When your wedding vendors go MIA or fail to deliver what you specifically ask for, it can feel like a nightmare. There’s a spectrum to this of course: from delays in replying emails or returning calls, to the full-on wedding day no-show potential disaster. Here’s how to manage the situation.
1. Do your homework
Prevention is better than a lawsuit. Read reviews and confirm a vendor’s track record before you hire them. When you do decide, have an agreement – verbally is good, written is way better – to back you up. Make sure the contract covers what would happen if they fail to perform.
2. Check. Double-check.
Triple-check There have been cases where vendors simply forgot about a wedding. They usually work at several events simultaneously, so one may just get lost amongst the others. Send each vendor an itinerary the Monday before the wedding and then follow up with several phone calls during the week.
3. Start out nice
Let your vendors know you are confident in their professionalism. Give them a chance to provide an explanation. Angry emails are harder to reply. They have to take time out to carefully word a response – time they evidently do not have! A nice email will get a faster reply. Send another if there’s no reply. If all fails, deliver an ultimatum matter-of-factly without resorting to emotion or insults.
4. Keep calm Life happens.
The most important thing to do is to keep a level head. Panic will only cripple the situation further. It is still about the joining together of you and your love. Don’t let something like the wrong colour of linens rob you of your joy. There’s not a lot you can do about it on D-day.
5. Ask people for help
Recruit the other vendors who did show up. Every wedding vendor knows others in the business or can quickly find one. If say, the cake is a no-show, they should be able to find someone who can deliver one last minute. It won’t be what you ordered but at least there’ll be cake. Let family and friends help too. You’ll be amazed at their contacts.
6. Be resourceful
If the band did not show, see if the event venue has a system compatible with an iPod and get a fun person to DJ. If the florist is nowhere to be found, have someone run to a flower shop or the market. Get on social media. Word travels fast. Someone may be able to find a replacement.
7. Write them a bad review...carefully
If you feel so inclined, share your experience and express your views. State that you were displeased with their services and will not recommend them. However, be careful of defamation. Do not say they “stole” from you or committed fraud if you have no clear evidence. You could get sued for all the money you gathered on the dance floor and your future children’s education fund.