Let’s Talk Shop

Ciara Crossan — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 09:00:53 +0000

A great new site has recently launched called TalkShop.ie for all those of you out there who love not only shopping, but TALKING about shopping!! The forum is only new, but the driving force behind it, Sian from GiftsandVouchers.ie is hoping that it will become a premier resource for people looking to exchange info and get shopping deals in Ireland.

They have a wedding section for people looking for ideas for Gifts or advice on what to wear and where to get it. Also dead handy if you are trying to organise a Stag or Hen party and need advice on where to go! Yours truely is also part of the Ask The Expert section – so if there are any queries you have re: wedding venues, or indeed anything wedding-related, why not hop on there and ask!

GiftsandVouchers is a site that has brought together online shopping from some of Irelands best retailers in one place and allows you to browse by category, so why not check out their wedding or engagement gift ideas.

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Unscrupulous Suppliers

Ciara Crossan — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 07:00:35 +0000

Every couples nightmare, paying a supplier for a service for the wedding, and then the supplier not showing up/delivering the goods…..such is what happened to friend of mine Peter Donegan and his wife who got married 3 years ago and have yet to receive their wedding photographs.

A shocking situation I’m sure you’d agree and one no one would wish on anyone getting married.

My advice for couples booking suppliers for their wedding:

Make sure the suppliers are registered at their trade. Particularly if you are ponying up the money in advance.

Do your homework – research the suppliers in question and ask around. Word of mouth is HUGE in weddings and if none of your own friends have recently gotten married the wedding forums are a great place to start. Try boards.ie and weddingsonline as a starting point.

Keep receipts and get everything in writing. Then if the worst happens and you have to bring someone to the small claims court, you have evidence.

A mobile number is not enough. Nor is an email address. You need a registered business address, or failing that a personal address. Of course with bands and some other suppliers this could be difficult.

Check out their previous work, and talk to other couples who have used the supplier. Don’t just take written testimonials as a given, ask can you talk to a few of their previous customers.

If the supplier is iffy about any of the above, you can smell a rat straight away and run for the hills. Failing all that if things do go awry make sure you tell everyone you know your story. Write on the forums to warn other couples or post a review on LouderVoice. Make your voice heard!

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The Bride is Always Late: Irish Wedding Blog from WeddingDates.ie » forums

Let’s Talk Shop

Unscrupulous Suppliers