About Contracts for Your Wedding
The Fine Print
Just as you would any other legal documents for large items you purchase, have a written contract and/or letter of commitment from each of your wedding services.
Include a definition of the service; times of arrival and depar-ture, goods to be delivered, time of delivery, contracted costs, overtime costs, deposits required, balance due and due date.
If you have a list of details (such as types of flowers in each bouquet or arrangement) or items to be included (like the total number of tuxedos and their sizes that you are renting), amend the contract to include that information. Both you and the service provider should sign, and you should both have copies. The contract should clarify any price increases and clearly state that you will pay the original quoted price.
Since your reception will likely be the most costly item in your wedding budget, that contract should contain the most details. If you are purchasing a wedding “package”, all those items should be specifically listed in the contract, from the exact food items and courses that will be served that evening to the brands of liquor poured at the bar to the style of service (white-glove, full tuxedo) that will be attending to your guests that evening.
If your reception facility is undergoing a renovation, it should be noted in your contract along with the completion date, as well as any provisions they will make should the renovations not be completed for your special day. Any special considerations for your event that are being made by your facility should be noted in your contract. For example, if they are providing table arrangements for you or they are providing an extra bar during the cocktail hour, make sure the contract states that clearly.
Other services such as disc jockey and limousine services should provide times when all events are happening and where they will be.
Have someone bring all your contracts to the wedding to answer any last minute questions or concerns.