Firing A Wedding Planner: Do You Need To Pay Up?

Planning a wedding can be a stressful process, and hiring a wedding planner is supposed to alleviate some of that stress. However, sometimes things don't go according to plan, and you may find yourself considering firing your wedding planner. But what happens if you've already paid a deposit, or signed a contract? Can you fire your wedding planner without paying the remainder?

Incompatibility and constant disagreements

A wedding planner should be someone who understands your vision for your special day and works to bring it to life. If you find yourself constantly arguing with your wedding planner and having to remind them that it is your wedding, it might be time to let them go.

• They disregard your opinions and ignore your guidelines: If your wedding planner is constantly disregarding your opinions and trying to impose their own ideas without considering your wishes, it's a red flag. For example, if you want tulips for your wedding but your planner insists on lilies because it's their favourite flower, this indicates a lack of respect for your decisions.
• They push back on your directions: If your wedding planner is constantly pushing back on your directions and trying to sideline your guidelines, it shows a lack of willingness to collaborate. A good wedding planner should work with you, not against you.
• They fail to keep you informed: One of the main reasons for hiring a wedding planner is to have someone who can keep you updated on the progress and details of your wedding plans. If your planner fails to communicate effectively, keeps you in the dark about important decisions, or goes MIA for days, it's a sign that they are not fulfilling their duties.
• They don't respect your budget: An experienced wedding planner should be able to work within the budget you set. If your planner is constantly trying to exceed your budget or pushing for low-quality options that you didn't agree to, it's a sign that they are not respecting your financial boundaries.
• They cause constant stress and dampen your mood: Wedding planning should be an exciting and enjoyable experience. If your planner is constantly arguing with you, disregarding your opinions, and causing you stress, it's time to consider finding someone who is more compatible with your vision and style.

Remember, it's important to have a written contract with your wedding planner that outlines the terms and conditions of their services, including the rules for termination. This will make it easier to part ways amicably if needed. Additionally, try to find a replacement wedding planner before terminating the contract with your current one to ensure a smooth transition and avoid last-minute planning chaos.

Lack of communication

• A wedding planner's primary task is to keep you informed about the planning process. This includes providing updates on various aspects, such as the cake, venue, caterers, and car hire.
• A good wedding planner should respond promptly to your calls and emails, ensuring that you are involved in the details of the planning process.
• If your wedding planner fails to communicate effectively or goes missing in action for extended periods, it is essential to address the issue directly with them. Clear and open communication is crucial for a successful working relationship.
• Before firing your wedding planner due to lack of communication, it is advisable to try resolving the issue. Communicate your concerns and give them a chance to improve.
• If the lack of communication persists or if they are unresponsive to your attempts to resolve the issue, it may be necessary to consider termination. However, it is important to refer to your contract and understand the termination clauses and any outstanding payments that may be due.
• Remember that firing your wedding planner can be a significant decision, especially if your wedding is fast approaching. Ensure that you have a plan of action for completing the planning process after terminating their services, such as hiring another wedding planner or taking on the tasks yourself.
• To avoid issues with lack of communication, it is always recommended to carefully select your wedding planner. Opt for experienced planners who are highly recommended by trusted sources, and ensure that you have a detailed contract in place that outlines communication expectations.

Unprofessional behaviour

Wedding planners can be a great help, relieving the stress of planning a wedding and allowing the couple to focus on other small details. However, sometimes things don't work out, and the planner has to be let go. Here are some examples of unprofessional behaviour that might lead a couple to fire their wedding planner:

• Incompetence and Lack of Experience: This can manifest as an inability to deliver on promises, negotiate good deals, or stick to the agreed budget. An inexperienced planner might suggest low-quality options or try to extend expenses beyond what the couple can afford.
• Disregarding the Couple's Wishes: Constant disagreements and disregarding the couple's opinions can create a tense and frustrating dynamic. A good wedding planner should respect the couple's guidelines, preferences, and final decisions, even if they differ from their own tastes.
• Poor Communication: A wedding planner should keep the couple informed and updated about the planning process. Lack of communication, such as failing to respond to calls or emails, can cause uncertainty and frustration for the couple.
• Unprofessional Behaviour with Vendors: Wedding planners are expected to coordinate with various vendors, such as caterers, florists, and transport providers. If they are unresponsive, unprofessional, or fail to negotiate good deals, it can reflect poorly on their ability to manage the wedding planning process.
• Scope Creep: This occurs when a wedding planner takes on work beyond the scope of their contract, often due to a desire to please the couple or other vendors. While it might start small, scope creep can lead to unreasonable demands on the planner's time and energy, affecting their ability to deliver their contracted services effectively.
• Unruly Guests: While this might not be directly under the planner's control, they should have the right to walk away from a situation where they feel threatened, harassed, or verbally abused by guests.
• Unprofessional Appearance: While this may seem superficial, a wedding planner's appearance can impact their effectiveness in their role. If a wedding planner's appearance is not appropriate for the event or is distracting, it can reflect poorly on their professionalism.

Verbal vs written contract

When it comes to firing your wedding planner, it is important to refer to the contract signed with them. A well-written contract will ensure an amicable separation. However, if there is no written contract and the agreement is verbal, terminating the contract can be more challenging and may even require the intervention of a mediator or judge.

A verbal contract, also known as a handshake agreement or oral contract, is a legally binding agreement made through spoken words rather than a written document. While verbal contracts are valid in certain situations, there are several advantages to having a written contract.

Firstly, a written contract clearly lays out the terms of the agreement, making it more difficult for either party to change the terms after the fact. The "Four Corners Doctrine" in contract law states that parties to a written agreement cannot use verbal or implied agreements to contradict the agreed-upon terms. This helps to protect all involved parties from potential misunderstandings during negotiations.

Secondly, written contracts are much easier to enforce in court. A court can more easily determine the legitimacy of a written contract compared to a verbal agreement, reducing the effort and cost needed to establish that a valid contract existed between the parties.

Thirdly, written contracts provide a record of the agreement, reducing the risk of disputes over the specific terms of the contract. Verbal agreements can be challenging to prove, especially if there is no recording of the conversation, and recollections of the exact terms may differ between the parties over time.

While verbal contracts may be legally binding in certain circumstances, it is always advisable to have a written contract, especially for important agreements. This ensures that the terms of the agreement are clear, enforceable, and less prone to disputes.

In the context of hiring a wedding planner, a written contract should include details such as the expected duties of the planner, charges for their services, and the rules for termination of the contract. This helps to protect both the couple and the wedding planner, providing a clear framework for their professional relationship.

Termination fees

A well-written contract should detail the duties of the wedding planner, the associated charges, and the terms related to ending the contract early. It should also specify the termination fees, if any. If there is no contract and the agreement is verbal, the situation becomes more complex and may require mediation or legal intervention.

When it comes to termination fees, there are a few key factors to consider:

• Notice Period: The amount of notice given by the couple before cancelling the contract can impact the fees. For example, a couple may be required to pay a higher termination fee if they cancel close to the wedding date compared to cancelling several months in advance.
• Refund Policy: The contract should outline whether the couple is entitled to a refund of any payments made and, if so, the amount that will be refunded. This may depend on factors such as the reason for cancellation and the work already completed by the planner.
• Cancellation Circumstances: The reasons for cancellation can also impact the termination fees. For instance, if the couple cancels due to an emergency or unforeseen circumstances, the planner may be more flexible with the fees. On the other hand, if the couple is at fault for the cancellation (e.g., constant disagreements or non-payment), the planner may charge higher fees.
• Deposit: The contract should specify whether the deposit is refundable or not. If the couple cancels, they may forfeit their deposit as a termination fee.
• Breach of Contract: If the wedding planner is terminated due to a breach of contract on their part, the couple may not be required to pay any termination fees. This could include situations where the planner fails to perform their duties as outlined in the contract or engages in unprofessional behaviour.
• Partial Refunds: In some cases, the wedding planner may offer a partial refund to the couple as a gesture of goodwill, especially if the cancellation is due to unforeseen circumstances.

It is important to remember that each wedding planner and contract may have different termination policies, so it is essential to carefully review the specific terms outlined in the contract. Additionally, open communication between the couple and the planner can help resolve any issues and potentially negotiate more favourable termination fees.

Frequently asked questions