With June to September being popular months for Canadian weddings, wedding fever has already hit brides- and grooms-to-be. While brides may be eager to say yes to the dress, BBB encourages early and realistic planning to ensure the big day goes off without a hitch.
Use these BBB tips to avoid wedding crashers:
Budget Busters: The most expensive decorations, venue or dress won’t make or break your special day. It is important to set a budget early on in the planning process and stick to it along the way.
Corrupt Caterers (and other devious dealers): Be sure to meet with caterers, DJs, photographers and other service providers in person to discuss your wishes in detail. Those who demand payment upfront or only do business over the phone could be a red flag.
Runaway References: Ask the venue owner, caterer, photographer and any other service provider required for your wedding for references from previous customers. Call the references and ask if they were satisfied with the products or services. If they refuse to provide you with references, or you can’t reach the ones they give, keep looking.
Internet Interlopers: If you’re looking to cut costs by shopping online, never wire money or mail a cheque or email money to someone you haven’t met. It’s best to use a credit card rather than cash or cheque so that you have some recourse if you are ripped off.
Pushy Providers: Don’t give into high pressure planners or salespeople urging you to make your decisions quickly. Insist on written contracts that include timelines, prices and cancellation policies and account for some delays in the process.
For more tips you can trust, visit bbb.org.
