You paid a deposit. They stopped answering. Here is what Texas law gives you — and the steps that actually work before you sue.
This is general information, not legal advice, but the process below is the same one consumer protection attorneys walk clients through every week.
Your strongest tool: the DTPA
The Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act is the state''s main consumer protection law. It covers wedding vendors the same way it covers any other business selling services to a consumer. If a vendor made specific promises — "complimentary engagement video," "48-hour response time," "final delivery by X date" — and is now not performing, you may have both a breach of contract claim AND a DTPA claim.
The DTPA matters for two reasons:
- Up to triple damages if you can show the vendor knowingly deceived you.
- Attorney fees shift to them if you prevail, which is why attorneys will take these cases on contingency.
The 60-day demand letter
You cannot just sue. Texas law requires a written notice at least 60 days before filing in most cases. That letter has to:
- Identify the specific complaint in reasonable detail.
- State the economic damages you are claiming.
- State attorney fees claimed (if any).
- Describe other relief you are seeking.
A well-written 60-day letter from an attorney resolves the majority of these disputes before anything is filed, because the vendor''s insurance carrier (or the vendor themselves) would rather refund than face DTPA exposure.
Small claims is the realistic venue
Justice Court in Texas handles consumer claims up to $20,000. Filing fees are typically under $100. You do not need a lawyer. Most wedding vendor disputes land here, not in district court.
Parallel complaints that actually move the needle
File these in addition to your private demand — they cost nothing and they get vendors'' attention fast:
- Texas Attorney General — Consumer Protection: file a complaint. The AG does not represent you individually but compiles complaints; repeat-offender vendors do get actioned.
- Better Business Bureau: a public complaint the vendor has to respond to.
- Reviews with facts only: dates, messages, what was promised, what was delivered. Keep emotion out. Document the timeline.
What to stop doing immediately
- Stop sending angry messages. Every text after the first breach helps their defense.
- Stop requesting refunds over the phone. Get every exchange in writing.
- Do not accept partial performance under duress. If the vendor suddenly shows up offering half of what was promised in exchange for "closing out" the contract, get that in writing first.
Document everything — today
Screenshots of:
- The original contract.
- Every message showing what was promised.
- Every message showing the silence (timestamps visible).
- The deposit payment confirmation.
If you need to escalate, the case is won or lost on this paper trail.
Sources: Texas Law Help — Deceptive Trade Practices Act, Texas State Law Library — DTPA Lawsuits, Texas Attorney General — Consumer Rights.