Need Some Advice

sparklingdiamond

I will try to make this brief! 

We have a guy who is set to be both our DJ and our officiant.  He came recommended from our photographer and we met with him and liked him, so we signed the contract.

Now I am having second thoughts.  I have tried several times to get him to give me a copy of the contract and he still has not sent it.  When I inquired about the balance I owed him he said "its on the original contract".  I told him I never got a copy of the contract and he just said "it was on the e-mail I sent you".  Which it wasn't.  If I were a vendor and someone was wanting to pay off the balance, I feel like I would be a little nicer about it.

My FI and I are both just starting to feel really uncomfortable with our interactions with him and I really want to switch.  But I don't know how to go about breaking a contract? 

TexanTreasure08

Did you sign a contract and just not receive a copy?

sparklingdiamond

Yea that and I just don't like any of the interactions I have had with him since then.

juliebug1997

You need a copy of the contract. 

I would imagine that, if you break the contract, you're going to be out whatever deposit you gave him.  Other than your email interaction with him, why are you nervous? 

DFWIndian

Can you meet him to get a copy of the contract?

sparklingdiamond

Just he is really hard to get a hold of and doesn't always return our phone calls/e-mails.  I guess what I worry about is him following through and doing what he is supposed to do, since he doesn't seem to be following through now.  Whenever I ask him questions about what will happen during the ceremony or something like that, his response is usually "we already talked about that" or something along those lines.  Well we haven't really talked about anything.  We had our initial meeting, but that's it.

shortgirltx

Trust your gut. 

We went through a similar thing with our original ceremony site.  We never did get the contract from her no matter how many times we asked so we decided we would be okay with losing the deposit and just never sent in the rest of the payments.  We have not heard a word from her since we signed it.

TexanTreasure08

If his contract allowed for a return of the deposit with cancellation before a certain date you can get your deposit back. Bug him until he gives you a copy of the contract (which, BTW why didn't you require a copy before you gave him your deposit?) and see what it says about your deposit. And if you want to find someone else just do it, don't worry about it. You will feel much better going through this now then worrying about if he will show up on your wedding day. Trust your gut.

sparklingdiamond

The reason I trusted sending him the deposit was really because I trust my photographer and know that she has worked with him before, so I really didn't think she would steer me wrong.  I have used most of the people she recommended without any problems.  So that was just a mistake on my part.

NMac2010

TRUST YOUR GUT!! I had a similar experiences with one of my vendors. It was my first makeup artist, that ended up standing me up on the day of my engagement pictures.

I would cancel your contract, and you'll be out your deposit probably, but if you can spare the money it'll be worth the peace of mind you'll have knowing you found someone that you can count on, and trust.

Also, you have plenty of time to find someone new, for both the DJ and officiant.

TexanTreasure08

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_texas-dallas-ft-worth_need-advice?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:102Discussion:13be6b3a-95a6-4f9f-8e79-0ff8ae39f812Post:e6028070-b27a-4c75-8955-28bc0a8b6757">Re: Need Some Advice</a>:
[QUOTE]The reason I trusted sending him the deposit was really because I trust my photographer and know that she has worked with him before, so I really didn't think she would steer me wrong.  I have used most of the people she recommended without any problems.  So that was just a mistake on my part.
Posted by sparklingdiamond[/QUOTE]

<div>It happens. Just do what you feel is best for YOU. <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-laughing.gif" border="0" alt="Laughing" title="Laughing" /></div>

juliebug1997

Why not call your photographer and tell her your experience with this guy?  She might be able to help you out.  Plus she won't want to be known as recommending a dud.

meghanttu08

I was just gonna suggest to notify your photographer and see if she can help you out and get the contract. To me...it sounds fishy, like they want to take your  $$ and run. I could be wrong, but I think by law, they should give you one.  That way if the vendor changes something you can pull out your copy and show proof. It protects both parties. But like I said, I'm not 100% on if it's regulation or not.

MissAngel

I agree with Julie and Meghan, say something to the photographer.  If the photographer recommended them, they probably have a professional relationship with them and they might be able to do something.  When sending emails to him, I would forward the original email he sent showing there was no attachment.  I would also try to meet up with him in person if he's too busy so that you can get the contract.  I would want to look at it before breaking it just to make sure you know what you are getting into.  Depending on the contract, breaking it may mean they require more money from you (additional fees etc...)

Trust your gut, but get that written contract before making any decisions so you can read the fine print.

lnix

I say go with your gut.  I say better to loose the deposit that have your reception on the line. 

And I agree that you may want to say something to your photog... but not for help, its not her/his business. But she/he should know what kind of person they are recommending.

Good Luck Girl!

ewinkler1977

I'm with the others, talk to your photographer and hopefully she can help you out.