Planning a wedding involves orchestrating a symphony of vendors, and bridal expos can be a great one-stop shop to find everything for which a bride or bridegroom is looking. Before making an emotional decision or signing on that dotted line, Better Business Bureau encourages couples to take their time and do their research.
Why? Every year, BBB receives hundreds of complaints against wedding services and suppliers. Most complaints allege contract disputes and failure on the part of the vendor to provide the agreed-upon services.
BBB offers these tips to help brides navigate a bridal expo:
Research exhibitors ahead of time. Visit the bridal expo's website to educate yourself on the various exhibitors who will be in attendance. This can help you choose which booths you’d like to visit and which exhibitors you’re most interested in meeting.
Ask the right questions. Before falling in love with services or products offered by a vendor, ask if the company is available for your wedding date. Also ask about various packages and pricing to ensure the company fits within your budget.
Get All Promises in Writing. Be sure to document with whom you spoke and all verbal agreements made or mentioned. Obtain a business card before you leave and set a time to follow up after the show. Don’t be pressured to put down a large deposit for fear of losing out.
Research the vendor before signing a contract. Go to wynco.bbb.org to see a company’s rating and any history of complaints. Additionally, ask each potential vendor for a list of references so that you can speak to brides who have successfully used the company.
Create a new email just for the show. Whether you are pre-registering or signing up at the door, it is a good idea to create a new email for wedding vendor communication. This allows you to keep track of all the special offers and promotions you’ll likely receive after the show. This can also help reduce a high volume of email in your personal inbox.
Bring someone you trust. Bring someone with you who is not as emotionally or financially connected to the wedding planning. This individual may provide a different, yet helpful, perspective when talking with vendors and visiting booths.
Start With Trust. For more consumer tips and information, visit wynco.bbb.org.
