Contracts for your wedding? Do you need them? ABSOLUTELY!
There are a myriad of critical details that are part of your wedding plans. It only makes sense to have wedding contracts or letters of agreement with each of the professional vendors you have hired for your wedding to help ensure that these details are done correctly.
While a vast majority of your wedding choices will be fun and exciting, there are a few “legal” things to be aware of, one of them being contracts.
The purpose of wedding contracts (or any contract, for that matter) is protection. A contract is evidence and legal proof of the agreement between you and the service provider. It sets up boundaries by outlining what both parties will and will not do, and it defines the expectations of both sides.
Relying on a verbal agreement or just a handshake won’t do.
Most of the services you hire will have some form of contract or written agreement. If he/she does not, you need to insist on a letter of agreement that specifies all the details on which you have agreed and both of you will sign it. Having all the details in print will help ensure that there are no misunderstandings.
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That’s not to say that your vendors aren’t professionals, or don’t know what they’re doing, or are scatter-brained. But you need to remember that they are working with multiple couples, who each have different visions and needs for their wedding day, so the possibility of getting a detail wrong does exist. We are human, after all, and accidentally forgetting one of the many details would be all too easy. Having wedding contracts on hand is THE source to refer back to so these details aren’t forgotten.
Who should you have a contract and/or letters of agreement with? Your caterer, your reception hall, your ceremony site (if it’s a different location than your reception site), your dj/musicians, your florists, your transportation services, your photographer, your wedding planner… OK, everyone you’ve hired to do anything for your wedding.
There are certain things that you will want in your wedding contracts. Contracts for your wedding need to cover these general areas:
• Day, date, and time of the event
• Detailed list of merchandise ordered
• Detailed list of services to be provided and the hours
• Name of contact person in charge of providing your services and a contact phone number and email contact
• Deposit and payment schedules
And need to cover these areas as well:
• Force majeure (or Act of God)
• What’s not included
• Cancellation clause
(Check out “Wedding Contracts 101: The Words & Phrases to Look Out For” by Kim Forrest for more important wedding contract sections).
Be sure to keep each of your contracts in a special file. Refer to them when you double check on arrangements prior to the event. If any changes occur, make note of them with addenda to the original documents.
But what if you aren’t hiring a professional to provide one or more of these services? What if you’re using one of your friends (aka Friendors) rather than a professional vendor?
Easy! You get it in writing anyway. It doesn’t mean you don’t trust them. Instead, it means that you want everyone to have the tools necessary to make their job easier, since no one will be able to say “you told me x not y,” or “you didn’t ask for that.”
Having contracts on hand will leave you with the confidence and peace of mind that the beautiful ceremony and reception you’ve worked so hard at planning is more likely to happen as planned.
Photo by energepic.com via Pexels
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
Looking for fun ideas, or need help with your wedding plans?
Weddings From The Heart can help. Contact me today at [email protected] or by phone or text at 937-581-3647!
