terms and conditions give you, it’s easier. Remember: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is (keep that in mind when a florist offers to design and deliver your $2000 dream arrangements for $400). Don’t sign anything until you understand exactly what you’re signing for. If you don’t understand, ask for clarification.
It’s also important to consider cancellation policies. What happens if you need to cancel a service you’ve booked? What fees are involved in case (God forbid) the wedding’s called off due to unforeseeable circumstances? You need to be sure there’s an escape clause for extreme circumstances such as these — or if not, that you can survive the financial hit. No one wants to dwell on these dreary thoughts, but the fact is, cancellations happen.
When you’re dealing with caterers or reception facilities, ask about additional fees for set up and clean up. Don’t be afraid to inquire about charges for cake cutting, coat rooms and corkage fees. All costs should be itemized one-by-one in the contract. What’s more, the contract should state that no additional fees apply after those costs have been agreed on.
Also, be sure to ask about overtime fees. Whether you’re booking your reception, limousine service or any other service for the big day, you don’t want to be slapped upside the veil with unexpected overages (it’s painful enough with the cell phone bill!). Play it safe, and find out what options you have if your wedding runs overtime. Nine times out of ten, they do.
A Few More Tips from a Planner’s Page
Once again, be wary of any deals that seem too good to be true. If you shop around, ask questions and do your homework, you should have a general idea of how much a certain service costs. If you stumble across an offer that’s suspiciously cheap, don’t be afraid to ask why. Most likely, it’s not too good to be true. Instead, the service might be radically below par. (You ordered roses; you got carnations.)
Double bookings can happen, particularly during the peak wedding seasons. If you know that another wedding’s booked for the same day as yours, be sure you’ve specified the exact times, from start to finish, during which you need the room. Remember to account for clean-up between weddings. Hopefully, someone on staff is a time management whiz and can help you avoid any awkward situations.
Also, wherever possible, try to work with a pro wedding photographer who specializes in weddings. Don’t settle for a friend’s … cousin’s … second-best friend who happens to shoot photos as a hobby. A professional photographer will have the in-depth experience required to beautifully capture your wedding day the way you dreamed of.
Some Final Words of Wisdom
Don’t be obsessive, but don’t over-compromise to avoid looking like a Bridezilla. Don’t let the excitement of planning seduce you into forgetting about your budget, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Also — and this is a toughie — remember you’re planning one of the important days of your life. And that can get emotional. But try to save the emotion for down times with close friends and family, and leave it at home when you negotiate contracts. You don’t want to end up bulldozed by slick vendors or high-pressure sales tactics (”You need to sign now! There are a dozen brides waiting for this slot!”).
Really, there are plenty of quality wedding professionals to go around – and as plenty of newlyweds can attest, the regrets involved with a spectacularly bad vendor experience can stick around for a long time.
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