Only deal with a vendor with a good or no record at the Better Business Bureau (800) 664-4435. Many businesses may have negative records with the BBB, so don't rely solely upon this as your deciding factor. Businesses with no record must also be viewed with some degree of apprehension. Remember that very few businesses have "good" ratings at the BBB, since so few people take the time to complement a service.

Check with your local Chamber of Commerce, these persons are usually leaders in their business community, and give few bad references. Remember that membership to Chamber of Commerce is not mandatory for a business, so many good businesses are not listed with them.

See if the business has a negative listing with the state's Attorney General's office. Most states have consumer protection bureaus associated with the Attorney General'' office.

Ask the owner for references. The references must be current and verify with these couples, as to how satisfied they were with the service they obtained. Remember to ask how long ago they used the service and you may get ideas to what their service cost. Good companies will gladly give you references, many bad service providers will try to get you to not make these calls.

Try to get more than three estimates for each service. This will allow you to do some comparison shopping.

Review samples of the actual service the business will provide. Pictures of the buffet line at a corporate event may give one impression of a caterer but how do they set a wedding reception? Studio photography work is not the whole package the photographer is paid to do, he must also take live action shots.

Hire a vendor that has been in business for some time. Remember that most businesses fail in the first three years. Do you want your deposit a year before your wedding at a business that may fail? Ask yourself the following question. Why do some people stay in business? Its probably true to say that they give a fair service for the price. This is not to say that new businesses do not offer a better level of service, it is just that business statistics show this to be true.

Pay for everything with a credit card. With the recent enactment of the Fair Credit Billing Act, you have some leverage when you pay with a credit card. The act allows you to dispute any charge for up to three months, so you may be able to not pay certain vendors if your service was not up to par. By calling your credit card company you may be able to dispute any wrongful billings.

If you are not satisfied with the service you obtained, write a letter to the business owner. Good businesses will follow through on complaints and make it right or try and get it right for the next customer. If still dissatisfied, call the Better Business Bureau and you local consumer protection agencies. Remember that if you are satisfied with the service you obtained. Let these organizations know also. It is a great legacy that you can leave for brides and grooms-to-be.