Contracts, contracts, contracts… Did anyone say contracts? Oh yes, hi there lovely wedding planning couple! Welcome to the world of wedding planning, where you will be hiring amazing wedding professionals to produce the wedding of your dreams. Throughout the planning process you will likely sign numerous contracts detailing the agreed upon details for your big day with each wedding professional you choose. Yay, exciting times indeed! I know you can’t wait to solidify all the details in writing. To aid and contribute to your elation, I would like to equip you with an easy-to-follow guide to signing all contracts.
Step 1: Read every word of each contract
Not all contracts are created equal. Some contracts will be hand-written and some will be typed, some will be short and some will be long, some will be written in everyday language and some will not. Regardless of how the contract is constructed, you must read every single word.
Step 2: Comprehend all portions of each contract
As you read every word of each contract, make sure you understand what is being conveyed in the contract. If there is a section in the contract you do not understand, ask questions to clarify the section(s) prior to signing the contract. Consider highlighting and making notes of contract details that are important to your wedding day.
Step 3: Negotiate unacceptable terms of each contract
If you identify any component of the contract that is unacceptable, notify the wedding professional immediately. Whether the contract is hand-written or typed, it is NOT set in stone. Discuss the unacceptable component with your wedding professional to come up with a mutually acceptable component substitution. After negotiations have been completed, ask the wedding professional to provide a finalized version of the contract for your review and signature.
Step 4: Finalize each contract
Read the finalized contract to ensure it reflects the terms you and your selected wedding professional agreed on. Sign the finalized contract and retain a copy of the finalized contract for your records. Make sure your copy of the finalized contract contains all applicable signatures.
That’s it! By following the four easy steps above, you can make sure you have the wedding day you plan and deserve. The contracts between you and your selected wedding professionals are the blueprints of your wedding day. Make sure you know and understand the details of each contract, so you know exactly what to expect on your big day.