Customs officers arrested four wedding planners from the same operator after they deceived two couples out of about HK$100,000.

The arrests of three women and one man, aged between 31 and 42, from two wedding service companies under the same operator were conducted from last Wednesday to Monday. Two complaints were made against them for allegedly failing to provide the services that customers had paid for.

The two sales staff and two managers were released on bail for suspected contravention of the new Trades Descriptions Ordinance.

In one case, the staff promised a couple earlier this year that banquet food worth HK$240,000 would be cooked and served on 24 tables at a wedding venue.

But after receiving a deposit of HK$70,000, the staff indicated that food would be provided by a catering service as cooking was forbidden at the venue.

In the second case which took place last October, a couple paid a HK$30,000 deposit to the staff who claimed that the HK$50,000 wedding ceremony would be held at a church-like glass hall even if they knew it was an illegal structure due for demolition by the Buildings Department. The two cases were similar to two wedding services-related complaints reported by the Consumer Council on Monday although the stated package prices were different.

The council earlier referred to customs authorities a complaint against a banquet food provider.

The deposits have not been refunded although the services have not been delivered.

Head of Unfair Trade Practice Investigation Hui Wai-ming said customers should pay special attention to the details of contracts.

"They may place too much attention on elements, like the wedding setting and the stylish aura, and forget to assess the reliability of the salesperson," Hui said.

He suggests that couples should do in-depth research on service providers.

He also said customers should record verbal promises made to avoid contradictions with the written terms of the contract.

Operators may face prosecution if they conspire to cheat customers, Hui warned.

Since the law was amended in July 2013, the department has received five more wedding-related complaints. It issued advisory letters to two parties and dropped three cases for lack of evidence.