the savvy bride
Don't Surrender to a Bogus Vendor
Everyone’s heard the nightmares about photographers who didn’t show up, or took so long the guests began leaving; bartenders who partook of their wares and wound up wobbly; cakes toppling; DJs bumbling names; the list goes on and on. So what do you do if this happens to you?
First, rewind. Research your vendors ahead of time to minimize the chance of becoming a horror-story statistic. Be sure to check references, meet in person, get signed contracts, and lay out expectations (yes, even if they’re related). Sometimes asking what repercussions you can take beforehand will help to remind vendors to do their best and keep them working hard to please you. If you have any suspicions of less than par performance, don’t hire them. And if you are pressured into hiring a relative or friend who you’re unsure of, have a back-up plan such as two amateur photographers or a store bought cake in the wings.
So what do you do after the fact? The honeymoon’s over, but you’re still upset about an overpriced caterer who provided cold, undercooked food or a photographer who still hasn’t produced any pictures after a month of waiting. In both of these instances, your first step should be expressing your concerns with those vendors directly and asking for a partial refund for inadequate services. Don’t let your emotions get in the way, approach the appropriate person in a professional manner, backing yourself up with hard facts and signed contracts. If personal or phone contact is ignored, approach them in writing and keep a copy for your records.
If the situation is more serious, such as a no-show vendor, and your initial efforts are thwarted, you can take them to small claims court. Small claims courts are meant to help individuals resolve disputes without the time and expense associated with a traditional trial situation. No attorneys are involved. Normally, there is a plaintiff, defendant and judge. In New Hampshire, the amount in dispute can be as high as $5,000. Any disputes involving larger amounts of money must go through traditional civil court. Filing a claim is as easy as taking a trip to the district court nearest you or your wedding site and filling out a complaint form with the court clerk. A $60.00 fee will be required along with a full statement of your claim including amount in dispute and defendant’s name and address. Once your claim has been filed, a notice will be mailed to the defendant who has thirty days to respond and request a hearing if desired. At the hearing, you and the defendant will each be able to tell your story to the judge. Be sure to bring along all documents and correspondence (contract, emails, deposit receipt…) as well as witnesses of the failed transaction. Photos can help, but written documents and testimonies are better. Show the judge exactly how this vendor ruined your wedding and why you deserve compensation. Based on the evidence and statements, the judge will side with either you or your vendor.
Court is never where you want to be, so if all this sounds scary to you another avenue to think about before the fact is wedding insurance. Usually costing between $125 and $500, a wedding insurance policy can cover things beyond your control, from torrential rains ruining the outdoor reception, or a groom called to duty oversees, to MIA vendors and venues that go out of business.
Ultimately no amount of preparation can guarantee perfection. Life happens. Be prepared to enjoy your day no matter what. Remember that you’re marrying the love of your life, whether the flowers are wilted, the cake tilted, or the DJ called your new husband Josh (his name is Ryan). Laugh it out with your guests and have your maid of honor and best man ready at hand to correct what they can. Nothing can completely ruin the sanctity of this day.