DO'S AND DON'T OF CONTRACTS OR LETTER OF AGREEMENTS ON YOUR WEDDING SUPPLIERS

Do’s and Don’t of Contracts or Letters of Agreements

·                   Don’t be embarrassed, intimated or feel that you’re insulting the vendor by asking for everything in writing.

·                   Do read the contract carefully, especially the fine print. Allow yourself enough time. If you feel rushed, take the contract home to review it and mail back the signed copy. Look closely for errors and possible ambiguities. Make sure you understand and agree to everything. Ask to have any lingo that is unclear rewritten in term you can understand.

·                   Don’t assume if something is not specified in the contract, you can count on it for your wedding. If its not specified, discuss it with the supplier, type or write it in and make sure you and the supplier initial it.

·                   Do ensure you and the service provider both sign and date the contract. You won’t have a valid contract if the service provider doesn’t sign it. Also, be sure that you and the service provider initial any changes.

·                   Do ensure the contract specifies liability as to who is responsible if something goes wrong; i.e. damage to the premises.

·                   Don’t overlook the cancellation or refund policy. Understand exactly what the cancellation fees are and try to avoid large cancellation fees. Last minute cancellation fees are understandable and fair. In the event you do have to cancel, notify all vendors as soon as possible.

·                   Do use credit cards. Pay the smallest deposit you can down and put this amount on your credit card. Special federal consumer protection laws protect all payments made with a credit card. If you should have a problem, you must first make an effort to correct the problem with the provider or renegotiate the terms or prices. Do this writing and keep the copies. If this does not resolve the issue, send a copy of your contract, any correspondence, and a letter explaining the problems and any pictures or 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 credit your account. If the retailer wishes to dispute this, he or she will have to file a claim against you for payment.

·                   Do keep copies of all signed contracts and attach your receipts so if there is ever a question to the amount paid you have all the information handy.