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Contract Tips
Specify all the details, from the size and type of flowers in your bouquet to the appropriate dress and number of breaks the musicians will take. The following list contains some of the general items that should be included in your contract.
Day, date and time
Delivery dates, times, and locations
Detailed list of merchandise ordered
List of services to be provided, number of hours, breaks, etc.
Appropriate dress
Name of persons in charge of your wedding
Alternative merchandise or service, in needed
Deposits or payment schedules
Last date to make changes or provide final guest count
Cancellation and refund policy
READ THE CONTRACT CAREFULLY, especially the fine print. Make sure you understand and agree to everything; if not, ask questions or make changes- now's the time! Don't overlook the refund or cancellation policy.
Make sure both parties sign and date the contract. You won't have a valid contract id the party promising to provide the merchandise or service doesn't sign it. This may only become an issue if something does wrong, but then of course, it's too late.
CONSIDER PUTTING YOUR DEPOSIT ON A CREDIT CARD. Putting all deposits and purchases on a credit card is one of the best ways to protect yourself as a consumer. Special federal consumer protection laws protect all payments made with credit cards. You, as a consumer, have recourse with your credit card companies if you receive merchandise or services that do not live up to those you contracted for. You must first make an effort to correct the problem with the provider, or renegotiate the terms or price (do this in writing and keep copies). If this does not prove satisfactory, send a copy of your contract, correspondence, and letter explaining the problem, and pictures or any proof that will strengthen your case to your credit card company. If, after their investigation, they find the merchant did not live up to the terms of your contract, they will not release funds to his or her account (or will deduct them from the account) and will credit your account. If the retailer wishes to dispute this, her or she will have to file a claim against you for payment.
AVOID LARGE CANCELLATION FEES by reading the fine print of the contract, or ask exactly what the cancellation policy is. Will the deposit be refunded if you cancel six months in advance, or if the provider is able to rebook the date with another wedding. Does the contract state that, if the wedding is canceled, you are liable for 50 percent of the cost or for the total cost of the wedding, even if the original deposit was for much less than that cost.
Last minute cancellation fees are understandable and fair; just beware of what you are agreeing to before signing the contract. In the event you do have to cancel, notify all services as soon as possible.
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