Perhaps one of your vendors lets you down. The bakery that was supposed to bake your wedding cake goes out of business. Your wedding dress arrives without the matching jacket for your winter wedding. The reception site apologizes for an accidental double booking and shows you the door.

Check the Fine Print

In such a situation, the first thing you should do is check your contract. Keep all of your wedding agreements and contracts handy in a three-ring binder so if you run into a problem, you aren't frantically sifting through paperwork to find what you need. If a delivery can't be made, examine your recourse for having your deposit returned.

The Next Step

Nicely but firmly tell the delinquent vendor you will contact your local Better Business Bureau if he shirks his financial responsibility. Write letters. Make yourself a burr in his side if he thinks he can just apologize and walk away from a mess.

If you have a significant dispute on your hands, for instance if you've paid a large deposit for a service that a vendor is suddenly refusing to return, contact an attorney. The fee will be worth the legal assistance.