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.