Vendor Contracts For Your Wedding Day

Contracts, contracts , contracts. Wither it is a wedding event, purchasing a home, auto or property or the deal for your wedding meal and reception – in the end legalities, and contracts come into play. Better to play it by the book, follow the straight and narrow path. Be safe rather than sorry.

Weddings are dreamy affairs, but they often involve some down-to-earth planning. Once you decide your vision, you should count on some down-to-earth paperwork, namely the contracts. Such documents are legal between you and your vendor on terms and conditions. They work to each and both parties’ advantage. Each knows what is expected in terms of services and fees, so there is less chance of disappointments as the wedding day nears.

Many wedding services provide formal wedding contracts drawn up by their lawyers. These contracts are usually standard. It is best not to be put off by all the complex gobbleygook legalese. Although you do not always have to pay for your own lawyer, look over a contract, if you take the time to read it carefully. You should be able to get more than a gist of the language and undertaking yourself. Make sure that you read every line, foreword and backward, and understand every nuance- even the simplest phrases such as “and/ or” (for example “red and / or white wine”), may not be correct. You may wish at your event not have to have either red or white wine. You choose to have both red and white wine served. Next look to references in the text. For example the phrase “above”, may refer to a description of terms of events that are not your choice. Or refer to paragraph one, where paragraph one refers to a vendor’s decision which was exactly not the one that you chose. If you are not sure, or unsure of anything, now is the time to ask. There is nothing wrong in asking for clarification of the agreement and contract.
After all that is what the whole contract process is about – customer service, customer satisfaction with no misunderstandings.

Some vendors, especially those with small or informal businesses, may draft a handwritten agreement or use a simple proposal as the contract. In many cases this fine and standard practice. It is often the case that this suffices as the contract whereas a lengthy very expensive and overkill lawyers contract is needlessly long and complex for the situation. Both parties may well find it much easier – both for the agreement and work through. Remember that you are party to this process of the contract as well. If things – or a clause are not to your liking – then no need to be bulldozed or taken advantage of. Smaller, more personal vendors usually take a direct pride in their business and personal reputation. They want to do business with you. They want you to be happy and spread their word and reputation. After all business grown by word of mouth and referrals is the very best form of advertising and promotion there is.

For any document and contract to be legally binding both parties must sign the agreement – not only one side. Otherwise the contract is not binding and valid to both sides. In addition any changes that are made to the contract must be followed up by a letter from both sides.

Ensure to keep a copy of these signed contractual documents in a safe and accessible manner. You are not running a land titles or property tax assessment office.

However in the case of any changes or even disputes actual documentation goes a lot longer in a pinch of problems on a wedding day than simply a verbal recollection or misunderstanding by both sides of the agreements and contracts.