With National Wedding Month upon us, some tips for planning

February is National Wedding month. Getting engaged and planning for your special day is exciting. Looking at venues, D Js, caterers, florists, etc., is all part of planning. But it can be a lot to take on. That’s why it’s important to consider your options.

BBB receives complaints related to wedding vendors, including bakeries, venues, caterers, limo services, photographers and videographers. Better Business Bureau offers these tips to help you find trustworthy businesses:

■ Research the companies. Look at their availability and make sure their website checks out. Look at past client testimonials and ask family and friends for recommendations.

■ Consider reputation and length of time in business. Also, ask about awards received and professional organization memberships.

■ Ask bridal expo vendors if the prices are the same after the event.

■ Don’t fall for high-pressure tactics. If someone is pressuring you to act quickly, it’s a red flag.

■ Ask whether any fees apply beyond the cost per person, such as gratuities or room rental, plate-splitting, cake-cutting and corkage fees.

■ Be sure bridal shops know sizes, colors, schedule and other necessities. You don’t want to get the wrong thing or get it too late for alterations.

■ Get everything in writing, including promises and cancellation policies, and don’t pay the full amount upfront.

■ Find out when and how wedding pictures will be delivered, whether you can get all the images digitally, how much time you will have to choose the pictures and whether family members or the wedding party will have access to the pictures.

■ Ask the florist how it will handle changes to the arrangements since fresh flowers are a perishable commodity and the final bouquet or arrangements may need to change depending on what’s available on the wedding day.

■ Consider a bridal gown preservation service to get your dress cleaned after the wedding. Check with a reputable cleaner on the cost. The cleaner or another supplier may be able to sell you an acidfree box and tissue at a more reasonable price.

■ Pay with a credit card. This provides protection in the event of a problem that’s not available with other forms of payment.

■ Confirm all services and products one or two weeks prior to the event.