MECHELE AGBAYANI MILLS, Tyler Better Business Bureau

A wedding is one of the most memorable days in a couple’s life that they get to share with their family and friends, and all couples want their day to be flawless. BBB reminds couples to plan with caution, as issues with wedding vendors sparked more than 1,800 complaints filed with BBB in 2014.

While there’s no way to guarantee that mistakes won’t happen, dealing with reputable companies reduces the chance of a wedding disaster.

BBB cautions couples to beware of one-day specials, discounts for advance payment and hidden costs that you may encounter along the way. Read contracts and ask questions before you sign anything. Be wary of vendors that ask you to pay most of the fees in advance. Ask about refund policies for deposits or prepayments.

BBB advises couples of the following common problems encountered when planning a wedding:

n Strange or unexpected fees. Some caterers, hotels or reception venues try to charge extra for “plate splitting,” “cake-cutting” or “corkage” fees, especially if you bring in a cake or liquor purchased from another source. Ask whether any fees apply beyond the cost per person, gratuities or room rental, if applicable.

n Dresses that don’t measure up. Brides have complained to BBB about bridal shops ordering the wrong sizes and colors of gowns as well as dresses that arrive too late for timely alterations. Make sure your order specifies new merchandise, sized to fit you and your bridesmaids. Call the shop to remind the staff of your schedule if you don’t hear by the promised time.

n Wedding transportation problems. Complaints about limousine service include poor customer service and rigid cancellation policies. Get details in writing. Don’t pay the entire amount in advance.

n Musician switch. Never rely solely on a website, demo tape or phone conversation when hiring a band or other music service. Find out where you can hear the musicians play before you hire them. Ask who will actually perform at the reception and get a written commitment from the band or musician, including the amount of time they will play and costs for additional time.

n Photographer issues. A common complaint is that the photographer doesn’t show up for the wedding or fails to deliver pictures until months after the event. Find out when and how pictures will be delivered, whether you will have the option of getting all the images on a DVD or CD, how much time you will have to choose the pictures and whether other members of your family or wedding party will have access to the pictures.

n Floral changes. Fresh flowers are a perishable commodity, and the final bouquet or arrangements may need to change depending on what’s available on the wedding day. Make sure you spell out a minimum size or number of stems in each bouquet or arrangement. Ask how the florist will handle any last-minute substitutions and charges, especially if the value of the flowers actually used is markedly different from what you had agreed upon.

For more information on how to be a savvy consumer go to bbb.org. To report fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, please call the BBB Hotline: 903-581-8373.