"This was our wedding," he said. "It's not like we get to do it again."
If a new roof leaks, the contractor can come back out and fix it. If your car dies after you pick it up from the shop, another mechanic can get you going again. Resolving some problems may involve a hassle and paying more than you planned, but there can be a happy ending.
If your photographer never delivers your wedding pictures, that's it. No second chances.
Some of the most disheartening complaints we receive at the Better Business Bureau concern poor performance by a wedding vendor. Here are real-life examples from local brides:
"The cake was not what I ordered. Did not show up until 3 in the middle of the reception. It did not have completely edible parts and one of my guests bit into a silver dot and almost chipped a tooth."
"The day of my wedding there was no air in the building. People began to leave the reception and my wedding cake melted."
"I was married on May 18. I contacted the photographer in June regarding my wedding DVD and he stated he would have it ready by Aug. 18. I contacted him on Aug. 18 and he said it would be ready by Sept. 18. I attempted to contact him today and both his phone numbers state they are temporarily disconnected. I have paid in full for his services."
Three different companies were involved in these sad situations, but they had one thing in common. All had "F" ratings with the BBB when these brides hired them.
The BBB offers this advice for hiring any wedding vendor -- the facility, the dressmaker, the cake maker, the photographer and everyone else:
Check out their grade and record with the BBB. If you don't have someone in mind, we can provide a list of BBB-accredited businesses that can do the job.
Schedule an interview with two or three vendors to get a feel for the types of service they offer. It wouldn't be a bad idea to do it at their place of business so you can get a feel for how they operate.
Don't make your decision based on price alone.
Get a detailed contract that covers everything you've agreed to -- dates, products, prices and delivery times. Don't rely on oral promises. Be sure you understand any refund and cancellation terms.
Allow extra time when arranging deliveries.
Ask about the photographer's style. Does he do traditional posed portraits, candid pictures or both? Be sure he knows the layout and rules of your church or other venue.
Pay as little as possible up front, and try to pay with a credit card so you can dispute the charge if something goes wrong.
By the way, don't forget about the DJ you've hired to play during your wedding or reception. One bride complained that her DJ played the wrong songs during the service and even asked her to walk around the side of the church instead of down the aisle because his equipment was in the way.
Randy Hutchinson is the president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of the Mid-South. Reach him at rhutchinson@bbbmidsouth.org.
About BBB
BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Reliability ReportsTM and national charity BBB Wise Giving ReportsTM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, BBB also offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 125 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than 3 million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.