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| Thorough preparation will help to ensure your
wedding day is really special. |
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1. Plan, plan, plan
Plan well in advance to ensure your big
day runs smoothly. Problems are easier to correct if there is plenty of time
available.
2. Put everything in writing
Prevent mistakes. Confirm any
arrangements between you and suppliers in writing. Let them know about changes
as soon as possible by telephone or in person and again confirm these changes
in a letter.
3. It’s good to talk
Keep in contact with your suppliers.
Confirm and check all bookings well before the big day to make sure your
supplier is working to the correct times and will be ready.
4. Avoid misunderstandings about your intentions
Be sure that the supplier knows when
you are just making an enquiry and when you are making a booking. When you
order goods or a service, you have entered a legally binding contract that
cannot be cancelled for any reason without you incurring a penalty.
5. Money, money, money
Set yourself a budget and stick to it.
If you find you have over extended yourself and have to change your mind or
cancel, it may cost you a lot of money in the long run.
What you can do if things
go wrong
1. Supplier problems
If the supplier has failed to provide
their goods or services, they are in breach of contract and you are entitled
to a refund. You can also claim out of pocket expenses such paying a higher
price for similar goods or services.
On the day
 | Talk to the supplier. Can they offer
any immediate assistance or alternative? Register a complaint if necessary
and make a note the name of the person you talk to for future reference.
|
 | Take photographs. These may be useful
evidence if you want to claim compensation. |
After the wedding
 | Complain in writing as soon as possible
Write to the supplier, explain the problem, ask for compensation and don’t
forget to give them a time limit for their response. |
2. If you cancel
If you have cancelled 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 purchasing special paper for invitations or ordering material.
FREE advice
Ask Essex Trading Standards to send you a copy of their free advice pack. To
request your copy ring their 24 hour answer phone 01245 341888 or e-mail trading.standards@essexcc.gov.uk
now!
Also see
'Getting
Married in Essex'.
Revised
Thursday, February 3, 2000
© Copyright 2000 Essex County Council
www.essexcc.gov.uk
Original
Location can be found at
http://www.essexcc.gov.uk/vip8/ecc/ECCWebsite/display/channels/consumer_advice_channel_291702_Living/index.jsp
(has
now been updated)
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