This week we'd like to ask you a question: What's the best way to get "taken to the cleaners" when planning a wedding? We know of three that may elude you:
1. Let's start with diamond engagement rings, the second largest expense of a wedding. Because most consumers focus on clarity (or how free the diamond is from flaws) and color, or how "white" or colorless the diamond is, we forget about the "make" or the cut, proportioning and finish of the diamond.
Tiffany's in its How To Buy A Diamond Brochure says that cut is the most important factor in choosing a beautiful diamond. Furthermore, many jewelers admit that unknowing consumers may pay up to 40% more for a poorly cut diamond. Don't be one of them!
2. The second rip-off is the way you purchase liquor for your reception. Don't ever buy liquor "by the drink" . meaning that you pay for every drink your guests consume! If drinks are $7.50 each, for example, and you've got a partying bunch-your guests' liquor bill could break your bank!
The solution to the problem? Buy liquor by the head. That means that you're charged one price for every person of drinking age, for a three- or four-hour open bar. You can then relax, knowing the total liquor cost, upfront.
3. The third rip-off is to let vendors get away with making your deposits non-transferable and non-refundable. Hogwash! How do you know what's going to happen six to eight months down the road that could effect your wedding date?
The solution? Negotiate your contracts so that all deposits are transferable to another date if your wedding plans change within 60 days or greater from the date of your wedding. And add a clause that states that deposits are refundable should the wedding cancel for any reason, at any time, ,provided the vendor is able to book another affair of equal or greater value for your wedding date.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
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