As the province continues its reopening plan, personal weddings are back on the agenda. As the wedding plans evolve, it’s important to avoid vendors who can’t deliver and potential scammers who are simply after your money.
As the province continues its reopening plan, personal weddings are back on the agenda. As the wedding plans evolve, it’s important to avoid vendors who can’t deliver and potential scammers who are simply after 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, limo service, consultants, photographers, and videographers.
“Many of the complaints about wedding services concern difficulties in getting to business and late delivery of products or services,” said Karla Laird, BBB senior manager of media and communications for Mainland BC. “Consumers tell BBB that they ordered products such as wedding dresses and wedding favors in the expectation that the products would arrive in time for the wedding, but there have been delivery delays with no acceptable refunds or other redress.”
BBB also sees reports of wedding vendors closing their stores without or without notice from their customers. 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.
There is also the problem of buying rings and other jewelry from an online retailer who turns out to be a scam. A victim shared on BBB Scam Tracker:
“They sell tungsten wedding rings online. I asked my best friend from New York to buy the ring for me and then send it to Canada. They charged their visa, but no product was delivered and there was no confirmation. It turns out that when you look at the address on Google Maps, it shows an empty, unlet building. The phone number on the website is not connected. We tried to send an email but nothing. You can also find them on Facebook and Instagram. “
BBB gives the following tips to avoid common wedding problems:
- Find out about companies before hiring them. Before falling in love with any provider, read customer reviews and check out their company profiles on BBB.org. Ask the company in advance about their plan to deliver their product or service on time. Are there any guarantees, and if so, which ones?
- Check how long a company has been in operation. This will help provide an indication of their level of experience in the industry. Also, find out how many people are still using their services to avoid getting paid for a store that may close before your order can be delivered.
- 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 may charge additional fees for “plate splitting”, “cake cutting” or “corking”. 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 for dresses, as well as dresses that are late to be changed in a timely manner. Make sure your order is the size that fits you and your bridesmaids. Remind the shop of your schedule in advance.
- Transportation Problems at Weddings Complaints about limo companies include poor customer service and rigid 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 day.
- Change musicians. Couples should avoid relying solely on a website, demo tape, or phone conversation when hiring a band or other music service. Find out where to hear the musicians live before you hire them. Find out who will actually be performing at reception and receive a written confirmation from the band or musician, including the playing time and costs, to extend the time on the evening of the event if necessary.
- 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 images will be delivered, whether you will have the option to receive all of the images in digital form, how much time you have to select them, and whether other members of your family or your wedding party will have access to the images.
- 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 was agreed.
- Get it in writing. Get all sales promises and verbal agreements in writing, including specific dates, products, prices and brands. Cancellation policy should also be included.
- Pay with a credit card. Avoid paying cash upfront for products and services. If you pay by credit card, you are covered in the event of a problem.