Planning a wedding is one of the most exciting times in a couple’s life, but with so many details to manage — venues, vendors, dresses, and decorations — it can also be overwhelming. Unfortunately, wedding-related scams are on the rise, making it crucial to research vendors carefully and protect your investments. Better Business Bureau is here to help.

“Whether you’re booking a photographer, hiring a caterer, or shopping for a wedding dress,” said Mechele Agbayani Mills, President and CEO of BBB Central East Texas. “It’s so important to be aware of the common pitfalls and to make informed decisions when looking for wedding- related vendors.

BBB provides the following tips to planning your wedding:

Choose Trustworthy Vendors. Finding the right vendors is essential for a successful wedding, but not all businesses operate ethically.

Research Businesses on BBB.org – Before hiring any vendor, check their BBB Business Profile at BBB.org. This allows you to see a company’s rating, complaint history, and customer reviews.

Verify Vendor Information – Search for the vendor’s business name, address, phone number, and website to confirm they are legitimate. Use caution with businesses which only communicate through email and social media.

Be Wary of Fake Reviews – Some businesses use fabricated five-star reviews to boost their online reputation. Look for detailed, balanced reviews instead of just glowing feedback.

Get Everything in Writing. Contracts are critical for ensuring that both you and the vendor are on the same page about expectations.

Read the Fine Print – Review all terms carefully before signing. Pay attention to refund policies, rescheduling terms, and hidden fees.

Confirm Availability – Ensure that the vendor has locked in your wedding date and that all necessary arrangements are confirmed in writing.

Beware of Last-Minute Changes – Some vendors attempt to alter prices or services at the last minute. Make sure your contract clearly outlines what is included in your package.

Keep a Copy for Your Records – Save digital and physical copies of all contracts, invoices, and receipts in case you need to dispute a charge.

Be on the Lookout for Wedding Scams

Scammers frequently target engaged couples, taking advantage of tight timelines and large financial commitments. Red flags to watch for include:

Too-Good-to-Be-True Prices – If a vendor offers a highly discounted rate, it could be a scam. It’s a good idea to get several bids as part of your research. Not only will this help you find the right vendor, it will also give you a good idea of what the average cost for the service should be.

Pressure to Pay Immediately – Be cautious of businesses that demand full payment upfront or pressure you to make a quick decision. Legitimate vendors typically require a deposit with the balance due later.

Requests for Untraceable Payments – Avoid paying through wire transfers, prepaid debit cards, or gift cards. These payment methods are difficult to trace and recover if fraud occurs.

Fake Websites and Social Media Ads – Some scammers create fake vendor websites or social media pages using stolen photos from real businesses. Always verify the vendor’s contact details and cross-check their business presence.

As unforeseen circumstances—such as vendor cancellations, venue closures, and extreme weather—can significantly disrupt wedding plans, you might consider obtaining wedding insurance as a safeguard. Speak with your insurance agent to see if they offer this service. To find a trustworthy insurance agent near you, go to bbb.org.

A wedding is a major investment, and the last thing any couple wants is to deal with financial loss, vendor failures, or last-minute surprises. Check with your insurance agent to see if they provide the service, or go to bbb.org to find an agent you can trust.

For more information about how to be a savvy consumer, go to bbb.org. To report fraudulent activity or unscrupulous business practices, please call the BBB at (903)581-5704.