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Angie Hicks, Angie’s List founder: “In 2011 three wedding categories actually made a repeat appearance in the top ten most complained about categories; they were bridal shops, tuxedo rental shops and wedding planners. When it came to tuxedo rental shops and bridal shops, it came to orders not coming in on time, problems with alterations and general customer service. When we looked at the reviews for wedding planners it came down to things not being completed according to the contract, as well as missed deadlines.”

Tracy Moore, Lucy’s Bridal Shop: “To ensure that you have a positive experience I would allow yourself plenty of time. Plenty of time for ordering your dress, plenty of time for alterations we are all human everyone makes mistakes. The more time you allow yourself and us, the more time we have to correct any problems that might occur.”

Angie Hicks, Angie’s List founder: “When planning your wedding, document everything. Get contracts that are very detailed, explicitly saying when things are going to be performed, what you are going to pay. Document phone calls and that will be your best line of defense if something happens to go wrong.” “The average wedding these days is over $20,000, so being sure that you are taking your time and documenting well all the services you are hiring is very important. So make your down payment as required as according to your contract, but don’t pay everything upfront and pay with a credit card and stretch the rest of the payments out as services are rendered.”

Angie’s List Tips:

Wedding planning tips:

Allow plenty of time

Contracts should have explicit details

Document everything—phone calls, too

Don’t pay everything up front

Pay w/credit card only as services are rendered

Check Angie’s List for reviews on local bridal shops, tuxedo rental, and wedding planning