Article from Division of Consumer Affairs-Wedding Scams

Anyone planning a wedding should know that there are scammers out there. This article will hopefully make you a little wiser about some of the choices you make while in your planning stages. The article below is from nj.com

State Division of Consumer Affairs Reminds Couples to Beware of wedding Scams NEWARK – Planning a wedding can be fun and exciting, but it can also be a monumental task. Hiring a photographer, booking a reception hall, arranging for entertainment, making hotel arrangements for overnight guests – these may all be elements in making the day a success.
With wedding season fast approaching, the State Division of Consumer Affairs recently announced it has launched a two-page Consumer Brief brochure, “Planning Your Wedding: Tips to Avoid Scams,” available at http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/brief/wedding.pdf . The announcement is made as part of National Consumer Protection Week.

“At the Division of Consumer Affairs, our top priority is to empower New Jersey consumers. Couples put enormous amounts of time and effort into planning the perfect wedding. Consumer Affairs is reminding them to take precautions to help ensure they create a day they’ll remember as one of the best in their lives – a memory that will not be marred by shoddy services or outright fraud,” said Thomas R. Calcagni, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Important tips found in the new Consumer Brief include:
Contact the Division of Consumer Affairs to find out whether any potential vendor – such as a photographer, videographer, DH, band or caterer – has a history of consumer complaints, or has been cited for violating any consumer protection laws.
Take the time to carefully review every contract before signing. Note the terms of cancellation.

Remember that paying by credit card, as opposed to cash or other means, can generally help you resolve any future disputes.
Beware of wedding scams, such as phony exhibitions. Before paying to attend a bridal show, try to verify that the event is real by checking the organizer’s credentials or checking with the owners of the venue.
Before buying engagement or wedding rings, conduct your own research to learn about precious gem quality and ring settings. This will help you find the best deal to match your budget and your style.
Before buying a wedding gown, learn whether the seller is following Federal Trade Commission requirements on providing information about the garment’s fiber content and country of origin.

For more information, view the full Consumer Brief at state.nj.us/lps/ca/brief/wedding.pdf.
NATIONAL CONSUMER PROTECTION WEEK (NCPW) is a coordinated campaign that encourages consumers nationwide to take full advantage of their consumer rights and make better-informed decisions. NCPW 2011 takes place March 6 through 12, 2011.