Before you pay a deposit

• Prices far below everyone else, or pressure to book "today only".
• Payment asked by bank transfer to a personal account, or in cash.
• No landline, no address, and only a social media page that's a few months old.
• Photos that appear on other businesses' websites — try a reverse image search.
• Reviews that all appeared in the same week, or that can't be traced to real people.
• They won't show you an insurance certificate or a written contract.

• Full business name and address, your wedding date and venue.
• Exactly what's included — hours, items, people.
• Total price, deposit amount and when each payment is due.
• What happens if either side cancels, and what's refunded.
• What happens if the supplier is ill — is there a named back-up?

Paying by credit card for anything over £100 and up to £30,000 can give you extra protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Some debit card payments can be reclaimed through chargeback. Consider wedding insurance, and check it covers supplier failure.

Report fraud to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. For advice on your rights, contact Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133. If the supplier is an Official Member, tell us as well — see our questions page.