Before Ed and I bought a house, I spend hours online researching home prices, market values, mortgage rates, etc.

The same can not be said for my bridal gown. Don’t get me wrong. I spent lots of time researching different styles, fabrics and looks, but the woman who is sewing my gown — not at all. I was just happy to have found her.

I lucked out. Deb has bought the fabric I requested, show it to me and is busy working on my gown. But a recent article in The Boston Herald was a wake-up call that I left myself wide open for some sort of fraud. I’ve also heard of wedding photographers who collect the cash and never deliver the photos.

While the Internet is a great source for undiscovered vendors who may provide more reasonable prices, beware that you don’t get taken for a ride. Ask everyone for references. Check to see if there are complaints against the company by googling their names and contacting the Better Business Bureau. If you’re still not sure, pay a little extra and go with someone a friend used and was happy with.