A lot of work goes into planning a wedding and many couples are dealing with a number of different suppliers. Even if you’re using a venue that will take care of most of the other elements, you’re still looking into a very long contract with what’s included, a breakdown of costs, terms and conditions, etc.
It’s essential, when planning your dream day that you check that every ‘i’ is dotted and every ‘t’ crossed and that includes reading the very fine print of every contract and bill before you sign anything. Here are a few things to look out for and be cautious of.
Non-disparagement clause
Some vendors might include a non-disparagement clause, meaning couples who sign the contract cannot post any negative comments about the vendor, even if their complaints are true. If you don’t plan on complaining you won’t have a problem but ask the vendor why the clause is there and discuss what happens when clients are unhappy with the service. Tread with caution; vendors who don’t disappoint rarely have a need for this clause and if it’s on your contract and you’ve signed, breaching it could leave you in legal trouble.
Cancellations
Check the cancellation policies and the non-refundable deposits for every vendor you use. Check what kind of grace period you have to change your mind if any and be sure you’re well up to date on the cost of deposits. Most deposits are the non-refundable part no matter how soon you cancel. Once you’re well versed in the policies, be 100% sure about your vendors before you sign to avoid any cancellation charges in the first place.
Photograph rights
Watch out for what kind of ownership you have over your own photographs. The truth is you don’t own the rights. The photographer does. Watch out for clauses in your photographer’s contract about redistributing and publishing. Don’t worry, most photographers have this clause to protect themselves. It will mostly prevent you from publishing the photos for commercial use. Just mind the finer details about publishing them on social media and how many times you can reprint them. These things often cost extra so make sure it’s clear before you sign. You should also check if the photographer plans on using your photos for their own commercial use. This is often an optional clause they will point you to and ask.
Remember: Get it in writing
Just as clauses are there to protect the vendors, you too must protect yourself. Get every single agreement in writing. Every agreement on what you want, be it price, negotiations or specific requitements (or importantly, clauses they agreed to take out) should be put in writing. Verbal agreements will leave you at risk. Even if you have a contract with a clause you both agreed to leave out and they say “don’t worry about it, it doesn’t count”, you will need a new contract with the clause physically omitted.
- Jenny Darmody
Image credit: Michelle Warren Photography via Green Wedding Shoes