THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 5, 1994 TAG: 9406080716
SECTION: HAMPTON ROADS WOMAN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DENISE WATSON, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: 940605 LENGTH: Long
Nor, toasting with the lime sherbet punch. What?! Champagne is extra?
{REST} Or the band to cut out before your dance with Dad. What's this about overtime????
There's enough to worry about on your wedding day without being concerned with unspoken fees, unwanted extras and unexpected taxes - all of which can be prevented with good planning and a sharp eye.
Couples need to be educated consumers when planning their wedding day.
``Aside from all the excitement that goes into planning a wedding,'' says Linda Candler with the Better Business Bureau in Norfolk, ``planning a wedding should be treated like any other major purchase.''
When making wedding purchases and arrangements, it's wise to use a credit card whenever possible since federal protection laws are devised to guard deposits and payments made with a credit card. Candler suggests seeking out previous clients to see if they were satisfied with the company's work and to comparison shop between wedding vendors.
And always call the BBB's 24-hour hot line to check out any company you aren't familiar with.
``All you need is the company's phone number. It's free so it doesn't hurt,'' Candler said.
Here are other tips to follow in your wedding planning:
\ THE CATERER\ Choose a caterer who's licensed and insured, which guarantees that he or she has been inspected by the Board of Health. Ask to see the license and pictures - even taste samples - of her work. Also visit the facilities.
Read contracts carefully and make sure everything is specific and detailed. Is the champagne toast extra? Are setup and cleanup extra? Ask about corkage charges if you plan to bring in your own liquor. If there is a bar, is there a flat fee for bar services or will you be billed per person? Unless most of your guests are drinkers, it's usually cheaper to go the per-person route.
Will the bartender know when to stop serving a guest who is intoxicated?
Because plans are made up to two years ahead of time, check into a price escalation clause. Some caterers might ensure that the price per person you've agreed upon will not increase over time. More likely, the contract will indicate that increases in the cost of food or services will be passed along to you.
Be sure not to accept a minimum guest guarantee you can't meet because you'll be charged for no shows. Conversely, be clear about the maximum that can be accommodated to avoid last-minute disappointments.
Pay particular attention to a cancellation policy - the actual terms may depend on whether a caterer can rebook the date.
When looking for a cake designer, make sure the cake is made in a licensed kitchen. Check the means of delivery to assure that your cake arrives intact.
Remember fees for the cake and all its components, the deposit amount and date of the balance due should be in the contract.
\ THE GOWN\ There are full-service bridal shops and no-service salons. Full-service shops provide everything from gowns and accessories to alterations and fittings. Some of those might be extra, but everything is handled through the business.
Shops usually require a 20 percent to 50 percent nonrefundable deposit to order the gown because each gown is a special order.
The prices at no-service salons are usually cheaper, but the dresses are usually final sale and have to be paid for in full. Alterations and fittings might have to be done elsewhere.
Keep all sales slips and get the delivery date in writing. Remember to read the purchase agreement carefully and pay special attention to the cancellation policy.
\ THE PHOTOGRAPHER\ Because there is no industry standard for photographers, deposit policies and payment schedules are usually up to the professional you hire. Get everything in writing and detail everything in the contract - delivery time for proofs, length of time negatives are held, a clear payment schedule, a list of everything included in the package and clarify the cancellation policy. Ask what type of equipment he or she will use. Photos will be enlarged and in order to keep the images crisp, a professional format is needed.
Shop around for a certain photographic style, not a price or package.
Videography is becoming popular but can be expensive. You can get around that later with a video slide show of pictures set to music, said Barbara Pope, owner of Barbara's Creation bridal services in Norfolk.
``It looks really nice and they don't have to worry about the extra expense at the time.''
Also, give the photographer a list of everything and everyone you want in your pictures.
\ THE MUSIC\ Make arrangements to hear bands or disc jockeys perform, meet with them and listen to tapes.
Ask about additional rates for continual music, overtime and traveling time.
\ THE LIMOUSINE\ Be sure the company has the required state or local licenses and insurance. Make certain your contract states terms concerning overtime and liability for damages or delays caused by your party.
Interview the driver and select the car on site, never over the phone.
\ BRIDAL CONSULTANTS\ Fees for consultants range from a flat rate to 10 percent to 20 percent of the overall budget, but it might compensate for the painstaking detail that goes into a wedding.
Experienced consultants can also lead you through contract mazes and unknown details.
``As a consultant, I steer my brides in ways to save time and money,'' Pope said.
``If I come across a bride that hasn't had a good rapport with a business, I steer other brides away from that business.''
by CNB