Ensuring nothing spoils your dream wedding
With so many services involved, difficulties can easily arise, and if couples are not aware of their rights as consumers, this may lead to unnecessary expenses and frustration
A woman recently contacted the Office for Consumer Affairs after experiencing problems with a bridal shop. She had placed an order for a wedding dress and paid a €900 deposit, with a balance of around €1,300 still due. Unfortunately, her wedding was called off, and she no longer wanted the dress. However, the shop insisted she was legally obliged to pay the remaining balance in full as this condition was included in the sales agreement she had signed.
This case highlights how important it is for people planning to get married to fully understand the terms of any contract related to their marriage preparations before committing to it. If the contract does not allow for cancellation, they may find themselves legally bound to pay the full amount even if circumstances change.
Planning a wedding is often one of the most joyful experiences in a couple’s life, yet it can also bring stress and challenges. To organise their dream wedding, couples usually need to make numerous arrangements, such as reserving a reception venue, booking catering, music, car hire, a videographer and photographer, buying bridal attire, souvenirs, flowers, and so on. With so many services involved, difficulties can easily arise.
If couples are not aware of their rights as consumers, such issues may lead to unnecessary expenses and frustration.
One of the first responsibilities of any couple planning their wedding is to shop around for services that best fit their needs.
The couple should always clearly explain their requirements and preferences to the service providers before committing to a booking.
If a florist is hired, the contract should detail the exact types of flowers, arrangements, and delivery times
For example, in another case, a couple booked a photographer but failed to specify that they also wanted post-ceremony photos. The photographer covered the wedding day, but when the couple asked him when the post-wedding photos would take place, they were informed that the service was not included in the price and therefore it would come at an additional cost.
The next step is to compare prices, quality, and the reputation of different suppliers. For example, some couples choose a catering service because it is the cheapest option, only to discover that some essential items, such as tables and tablecloths, come at an additional cost.
Once the couple decides on their chosen suppliers, it is essential that they carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the respective sales contracts before signing or paying any deposits. A contract sets out the obligations of both the couple and the trader, and these obligations are legally binding.
If the couple identifies any clauses they are not comfortable with, it is in their best interest to raise these concerns and request changes before signing. Should the trader agree to amendments, these changes should always be put in writing and signed by both parties.
Couples have a legal right to request a remedy if a trader fails to honour their commitments. It is therefore crucial that contracts clearly specify the products or services being purchased.
For instance, if a florist is hired, the contract should detail the exact types of flowers, arrangements, and delivery times. If the florist delivers different flowers or fails to provide the arrangements on the wedding day, the couple can request a refund or another form of redress.
Similarly, if a venue does not meet agreed standards, or a caterer fails to provide the listed menu items, the couple is entitled to seek compensation, replacements or refunds.
In certain cases, moral damages may also be claimed if the supplier’s shortcomings cause distress or diminish the enjoyment of the wedding day.
Whenever a deposit is paid, couples are responsible to keep proof of the transaction. This could be a fiscal receipt or any document that shows what was paid for, from which supplier, and on what date. If any issues arise with the product or service, having this evidence is essential to claim a refund.
Planning a wedding involves coordinating multiple services and making a variety of purchases, which makes it important for couples to understand their consumer rights. If questions arise or problems occur, couples may contact the Office for Consumer Affairs at the MCCAA for advice and assistance. The office may be contacted through the ‘Contact us’ form on the MCCAA website below or by calling 8007 4400 or via a private message on the MCCAA Facebook page.
Odette Vella is director, Information and Research Directorate, MCCAA.