It is not enough just to have a written contract when you are hiring a vendor or a professional. You have to make sure important details are part of it, and that you understand exactly what is and isn't included in the service you are buying. If your photographer said he would include an extra photo of your parent, make sure it is spelled out in the contract. If the limo company said, there is a bottle of champagne included with the service get it in the contract.
Even though most of the time, vendors do as they say, you should never assume anything. You owe it to yourself to include the important details in your contracts. Your written contract is your legal leg to stand on in case something goes wrong. You should have a written contract for all vendors including, reception venue, photographer, limo service, wedding cake company, caterer, florist, and more.
The written contract should include many important points such as:
Date of service: You need the wedding reception venue to be available on a certain date, not a day before or after.
Time of service: It is not enough to have the limo to arrive on the correct date; it is essential that it be on time. Be sure the exact time of service is noted in the contract. The wedding reception hall should be reserved for so many hours, depending on the contract. The cake should arrive within an acceptable time frame. Keep in mind time and date is equally important.
Be specific about the place. If your reception is held at a resort, make sure the name of the room is in the contract.
If cleaning, setup and break down is part of the service.
Whether or not the negatives are included with the service has to be in writing.
Cancellation policy should be part of all contracts. You have no control of the future, so make sure there is reasonable cancellation policy.
Contracts are an essential part of your relationship with your wedding vendors. What exactly should your contract include is up to the vendor you are hiring and the service they provide, but the information above should be a good starting point in your research.
