Contracts

CONTRACTS

Be a Wise Consumer

• Pay with a credit card (deposits too). That way if you are unhappy with the service or have problems that aren't resolved, you may have some recourse with the credit card company.
• Don't forget to ask for references and check them out. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau in your local area prior to booking a vendor, to see if there have been any complaints and if so, how they were handled.
• Get all the details written out - don't leave anything to memory and oral agreements, so there won't be any misunderstandings later as to what was supposed to be done.
• Don't be pressured to sign immediately. Take time to review it and have someone else look at it also. Ask questions if there are details you don't like or understand. All contracts can be negotiated and changed; there are not absolutes.
• Be sure the merchant also signs the contract and agrees to its terms.
• If you are incurring large expenses, you may want to consider wedding postponement/cancellation insurance to cover your investments in deposits, etc., in case of medical emergencies, acts of God, etc. that could cause your wedding not to happen or to be interrupted.

In all contracts, you want the following:

• The total cost and any payment arrangements, including deposits and final payment terms.
• In most cases, you shouldn't be asked to put down more than 50% of the total price before services are completed. The less you pay up front, the less you could lose if you have problems.
• The refund or cancellation policy and agreement on how things will be adjusted if there are mistakes. For instance, if you cancel months in advance, you shouldn't be responsible for the bulk of the cost, since the vendor can re-book your date easily.
• What, if any, overtime costs are there (depending on the service).
• What, if any, gratuities are normal, expected or automatically added to your bill.
• The person responsible for delivery, setup or performance of agreed services (and backup person) and phone numbers.
• See below for more vendor specific details.

Attire

• Include a cancellation clause for return of your deposit if the clothing does not arrive on the desired date or in good condition.
• Choose a delivery date several weeks before the wedding to allow for alterations. Men's clothing may not be available until just before the wedding, as most of this is rental. Be sure there is ample time built-in for these to be fitted properly.
• Specify any alterations that may be included in the price paid, or what exactly the extra alteration charges are and what they cover (for instance, so much per added buttons, hemming, sleeve and waist alterations, any added trimming or details, etc.)
• What is included in rental packages for men's clothing?
• What are the fitting, alteration and final pickup dates and times?
• Will the clothes be pressed and ready to wear on final pickup?
• What are the cleaning requirements (especially for rental) and what is included in the cost?
• What happens if rental clothing is damaged?
• When does the rental attire need to be returned and are there extra charges if there is a delay in return. Be sure whoever returns the clothing gets a receipt of return and any deposits back.
• See Bridal Attire for more suggestions and details.

Flowers

• The date and time of deliveries and the sites: probably your home for bouquets, ceremony site for corsages, boutonnieres and altar/candle holder decorations, the reception site for table arrangements and cake flowers, etc.
• The amount and color of each type of flower ordered (bouquets, corsages, boutonnieres, etc.)
• What substitutes you will accept if your first choices aren't available. And what you don't want (like no daisies or nothing red, etc.)
• The number and sizes of altar and other ceremony arrangements, like pew markers or candle holder decorations and also table or other reception arrangements, like head table, cake table, punch table, etc.
• The condition you expect the flowers to be in (fresh, not wilted or silk, etc.)
• The style, colors and number of accessories like ribbons, vases, etc.
• What, if anything, needs to be returned or picked up, and by whom. Be clear on any deposits and timing for items needing to be returned.
• See Flowers for more suggestions and details.

Music

• See ceremony music for specific considerations on organist, soloists, etc.
• See reception music for specific considerations on bands or DJs.

Photography/Videography

• Specify the name of the photographer and/or videographer you want. Some studios employ numbers of photographers and the samples you liked may have been taken by another photographer than would be assigned to your wedding. Can you get a discounted price if there is a switch for some reason and what is the name of the backup photographer/videographer?
• Will there be any assistants helping the photographer/videographer?
• Specify the attire of the photographer and videographer and assistants (tux or suits, etc.).
• Specify that you owe no money if the photos/video are ruined, lost, or do not turn out correctly (including deposits).
• What backup equipment will be on site, in case of equipment failure.
• What exactly is included in package deals, like hours at the ceremony and reception, who owns the negatives, are there any free pics, like engagement, etc.
• Specify what and how many locations photos/videos will be taken at (bride's house, church, second location, reception site, etc.) What are the arrival and departure times for each.
• How many rolls of film will be shot and how many proofs are provided and in what time frame after the wedding. For videography, how many tapes will be shot and how many cameras will be used.
• What happens to proofs that may not be given to you and can you buy them (or are all included).
• Can the photographer/videographer use your photos and/or video as samples and advertising?
• Are one or more wedding albums included in the price (yours and/or family)?
• What is the time frame for you and your guests to order photos/videos at a discounted rate. What are the costs of reprints or extra tapes during this time and also after this time.
• What are the extra charges for custom detailing on photos and can the photographer do them (like superimposed images, oil-painting-like pictures, very large framed photos, etc.)?
• Is the video edited or unedited? What editing techniques may be included in video (music, credits, etc.) and if not included, what is the extra charge to add them?
• When will the final photos/videos be delivered?
• Are there rules or restrictions on other people (your family and guests) taking pictures at the wedding?
• If the photographer/videographer stays for most of the reception, does he/she expect to be fed?
• See Photography/Videography for more details and suggestions.

Catering

• See Worksheet for details and checklist on what to ask.
• See Interview for ideas on choosing a caterer you like.