Before you sign on the dotted line...

One of the biggest pieces of advice we can give our clients, or any bride is "make sure to read your vendor contracts VERY carefully". Contracts are done not only to cover the vendor, but the client as well. It's very important that if there is something you don't understand you ask someone to help. The last thing you want to do is sign a contract that you do not agree with or understand fully.

Here are some of the main things you need to make sure to carefully note on any contract:

 1. The dates and times are correct (start times and end times)

2. Hours of service - make sure to calculate the correct amount of hours you will need from a vendor. Overtime charges can get expensive so you want to make sure to add everything from the beginning. 

3. Cancellation and Postponment Policy: if you postpone your event some vendors will still work your event as long as the new date works for them at not additional cost. However other vendors have penalty fees. This is very important to keep mind and how what will happen to your contract if you need to cancel or postpone.

4. Publishing Rigths: almost every vendor has a clause on their contract that they have a right to use photos and video from your event for their own marketing use (social media, commercials, ad's, blogs,etc.). If you are NOT ok with this it's important to point this out from the beginning and make sure to have this point removed.

5. Almost every photographer/ videographer has a clause in their contract that states that no other photographer/ videogarpher can be present at the event unless they are from their team. It's important to be aware of this becuase many other vendors (DJ, venue, decorator) tend to include in their contracts that they can bring their own photographer to cover their work, however this would be a direct breach of contract with your own Photo/ Video team, it's very important that all vendors are aware of this and that if they want images from the event they need to contact your photographer directly if you allow it.

In the end, the main point is to read the contract and ask questions before you sign on the dotted line.

Reading Contracts

One of the biggest hassles when planning a wedding are all the contracts you will have to sign. At the same time this is the most important process to ensure that your wedding is a success. When getting ready to commit to a vendor, it is very important to read everything very carefully. From payment terms, to deadlines, to what exactly they are including in your package, you want to make sure everything is included and noted, especially when spending a large amount of money,

Here are some things to look out for:

1. Parking: Is their parking included in their total or is this extra? How many cars will require parking? 

2. Meals: Do they require a meal? How many team members will require a meal? Do they have any dietary restrictions?

3. Travel: What is the travel cost? Do they charge per day or by distance?

4. Expenses: Are these included in their contract? Other than parking, travel, and meals what other expenses would you need to cover?

5. Delivery: for Photo and Video, when will they delivery your proofs? What is the timeline for post production?

These are just a few of a multitude ofl questions that should be discussed prior to signing any contract. Remember that all contracts are legally binding and you wouldn't want any surprises on the day of your wedding.

The Fine Print

One of the biggest hassles when planning a wedding are all the contracts you will have to sign, but at the same time this is the most important process to ensure that your wedding is a success. When getting ready to commit to a vendor, it is very important to read everything very carefully. From payment terms, to deadlines, to what exactly they are including in your package, you want to make sure everything is included and noted. When going through payment terms here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. How much of a deposit is required? Some vendors will say they don't require a deposit, but we suggest you always give one, even if its just $100. This makes the contract legally binding
2. When are payments due? You want to make sure you always pay on time. This helps to keep a good relationship with the vendor and if you ever need to add a little something to the contract they are more willing to do so.
3. When is your final payment due? We always suggest our brides to try and make their final payments before the big day. The last thing you want is your vendors hunting you down on the dance floor for final payments.
4. Please bear in mind that the person that signs the contract is the personal that i legally bound to all the terms. We suggest that both bride and groom sign all contract together.

Contracts are legally binding, just like any other contract your wedding contracts need to be thoroughly read and understood, it is also helpful to have more that one person read them to make sure that nothing has been left out.