Wedding Woes: What Happens When Vendors Fail To Deliver Goods & Services?

The process of finding the right vendor for your big day can feel incredibly overwhelming, especially when each company has different contracts and rules for the bride and groom to review. For example, let’s say the newlyweds want to create a photo-op where the guests blow bubbles. Seems like an easy request, right? Not quite…if your wedding venue is indoors or features man-made water fountains, they may not allow bubbles. 

And that’s just for one picture. Hardly enough to completely ruin the moment, but you can start to see how more serious requests can go awry. All that research, contract signing, and wedding preparation can go down the drain in a moment’s notice when a vendor fails to deliver for the main event. 

Suing A Wedding Vendor

In what circumstances would it be acceptable to sue your wedding vendor? If a lawyer agrees to take the case, any circumstance could lead to a payout if the court believes the vendor acted negligently. 

In the case of newlyweds Jacob and Ashley McCourt from Utah, the actions of their caterer caused the groom to suffer an allergic reaction during his wedding reception. The McCourts opted to sue the caterer for a full refund and the cost of Jacob's medical bills. 

Vendor Contracts

Whether you have a quirky request for your wedding day or just need to secure an officiant, you’ll have a contract. This contract should be presented to and reviewed by the engaged couple prior to signing. 

Research and Initial Consultation

Ready to start looking at possible vendors? Find one you’d like to consider and take a look at their contract (this information may be provided on their website, but for the majority of vendors, you will need to ask). 

Pay attention to all of the fine print — you’ll find a ton of little nuances hidden in there. For instance, maybe your wedding venue provided a list of preferred vendors. This is excellent for couples who want recommendations, but not ideal when a specific vendor won’t work outside of their preferred list. 

Compile a list of questions and meet with your vendor for a consultation. Here, you want to clarify all the aspects of the vendor contract that seem ambiguous or confusing. 

Sign Paperwork, Vendor Delivers 

When you feel comfortable with the vendor contract negotiations and you’ve reviewed all the terms of the contract clearly, the couple will meet with the vendor to sign and date the contract. Depending upon what good or service this vendor is providing, you may talk to them frequently before the big day or you may only touch base periodically.

Either way, the couple moves on with planning and needs to trust their vendor will deliver the promised agreement. We hope that’s the end of your journey dealing with wedding vendors and contracts, but every year, hundreds of couples are left disappointed by the actions of others on their special day. 

Post-Wedding Vendor Regret? Fight For Recourse With Hickey & Hull 

If something out of your control de-railed your wedding and ruined the celebration, Hickey & Hull can help fight for fair compensation. Our team of legal professionals has helped many clients navigate a wide variety of business contracts, so when you need a lawyer fighting for you, call (479) 434-2414 to set up a consultation.

We’re sorry that your wedding day went sour. Let us handle your contract dispute in court, so you can put this nightmare scenario in the past and focus on building a brighter future for your family.