Wedding Planning Wednesday: Contracts

Let’s face it, weddings are expensive. We all try to save money where we can and contracts with wedding professionals can help you considerably. When meeting with wedding professionals (caterers, florists, etc.), be sure to clarify all the details and your expectations during the initial discussions. Make sure you get a contract specifically stating dates, times, and locations and what you’ve discussed. Most professional vendors will spell out everything and what’s even better is that most vendors are more than willing to go through their entire contract line by line at your initial consult, if that’s what you want!

Most importantly, be sure to read the fine print on every contract before you sign it, and make sure you’re aware of cancellation policies and fees. Also ask if there’s a grace period to cancel just in case you change your mind or something happens and you need to postpone the wedding (you never know).

Throughout the contracting process be Flexible! A caterer may tell you that they can bring down the price by eliminating a course, using a cheaper ingredient, or changing the style. If you’re willing to be flexible, there’s more chance that they can bring the cost down.

You should also consider your vendor’s position. They have costs and concerns which aren’t always flexible. If you’re meeting with strong resistance on a particular item, let that one slide, and move on to something else.

You must give and take. Don’t expect a vendor to simply lower their prices just because you asked. Be willing to give up items in the provided package and the vendor may be more willing to negotiate!

Remember, read over your contracts carefully and negotiate respectfully!

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