A North Texas Wedding photographer recently made headlines for all of the wrong reasons. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) issued a warning about the vendor after receiving 18 complaints from couples claiming she failed to show up at their weddings or engagement shoots.

To make matters worse, the photographer accepted deposits ranging from $300 to $800 for each event.

“This particular situation is very sad given the bride-to-be not only is out the deposit money paid, but they do not have pictures of their special day,” BBB Spokesperson Monica Horton told photography publication, PetaPixel. “Every wedding planning season we warn about these types of scams that can ruin a special day.”

Busy couples can easily fall prey to con artists and scams like this as they attempt to juggle lining up vendors and making decisions about their wedding with their other day-to-day responsibilities.

The good news is, there are reasonable steps you can work into your planning process that will make you less vulnerable to wedding fraud and ease the stress of making wedding arrangements. These precautions may require a little more time from you now, but they can save you considerable time and aggravation down the road.

Too-Good-To-Be-True Gowns

One common problem is the prevalence of websites that offer surprisingly low rates for designer dresses. In most cases, they’re selling cheap counterfeit versions.

Many of these sites even post designers’ photos to convince brides they’ve stumbled across an amazing deal.

According to the Consumer advocacy organization, Consumer Notice, signs that a site could be selling fake gowns include:

Its “designer dresses” are priced at $200 or less.

The site has no U.S. address or phone number in the “Contact Us” section.

Its sales agreement has terms or conditions that can make getting a refund difficult. 

“The American Bridal and Prom Industry Association says retail prices for designer gowns should be consistent among all retailers, so if you see an online price well below the average, it’s most likely a fake,” Amy Keller wrote for Consumer Notice. “The group suggests visiting the brand name “Where to Buy” or store locator webpage. If the website you’re perusing isn’t on there, it could be a counterfeit operation.”

We also suggest making sure any retail site you’re considering has a lot of customer reviews and looking them up on independent sites to check for consumer complaints.

Something Doesn’t Ring True

Just like dresses, the promise of a seemingly great deal on a spectacular engagement ring or wedding band can leave couples vulnerable to markups, buying fake diamonds, and other rip-offs.

If at all possible, try to have a professional ring appraiser take a look at the ring(s) you’re considering.

And, be blunt. Ask retailers if they display non-certified diamonds.

“If so, either avoid them or ask for a steep discount, as they’re not the quality certified by the Gemological Institute of America,” Brian O’Connell writes for Bridal Guide. “The GIA is deemed by industry experts to be the top gemstone rating agency in the world. Having a GIA-approved certificate for a ring means it underwent rigorous inspection, and is graded by professional gemologists.”

Pretend Planners

Couples also should select wedding planners carefully. Con artists have been known to pose as planners, accept large fees from couples, and disappear.

Signs of a fraudulent planner could include:

-No business card

-No business location

-Large deposit requirement (more than 50%)

-Free email service

Venues, Vendors, and Broken Promises

Of course, pretend planners aren’t the only ones eager to help themselves to your money.

It’s not uncommon for con artists promising spectacular venues, products, or services to let couples down.

In most of these cases, the fraudulent venue or vendor accepts payment for something, from a reservation to get married at their scenic facility to photography services, and never delivers.

Some photographers do show up, Consumer Notice warns, but refuse to provide the photos they shot unless the couple pays more money.

Some of the best ways to protect yourself from one of these nightmare scenarios are to read reviews, check references, and look up your potential venue or vendor on independent consumer sites. Are they the subject of complaints with the Better Business Bureau?

Even after taking those steps, it’s wise to insist on a written service agreement with signatures that clearly outlines the products and services the venue or vendor will provide.

Honeymoon Scams

A honeymoon is supposed to be a romantic, memory-filled vacation after a couple gets married. Unfortunately, scammers sometimes target newlyweds to try and swindle them out of their hard-earned money. Here are some honeymoon scams for couples to watch out for:

-Fake travel agencies: Couples should be wary of booking their honeymoon through unfamiliar or questionable travel sites. Scam sites may pretend to offer luxury all-inclusive packages at unbelievable prices, but they take payment without actually booking anything.

Double check reviews and do research before booking.

-Nonrefundable deposits: Some crooked vendors request substantial nonrefundable deposits upfront, then disappear or never fulfill the booked services. Ask about refund policies, and read the fine print before paying anything.

Upselling tactics: Unethical vendors may use high-pressure tactics to keep selling additional upgrades, insurance policies, etc. which may not be needed. Know exactly what is included so you don't get tricked into excessive purchases.

-Fake prizes/vouchers: Scammers may pretend to offer "free" or discounted honeymoon packages if couples attend a timeshare presentation or sign up for a membership trial. Read the fine print carefully on any vouchers.

Fraudulent Registries

A wedding registry allows couples to select gifts they'd like to receive for their new home together. But dishonest people sometimes create fake registries to try and scam unsuspecting gift-givers. Here’s a closer look:

-Fake Store Registries: Scammers set up sham registry accounts with made-up store names at fake websites. After guests purchase gifts, no items are ever shipped. Only register at established, reputable retailers.

-Fake Charity Registries: Couples may create registries where gifts go towards a certain cause. Scammers make up fake charities to pocket these donations. Vet any unfamiliar charities before donating.

-Hacked Accounts: Criminals may hack into a real couple's registry account and change details to redirect gifts and payments. Use unique, complex passwords and alert retailers if account access seems suspicious.

Wedding Crashing

Predators have been known to slip into weddings uninvited to take advantage of the festivities. Be vigilant for:

-Gift theft: Crashers sometimes sneak off with envelope gifts or steal from the gift/card table. Assign someone to watch gifts carefully.

-Food theft: This is when uninvited guests take advantage of buffets, drink stations, and refreshments. Tighten catering counts and check for extra guests.

-Property theft: Crashers scope out then steal unattended personal property like purses, phones, etc. Don't leave valuables unattended.

More Measures of Protection

The Better Business Bureau has put together additional tips to help you bypass wedding scams:

-Consider high-pressure sales tactics a red flag.

-Get everything in writing, including cancelation policies, prices, fees, dates, services, and products.

-Try to pay with credit cards instead of checks or cash. Credit cards offer more protection against fraud.

-Watch your credit card accounts carefully after your event, and report questionable charges to your credit card company right away.

The Bell Tower on 34th is a purpose-built wedding venue with onsite security, valet parking, and an onsite wedding coordinator.

Our Houston venue is near Conroe, TX.

Learn more about holding a wedding here.