Top 10 Reasons Why Brides Get Ripped Off

Here are the Top 10 Reasons why wedding vendors think you're an easy mark... and EXACTLY what to do about it!

REASON #1: You're not experienced with weddings

Vendors know that this is your first time planning a wedding and you're probably clueless about prices and how things work (after all, you've never done this before!).

SOLUTION: Do you homework! Read books like "The Best Wedding Reception... Ever!", surf the message boards on web sites like TheKnot.com and Brides.com, and speak with everyone you can!

A true wedding professional should be able to provide you with evidence of their successes. Don't "crash" a wedding, you should be allowed to speak with previous clients who are willing to give their endorsements!

REASON #2: You're very trusting

Let's face it, you'd like to believe that people are honest, so you tend to give folks the benefit of the doubt unless they give you reason to think otherwise.

Unfortunately, this is exactly what dishonest wedding vendors are counting on because unlike most businesses, they make all their money on the first deal with you and don't rely on earning your repeat business.

SOLUTION: Trust people's ACTIONS, not their words. If they want your money, your signature, or your time, make sure they give you what you want in writing (not verbal promises)... If a wedding vendor won't put things in writing, you're gambling with your day!

REASON #3: You always follow the rules

You were taught since you were very little to be "a good girl" and even though you're all grown up now, you still believe that you shouldn't question the rules!

With this knowledge, wedding vendors easily take advantage of un-savvy brides simply by making up their own rules. These rules can be about deposits, additional fees, deadlines, cancellations, and they always favor THEM... NOT YOU!

SOLUTION: Don't blindly accept rules if they seem unreasonable! Remember, it's YOUR wedding, so act like it... You're spending the money, so YOU make the rules, not them! If any of their rules make you uncomfortable, talk with them about it.

REASON #4: You hate being rude or difficult

Okay, so you're a "nice girl" and would never want someone to think you are mean, rude or difficult...

Unfortunately, to get your way in any negotiation you need to stand up for yourself and actually be assertive. This is something you might not be very good at.

SOLUTION: Give yourself permission to be assertive and to ask for what you want... even if someone else might think you're being difficult!

Always ask for references (and check them) even if it makes it seem like don't trust them.

Nine times out of ten, you'll earn their respect and/or healthy concessions rather than resentment or scorn.

REASON #5: You avoid conflict at all costs

So you don't like conflict. It gives you the heebie-jeebies. You're a lover not a fighter, right? Unscrupulous wedding vendors know that once you've committed to using them, you won't question any last minute additional fees they add on. You'll just accept it rather than fight.

SOLUTION: This is why it is so important that everything is crystal clear on your contract BEFORE you sign anything or make any deposits.

Not only will this help you prevent potential conflicts, but it will also give you a legal advantage and the confidence to deal with such conflicts should they arise.

REASON #6: You tend to make emotional decisions

You've been dreaming about this wedding since as far back as you can remember... and these guys know it!

They also know that the more emotional you are, the less rational you will be... which is the opportune time to take advantage of you!

SOLUTION: DO NOT make impulsive decisions no matter how badly you want to, especially if you're being harassed with some high-pressure tactic about having to decide "on the spot".

Your money is just as good tomorrow or a week from now as it is today, so why hand them a non-refundable deposit when you're not 100% sure they are your best fit?

Always set ground rules for yourself before meeting with vendors or visiting shops ("I will not make a purchase today no matter how excited I get"). Take time to think things through when you have your thoughts completely together.

REASON #7: You're spending "Magic Money"

Something strange happens to your perception of money and what things really cost when you plan a wedding.

It's almost as if your money converts from real money to "Magic Money".

How else do you rationalize even looking at $1000 dresses when you've never paid even close to that for any dress in your entire life?

SOLUTION: Don't believe the hype! Put on your "Common Sense" thinking cap and compare prices to normal "non wedding" prices for things. You can often find perfect alternatives to "Wedding" products and services that cost far less.

REASON #8: You're not a natural negotiator

Lots of brides just accept the first price they're given and never even ask for a discount because they're not comfortable negotiating.

This is a wedding vendors favorite kind of customer!

SOLUTION: Always ask for a break on their price, especially if your wedding is on a Friday or Sunday or in the middle of January.

REASON #9: You feel entitled to a fairytale wedding

Lots of vendors will try to play off your sense of entitlement to get to spend outrageous sums of money.

I bet some wedding professional has already tried to sell you on their expensive product or service with a line like, "Hey, you only get married once and you're worth it, aren't you?" or "You deserve it, don't you?"

SOLUTION: Of course you deserve to have a special day, but you don't need to "sell the farm" in order to do so!

Don't fool yourself into believing that paying high price means you'll receive better quality!

HIGH VALUE is what you should be looking for, not high price. There's absolutely no reason why you can't have a fairytale wedding for a reasonable investment.

REASON #10: You don't read the fine print

The most important stuff is usually in the details and this is where most brides really mess up.

Only after there's a problem does the vendor point out that it's in the contract and leave you totally up the creek.

SOLUTION: Don't live up to their stereotype of a naive bride who doesn't read the fine print. Go over every contract with a find tooth comb!

If you don't like anything in the fine print, request the changes you require before signing anything!

You have the right to do this!

Now get out there and show all those vendors who is really in charge! Remember, it's your wedding, so act like it! You're spending the money, so you're in charge, not them!