Photography by @daringwanderer
Celebrating at @gladstonehotel
You've spent hours researching vendors, emailed back and forth, maybe jumped on a call, or met them for coffee! It's an exciting time to be crossing to-dos off your list.
But wait! One more important step before you put them into your phone as 'Amanda - Wedding Planner,' which is signing a contract.
A contract is a written and signed agreement between you and the hiring vendor. This contract should outline and clarify the roles and responsibilities of both yourselves and the vendor and answer any "what if" questions you might have. It's important to remember that the contract protects both parties.
What Should a Wedding Contract Cover
Name and contact information of both the couple and the vendor
Itemized list of products or services, including dates, times, and locations
Additional conditions of the contract including photography, upgrades, travel, etc.
Policy in the case of cancellation, postponement, changes, and refunds
Fees
Payment schedule - Outlines when payments are due and how to pay them
Signatures from both parties
It may seem like a simple list, but these can be pages and pages long, especially when it comes to some of your larger vendors, such as your venue, catering, etc.
Photography by @abritandablonde
Celebrating at @beamerfallsmanor
Sign off on the Details
You MUST understand what you are signing because your signature legally binds you to what you've agreed to. Be sure to ask questions if you have them. If you've agreed, get it in writing! This also applies to things like discounts and promotions.
Reviewing a contract is the best time to ask any questions you might have. This is often a more formal process and ensures you and the vendor are on the same page.
Your memory might be great, but nothing is binding about this.
Did the florist say they would pick up the rentals at the end of the night? Did your photographer tell you when you should expect your photos after your wedding? Is everything you discussed in this contract?
Do you know the vendor and don't think anything will go wrong? It sounds too formal? You don't want to seem like a bother. Without a contract, there are too many assumptions being made.
Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned. And should that happen, this is a document outlining what you both agreed to.
Photography by @misstraceynolan
Celebrating at @berkeleyevents
Planning
You are signing this contract often well before your wedding date, so be sure to review these during the planning process.
If you need to make changes to one of your contracts, check-in with your vendor. Any changes agreed upon should be updated on the contract.
Family/friend "vendors"
It's always exciting when a couple tells me that a friend or family member will step in as a vendor. Bringing them into your wedding team can add a personal touch to the day. It can be tempting to skip the contract stage because it can sometimes feel formal or uncomfortable to have a contract with someone you've known since college.
Your relationship doesn't answer the who, what, where, when, and whys, and it definitely won't stand up in court (hopefully, you don't get that far).
Photography by @jennifervansonphoto
Celebrating at @wbgolfclub
Covid Wedding Contracts
Planning a wedding during the pandemic has undoubtedly made things difficult. Now more than ever, contracts are crucial.
Covid-19 shook the wedding industry these last two years. Vendors and venues were forced to adapt, not really knowing how long adjustments would need to be made.
You can expect to see covid clauses in any contract you sign moving forward. Conditions based on postponing or rescheduling are the most common.
If you don't listen to anything else, I wrote here, just be sure you have a clear paper trail!