Congratulations on your engagement …. Now what???
Congratulations to the nearly six million couples who got engaged on Valentine’s Day. Once you’ve said YES, there are many decisions to be made — from the date to the dress. And with each decision, there will be a vendor. And with each vendor that you deal with –hall or hotel, caterer, videographer, musician, florist – you’re going to need to get a CONTRACT, an agreement in WRITING.
HERE ARE THREE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW WHEN REVIEWING CONTRACTS FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY:
GUARANTEES: Until you sign a contract and put down a deposit, you have no guarantees that vendors will hold the date of your wedding. READ EVERYTHING and be sure to document every single wedding arrangement you make. Don’t sign any contract until you read – and understand – every word. If you have questions or concerns, consult an attorney. You’re spending a lot of time and money to make your special day the most special that it can be, a meeting with an attorney to review your contracts might save you from disappointment.
COMMUNICATE: Tell your vendors what you want and expect. Do not be afraid to make changes to the standard contract that the vendor offers you. If your venue offers a standard four hour reception and you want to dance until dawn, discuss the terms and then write it in the contract’s addendum. If you hate lilies, make sure your florist knows not to include them in your bouquet by putting it in writing.
CONTRACTS SHOULD INCLUDE:
- Dates and times of all services, including the times the vendor will arrive.
- Date of the Wedding
- Names of all parties involved in the agreement
- Deposit and final payment amounts and payment schedule
- Contingency plans and substitutions
- Detailed description of services
Make sure your upcoming wedding day is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible with solid contracts.