If there’s
nothing else you remember,
make sure you remember this:
Always get it in writing.
Here's what you need to see
when you look at a contract.
It's crucial that any time
you settle on a
photographer, caterer, DJ,
or any other party service,
you get the details in
writing. Until you fork over
a deposit and sign off on a
contract, there are no
guarantees. You need to read
everything -- and I mean
everything -- in your
contracts and receipts.
Also, make sure to document
every single party
arrangement that gets made.
Here's what needs to be
there:
1. FLEXIBILITY
You might not want to think
about an April snowstorm's
effect on your plans to
celebrate, but if you want
to ensure that the site has
the equipment available in
case of emergency, that
needs to be in the contract.
Don't be afraid to alter the
basic contract offered. If
your request is reasonable
-- for example, you want
them 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 TO COME
What should you do if you've
made some decisions but
haven't finalized details?
(For example, you know you
want lots of daisies, 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, make sure
you see:
-
Date of the event
(month, date, year,
and day of the week)
-
Time the
vendor should arrive
-
Day and
date an item should be
delivered
Hot Tip:
When dealing with vendors
that are providing a service
on the day of the party,
make sure the contract
includes the name and number
of the person you should
call if anything goes wrong
or gets delayed.
5. RECEIPTS
When you order something,
such as invitations, or
favors, the contract can be
as brief as a store receipt.
That said, it should still
include:
-
The
party's 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)
Read
everything in your contracts
and receipts, and be sure to
document every single
wedding arrangement you
make.
|
