Planning a wedding can be fun and exciting but it can also cause stress for the couple. To organise a wedding, the couple needs to make several bookings, such as hiring a photographer, booking a reception venue, catering, music, flower arrangements, car hire, bridal wear, souvenirs and videography. When booking these services, problems may crop up and, if not tackled in the right way, may result in waste of money and unnecessary hassle.
The first responsibility a couple has is to shop around to find the services that best meet their needs. These needs should be clearly communicated to the ser-vice provider before concluding the booking. The next step is to compare prices, quality and reputation of possible suppliers.
Once the couple make up their mind about the chosen suppliers, before signing on the dotted line or paying deposits, they must carefully read and understand the terms and conditions of the contract. A sales contract sets out the obligations of both the couple and the trader and these are legally binding. So it is in the couple’s best interest to know what these obligations are so that if there are any conditions they do not like, they can discuss possible changes with the trader. Should the trader agree to amend the contract, it is important to have the trader sign any changes made.
What happens if the wedding needs to be postponed or cancelled?
When reviewing the contract of sale, the couple should check that all that has been verbally agreed with is written in the contract and should also note the terms of cancellation. What happens if the wedding needs to be postponed or cancelled? Is the deposit paid refundable? What about the rest of the payment due?
Unless otherwise specified in the contract of sale, if the sales agreement is not fully honoured by the couple, legally, they may not only lose any deposit paid but may also be obliged to pay the full balance. This usually happens when bookings are cancelled close to the wedding date. Refunds can only be legally claimed if it is the trader who fails to honour his or her commitment. So it is very important that the contract of sale includes a detailed description of the product or service ordered.
For instance, if the couple wishes to engage a particular singer, they should make sure that the specific singer is named in the contract. The contract should also include an agreed substitute singer if the original singer is unavailable on the day due to unforeseen circumstances.
Whatever is purchased and whenever a deposit is paid, it is the couple’s responsibility to keep the evidence of the purchase. This could be in the form of a fiscal receipt or any other document that proves what product or service was purchased, from where and when it was purchased.
Should there be a problem with the product or service, the proof of purchase is absolutely necessary to obtain redress.
Being aware of one’s rights and responsibilities is therefore fundamental to avoid problems and complications that may only cause stress and anxiety.
However, whenever this is not possible and couples find themselves facing difficulties that they cannot handle on their own, they should contact the Office for Consumer Affairs at the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority for advice and assistance.
Odette Vella is director, Information, Education and Research Directorate, Office for Consumer Affairs, Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority.
odette.vella@mccaa.org.mt