Do Your Homework!

I recently booked a very sweet couple from Georgia planning a destination wedding at Jacksonville Beach. Their story is so sad and we are still sorting out the mess. They booked their Destination Wedding through a local company that advertises as a “one-stop” shop. They were quoted a very unrealistic price to include planning and coordination services, flowers, cake and photography. They paid their deposit and have never heard from this company again. After many unanswered emails and unreturned phone calls they started checking out this company to find the company had many complaints with the Better Business Bureau for the same type of behavior.

I cannot stress it enough!! Make sure your wedding vendor, no matter what they do, is licensed and insured. Check their references. But most importantly, be smart. If the price they are quoting you is unrealistic for all the services they are providing, there probably is a good chance it is not an upfront deal!

Too many people are opening up these one stop shops. Beware!! One person cannot do everything and do it well!!  I am not talking about groups or companies that employ other vendors for package deals. Most of these are reputable groups and the companies are each independent of each other. They are just providing a package deal as a group to make your choices a little easier.

 But again, do your homework and check out your vendors before you send them any money or sign any contract!  It will save you a lot of heartache, stress and money in the end!