Weddings are meant to be joyful, relaxed, and filled with love, which makes it all the more ironic that they often rank among the most stressful events in a person’s life. Family conflicts, soaring expenses, and unforeseen challenges can easily derail a couple’s plans.
This was the case for one bride whose wedding vendor was placed in an induced coma due to health complications. To make matters worse, the couple had already paid a non-refundable $10,000 deposit for their venue, leaving them uncertain if they’ll ever recover the money.
More info: Reddit
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Bride In Terrible Fix After Learning Wedding Vendor
Couples are bound to face some challenges when planning their wedding, but some obstacles can truly end up being daunting
The poster explained that her best friend had hired a “one-stop shop” wedding vendor and paid them a $10k non-refundable deposit, but unfortunately, the person was put in a coma
The wedding vendor who had been sick for a while never mentioned it to the bridal couple, but someone who knew her well let the bride and groom know what was going on
The couple have no way of reaching out to the contractor, no other contact person’s details, and can’t hire another wedding vendor due to the contract they signed
The bridal couple don’t know what to do to recover their deposit and also have to find another wedding vendor before their nuptials in January
The poster’s friend is understandably panicking, as she not only has no way of recovering her deposit but also now faces the daunting task of finding a new wedding contractor. While the couple likely sympathizes with the vendor’s health struggles, it must be overwhelming to have to completely rethink their wedding plans and finances at such short notice.
To shed light on how to handle such complex situations, Bored Panda reached out to Jasmine Norris, an award-winning wedding photographer with over a decade of experience. Known for capturing romantic and timeless images that couples cherish for generations, Jasmine has been featured in over 450 publications and specializes in helping couples enjoy a stress-free wedding experience.
When asked what couples should consider when choosing a wedding vendor, Jasmine emphasized the importance of professionalism and paying attention to potential red flags. “The vendor should have solid, positive reviews, a clear contract that protects both parties, and a contingency plan for worst-case scenarios,” she explained. “They should also be responsive to your questions and concerns, rather than dismissing them. Additionally, make sure their portfolio reflects the quality of work they promise to deliver.”
In this specific case, it appears the couple’s contractor failed to communicate openly about her health issues and did not provide alternative contact information to keep them informed. This left the couple in the dark and added to their stress.
When asked if the situation seemed suspicious or potentially like a scam, Jasmine responded, “While it’s unusual that the vendor doesn’t have an email or other contact method, I would hope they aren’t lying about being in a coma! The couple should try to verify the situation through the friend who informed them and attempt to reach out to the vendor’s assistant for more details on next steps.”
Jasmine’s advice highlights the importance of transparency and preparedness when working with wedding vendors, especially in unpredictable circumstances.
The couple’s biggest challenge is the apparent inability to recover their deposit. They are also bound by a contract that prohibits them from hiring another vendor without incurring a significant penalty. This leaves them in a tough spot: whether they forfeit the deposit or hire a new vendor, they risk losing a substantial amount of money.
Jasmine Norris advised that in such worst-case scenarios, the first step is to review the contract thoroughly. “You should then contact the vendor or their team, referencing the contract to determine the next steps,” she explained. “If that doesn’t resolve the issue, the next course of action would be to pursue small claims court or consult a lawyer. A lawyer can help you recover your money and enforce the contract. The contract shouldn’t just protect the vendor—it should also include terms that safeguard you if the vendor fails to meet their obligations.”
This situation is far from ideal for both the couple and the vendor. Wedding planning is already an emotionally charged process, and the added stress can lead to rushed or poor decisions. To help couples avoid such pitfalls, Jasmine shared her advice on ensuring a vendor’s reliability and professionalism.
“I recommend that couples thoroughly research each vendor and read their reviews,” she said. “If the vendor has worked with someone you know, reach out to that person for a referral and their perspective on the vendor’s service. Make sure the contract includes clauses that protect you in worst-case scenarios.”
Jasmine also provided an example from her own business practices: “As a wedding photographer, I bring backup equipment to every wedding in case of malfunctions. My camera uses dual memory cards to prevent data loss, and I back up all images immediately after the event. I also have a detailed contingency plan in place, which outlines steps to take if I’m unable to fulfill my duties due to an accident or other unforeseen circumstances. My husband, parents, and a trusted photographer friend all have access to this plan to ensure my clients are taken care of.”
In this case, it’s clear the vendor failed to keep the couple informed and neglected to provide essential details about their services. The couple’s only recourse now seems to be pursuing small claims court to recover their deposit, allowing them to move forward with their wedding plans without further financial strain.
What would you do if you were in their situation?
Some netizens said that it’s best to contact a lawyer in situations like this, while a majority of the responses were in agreement that the bridal couple got scammed
credits by: boredpanda.com
