When planning your wedding you are at the mercy of the many vendors you hire. While it is not necessary to employ CIA agents to ensure vendors will get the job done (and done well), do your homework to learn the ins and outs of what service providers are obligated to deliver.
Luckily, your provincial government has made the provisions to protect consumers like you. Before making arrangements with your vendors, contact your provincial protection agency to determine what consumer-related information is available. Also, many have Internet sites that post up-to-date information.
Do Your Homework
For you, your wedding is an unforgettable Hollywood production. For your vendors, it’s strictly business. With your suppliers, you should approach things this way, too.
- Do as much research on the business as you can. It’s also wise to choose experienced vendors.
- Always use a contract when dealing with your service providers. Obtain a detailed outline of everything related to deposits, timing and substitutions, to avoid mishaps early in the game and so there is absolutely no confusion about anything.
- Your wedding, and everything it entails, is a very large purchase. Track every item and service you are paying for, and speak up when things don’t go as you’ve planned.
- There are no solid rules about deposits, so try keeping them to a minimum. A business has the right to cash your deposit in the event of a cancellation or change of plans, unless you specifically outline otherwise in your contract.
- Before signing anything, do some legwork to see if you can back out if you have second thoughts, and how long you have to do so.
Righting Wrongs
According to the Canadian Consumer Handbook, a publication of Industry Canada’s Office of Consumer Affairs, if you have a complaint, you should first contact the company in question. Start with the person you originally dealt with, and explain calmly why you were not satisfied with the services. Then outline what you would like in the way of compensation. Be realistic – they are not going to shell out millions of dollars because the napkins at your reception were the wrong shade.
If a company you are dealing with goes bankrupt, check the legitimacy of the bankruptcy through your local government. If it is a legitimate claim, find out whether any of your payments are protected.
