I hear stories every day of brides that make verbal agreements with a low budget vendor, put down a sizeable deposit and then never see the person again. They have no written agreement and nothing to verify a deposit. My mantra is Get It in Writing!

Examples of unscrupulous wedding vendors: An event coordinator for a venue offers to be the wedding coordinator for a fee much lower than most coordinators but only if you pay her in cash. There are no contracts; there is no paper trail.

A DJ agrees to play for a wedding for a ridiculously low amount. He gets another wedding the same day for much more money; the bride is left high and dry with no DJ and no music. Again, there's no contract, no paperwork, and the bride will probably have no way to get back her deposit. Friends and family get food poisoning from reception food that has been prepared by a local, unlicensed caterer that works out of her home and in a kitchen that is not approved by the MS Health Department and does not meet their standards. The bride's family is sued because the caterer does not have the required (by the Health Dept.) liability insurance. The stories go on and on. Get it in writing!

Reputable wedding professionals want you to have the wedding of your dreams. But it's also a business for them. When you make a deposit and reserve these people, a contract with a receipt of payment should immediately follow. This may be your first of many business contracts you enter into as an adult.

Here are some simple rules to follow:

1. Require that every wedding professional you work with have a business/privilege license (or at least a "DBA" registration - "Doing Business As"), appropriate insurance and, if they are in the food industry, a health permit and proof of liability. Private clubs in Mississippi are not required to have a food permit so ask for their EIN number and their proof of liability.
2. Ask for copies including other proof of documentation like workman's comp, serve safe for food vendors, special licensing, special permits, and again, tax id number.
3. Check that all documentation is current and this vendor is in good standing! (Note: Check with the Better Business Bureau if you have concerns.)
4. Ask for a written proposal that itemizes everything this vendor will do and provide including set-up/start time and break down/quit time, overtime, payment policy (date and amounts), a refund policy, and anything exclusives they offer to your or you request that is not normally provided. (Note: this should all be included in the final written contract!)
5. Make certain that the vendor is approved to work at the site of your ceremony and/or reception. Get a copy of the venue's rules and guidelines so you are familiar with what is and is not allowed. Some churches have very specific guidelines from where the flowers are placed on the altar to when photographs may be taken.
6. There are some unethical and unprofessional vendors who ask you to bring their competitors' bids so they can undercut and do the job for less. Run, don't walk! Is that really someone you can trust for the most important day of your life?
7. Keep originals of contracts in a safe place at home and make copies to carry around with you.
8. Finally, get everything you discuss and agree on in writing! Memories can be short and fleeting. No one wants a he said, she said.

Most magazines, like Premier Bride of Mississippi and bridal shows like The Premier Bridal Show are very careful with their vendors. They don't want horror stories like above. If you have questions about a particular vendor, call for a referral.

For wedding professionals in your area, go to www.premierbridems.com