Advice to consumers - Booking a wedding

Information and advice about booking a wedding.

Advice and support for consumers in Solihull is now provided by Consumer Direct.
Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service, which is supported by local authorities in The West Midlands and by Government.

Consumer Direct works in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Advice Services offering first level advice and information on a wide range of consumer issues. More complex problems, or complaints requiring further investigation or assistance are referred to Trading Standards or other advice services

To speak to a Consumer Direct adviser, please call 08454 04 05 06. Opening hours are 8.00 a.m. and 6.30p.m. Monday - Friday or 9.00a.m. to 1p.m. on Saturdays. (Minicom users should call on 08451 28 13 84). To e-mail Consumer Direct, please Contact us via the Consumer Direct website.

A wide range of consumer information and advice is also available online from the Consumer Direct website at http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/

A wedding day to remember - top tips

Plan

Plan the type of wedding you both want and shop around. You'll need to book things like the reception, wedding dress and photographer well in advance.

Set out a budget and stick to it. You'll need to be organised with your money as different suppliers will require stage payments and final payments at different times. Get these agreed and in writing when booking.

Put everything in writing

Get confirmation of arrangements between you and your suppliers including special requests, in writing. For example when ordering the wedding dress, check that the fittings and alterations are included in the price and that any measurements are written down on the order, along with the size ordered. This will prevent any confusion later on.

Consider paying any deposits by credit card. If things go wrong, the credit card issuer may be jointly liable. See our buying on credit factsheet for further details.

Photographers

When booking the photographer - check their credentials and ask to see examples of their work. They may be members of the Master Photographers Association (MPA) or the British Institute of Professional Photography. Give the photographer a clear brief on the pictures you want and the names of the chief participants.

Wedding present list service.

Many of the large retailers now provide a wedding list service and these can help prevent your guests buying identical presents. When putting together your present list, check with the supplier that the items you are choosing will be in stock when your guests visit the store. Also clarify when the presents will be delivered to you.

Insurance

Consider insuring against cancellation and other occurrences, eg bad weather: - premiums start at around £40.

Cancellation

If you have to cancel for any reason then you are in breach of contract and the trader is entitled to keep any deposit that has been paid. They could also claim any expenses incurred under the contract such as ordering special material or not being able to re-book the reception room.

If a supplier lets you down

The Sale of Goods Act and the Supply of Goods and Services Act give you certain rights in respect of faulty goods and unsatisfactory services. If they fail to provide the goods or service at all - they are in breach of contract and you are entitled to a refund. Talk to the supplier straight away, registering your complaint and ask what they are prepared to do. Can they offer you an alternative?

Take photographs or video if the service or product is not satisfactory. These will be useful evidence if you want to claim compensation.

Register your complaint in writing as soon as possible.

The honeymoon

Choose a travel agent and a tour operator who are members of ABTA if they go out of business, your money is protected and there are rules about their conduct.

Contact Details

Consumer Advice and Information in Solihull, is now provided by our partners at Consumer Direct West Midlands. Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service, which is supported by local authorities (Trading Standards) and Central Government. If you do need support or assistance from Trading Standards, you will of course be referred to them by Consumer Direct.