Wedding vendor disputes are some of the ugliest consumer fights in DFW. Thousands of dollars on the line and emotions running high.
Prevention:
- Contract is everything. No handshake deals. Every deliverable, timeline, and payment term in writing.
- Payment schedule. Never pay 100% upfront. Standard: 25-50% deposit, remainder on delivery/day-of.
- Cancellation clause. Understand what happens if THEY cancel. If the contract only protects the vendor, negotiate.
- Reviews + portfolio. Check Google, The Knot, WeddingWire. Look for consistency across platforms.
- BBB and court records. Check both. A vendor with 3 BBB complaints and 2 lawsuits is a red flag.
When it goes wrong:
- Vendor no-shows: File a police report for theft of service (TPC 31.04) if they took payment and didn't show. Then file with TX AG and BBB.
- Substandard work: Document with photos/video. Compare to contract promises. Small claims for damages up to $20K.
- Refund refused: Credit card chargeback within 60 days. Then small claims.
DFW-specific resources:
- Dallas County JP courts for small claims: dallascounty.org
- Tarrant County JP courts: tarrantcounty.com
- Texas AG Consumer Protection: 800-621-0508
RECEIPTS REQUIRED: If sharing a vendor horror story, include the vendor name, contract terms, what went wrong with documentation, and steps you've taken. Evidence-based posts get results. Rants get ignored.
Sources:
- Texas Penal Code 31.04 — Theft of Service
- Texas AG Consumer Protection Division
- Fair Credit Billing Act (chargebacks)
- BBB complaint system
Pay with credit card. Always. It's your only real leverage if things go sideways.
Read the cancellation clause CAREFULLY. Our florist's contract said if THEY cancelled, they only owed a refund "minus expenses incurred." They cancelled and kept $2,000 in "expenses." We fought it in small claims and won.