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Let's get something straight: Every time you hire a
photographer, caterer, florist, or hairdresser; book a
chapel, park, or hotel ballroom; or order something from
a dress shop, dressmaker, or formalwear store, you must
get your agreement in writing. Until you put down a
deposit, there is no contract, and you have no
guarantees. Read everything in your contracts and
receipts, and be sure to document every single wedding
arrangement you make.
1. FLEXIBILITY
You might not want to think about an April snowstorm's
effect on your lovely garden ceremony, but if you want
to ensure that the catering hall's ballroom will be
available, write that into the contract. Don't be afraid
to alter the stock contract that the vendor or manager
offers. If your request is reasonable -- for example,
you want the supplier to be liable for potential
negligence or willful misconduct -- and the vendor won't
agree, look elsewhere.
2. REFUNDS
Every contract should include a refund policy that
discusses what refund you will receive if you cancel and
what penalty the vendor will pay if they cancel. For
bands and DJs, you might want to include a "Macarena
Clause": If they play something on your written "Do Not
Play" list, they must deduct a small amount from the
bill.
3. DETAILS FORTHCOMING
What should you do if you've made some decisions but
haven't finalized details? (For example, you know you
want lots of roses, but you don't know the exact cost of
the centerpieces). You can make a contract when you book
the service and include a general amount or maximum cost
for services, but add a sentence that says details will
be confirmed in writing by a certain date.
4. WHAT GOES IN
On every contract, write
Day of the week
Date of the wedding
Time the vendor should arrive
Day and date an item should be delivered
Note: When dealing with vendors that are providing a
service on the wedding day itself, make sure the
contract includes the name and number of the person the
vendor should call if anything goes wrong or gets
delayed.
5. RECEIPTS
When you order something, such as a dress, a tuxedo,
invitations, or favors, the contract can be as brief as
a store receipt. That said, it should still include:
Wedding date
Style (a number, a detailed description, or the full
invitation text, for example)
Date item will be picked up
Price and payment schedule
Outline of what the price includes (such as
alterations, accessories, delivery, and envelopes)
Check out our comprehensive contract points tailored to
location, musicians, caterer, florist, cake designer,
photographer, and videographer.
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