A wedding can be an exciting but costly experience. Couples spent an average of $35,000 in 2021, including an engagement ring, according to The Knot. Wedding service contracts can help you avoid wasted or lost money if you plan on sticking to a strict wedding budget. Before signing a contract with a wedding vendor, it is essential to understand what might be included.
What Is a Wedding Services Contract?
A wedding service agreement is a document that sets out the conditions under which wedding services must be provided. When planning a wedding, you may work with many providers who require you to sign a wedding contract, including:
- Servants
- Catering
- Florists
- Photographers
- Artists (e.g. DJ, band, singer, etc.)
- Salons
- Transport services
- Wedding planners
You may also need to sign contracts with the wedding venue and hosting venue. Like other contracts, they are legally binding if both parties sign and agree to the terms. This contract protects the seller and the contracting party for wedding services.
Where to Get Wedding Service Contract?
It can be difficult to know where to start if you don't know how to draft a wedding contract template. Of course, you can create it manually, but...
There are many wedding contracts templates that you can fill out online. These contract templates can work well for events. Just pick up a needed one and go down to business.
Common Clauses in a Wedding Contract
Wedding service contracts may include various information related to the provider and the services they provide. This information may be divided into sections or paragraphs, and it is important to read each of them carefully to understand what you agree to. Here are some of the most common clauses you can find in a wedding service contract.
Services Provided
This section is one of the most important in the contract for the provision of wedding services. Here, the provider must specify exactly what services they will provide to you, how these services will be provided and when. For example, if you are signing a wedding contract with a photographer, you might include:
- How many hours will the photographer spend at the wedding
- Number of photos the photographer will take
- Number of photos to be included in the final package
- When you meet to pick photos
- How retouching or editing will be done
- When will the final set of wedding photos be delivered to you
The more details, the better for you, because it minimizes the possibility of gray areas or misunderstandings.
Deposit Requirements
It is not uncommon for wedding vendors to ask for a deposit when signing a contract. The deposit can be a fixed fee or a percentage of the supplier's total cost. The most important thing here is to understand how much you pay and whether this deposit is refundable or not.
When the wedding does not take place due to bad weather, disagreements between the future spouses, or even a global crisis, there is no guarantee that you will get your money back. For example, in New York State, wedding planners can set any return or cancellation policy they choose. You should read this section carefully and ask the supplier to clarify any terms you do not understand.
Postponement, Cancellation, and Termination
There are various reasons for postponing a wedding. For example, in a 2020 Brides study, 66% of couples decided to postpone their wedding in a year of the COVID-19 crisis. In some cases, it may be necessary to cancel the wedding altogether, or you may decide that you no longer want to work with a particular vendor.
When writing a wedding services contract, add a section or sections covering postponement, cancellation, and termination. Specifically, these:
- Deadlines for Cancellation or Termination of Services
- Acceptable Reasons for Postponing, Cancelling, or Terminating Services
- What should you do to postpone/cancel/terminate the contract, for example, send a written request
- Conditions regarding the return or refund of deposits and other fees paid
Fees
When signing a contract for wedding services, pay special attention to the relevant fees and charges. Your supplier may offer one total cost, but you should not be afraid to ask for a detailed list of all fees and charges.
For example, do you have to make regular payments for the total amount? Is there a penalty for late payment? Will you pay a fee for postponing, canceling or terminating a contract? Will the venue charge an additional fee if your ceremony or reception exceeds the allotted time?
Also, don't forget about hidden or unexpected fees. For example, the vendor who makes your wedding cake may charge a separate fee for cutting it. And keep in mind that service staff may still be entitled to tips, in addition to the fees you pay for catering services.
Final Words
The wedding day is one of the most important milestones in life. That's why it's important to cover all the basics and make sure you know what your bridal vendors and suppliers are supplying. Knowing how to review and sign wedding contracts can save you a lot of money and hassle.
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