A Wedding Planner Contract: Key Components

what should a wedding planner contract include

A wedding planner contract is an agreement between the couple and the wedding planner that outlines the expectations and agreements of both parties. It is important to have a contract in place to establish what the wedding planner will do and to prevent misunderstandings. The contract should include the contact information of all parties involved, details of the event such as date, time, and location, and a clear and specific scope of services provided by the wedding planner. It should also cover payment details, cancellation and refund policies, limitation of liability terms, and dispute resolution terms. Additionally, it is recommended to include a cover letter to express appreciation to the couple for selecting the wedding planner.

Characteristics Values
Contact Information Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of the wedding planner and the couple
Event Details Date, time, and location of the wedding and any additional events such as an engagement party or a welcome celebration
Scope of Services A clear and specific description of what the wedding planner will and will not do, including the number of consultations, follow-ups, and revisions
Payment How much the wedding planner will be paid, when payments are due, and in what form (e.g. cash, check, or credit)
Cancellation and Refund Policy Clear terms outlining the length of notice required for a cancellation and the conditions for full or partial refunds
Limitation of Liability A clause defining the extent to which the wedding planner can be held financially responsible for accidents, damages, or other unforeseen circumstances
Termination or Replacement Details of what happens if either party chooses to terminate the contract or becomes unavailable, including any refunds or remaining payments
Dispute Resolution Terms outlining how disputes will be handled, such as through mediation before a lawsuit
Signatures Signatures and dates from both parties indicating their agreement with the terms
Confidentiality A clause to protect the wedding planner's trade secrets and any sensitive information related to the wedding
Image Release Permission to use images of the couple and guests in the wedding planner's promotional materials
Expense Reimbursement Details of how and when the wedding planner will be reimbursed for expenses

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Contact information

The contact information section should include names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses. It is also important to specify the exact event the contract pertains to, including the date, location, and time of the wedding and any additional events such as an engagement party or a shower.

Additionally, the contract should clearly state the roles and responsibilities of each party involved. This includes the wedding planner's duties, such as flower arrangements, music, catering, photography, and decorations, as well as the expectations of the couple.

By including detailed contact information in the contract, all parties can easily communicate and work together to create a memorable wedding day.

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Event details

The contract should include the date, time, and location of the wedding and any other events the wedding planner is involved in, such as the engagement party, bridal shower, and welcome celebration.

It should also include the names of the couple and their contact information, such as their address, telephone number, and email.

Additionally, the contract should outline the wedding planner's role and any restrictions. This should be a very specific statement of work, defining the services and scope of work, including who is responsible for booking vendors, photographers, music, caterers, florists, and so on. It should also specify who is responsible for finding replacements if vendors cancel and how many consultations, follow-ups, and revisions are included in the arrangement.

The contract should also include a description of the services provided by the wedding planner, such as flower arrangements, music, catering, photography, ceremony, reception, and decorations.

Finally, the contract should outline the schedule of payments, including the wedding planner's fees, initial deposit, and payment structure. It should also include information on late fees and any additional charges for services not included in the basic package.

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Services and scope

A wedding planner contract should include a detailed and specific scope of services to ensure that both parties are clear on what is expected of the planner. Here are some paragraphs you can use for the "Services and Scope" section of your wedding planner contract:

As a full-service wedding planner, I will be involved in all aspects of planning and coordinating your wedding, from finding vendors to confirming the guest list and overseeing the logistics on the wedding day. My role includes helping you create and manage your budget, offering creative input and design ideas, attending meetings and tastings, creating a timeline for the wedding day, and coordinating the wedding rehearsal and ceremony.

On the day of the wedding, I will be present to ensure that everything runs smoothly and according to plan. I will be the main point of contact for vendors and will handle any issues that may arise, allowing you to relax and enjoy your special day.

My services include assistance with the following:

  • Flower arrangements and decor
  • Music and entertainment
  • Catering and menu selection
  • Photography and videography
  • Ceremony and reception setup
  • Guest transportation and accommodation

Any additional services not mentioned above will be charged separately and are subject to availability. These may include, but are not limited to, assembling and mailing invitations, tracking RSVPs, creating welcome bags, and planning additional wedding events such as the engagement party, bridal shower, or welcome dinner.

A clear and detailed scope of services is essential to ensure that both parties are on the same page and that there are no surprises along the way. It is important to note that my role as a wedding planner is to provide guidance, support, and coordination. I will work closely with you to bring your vision to life, but the final decisions on all aspects of the wedding will be yours.

Please note that my services do not include therapy or counselling. While I am here to provide emotional support and help manage any wedding-related stress, it is important to establish boundaries and maintain a professional relationship. I am available during regular office hours for communication and will respond to any queries or concerns within a reasonable timeframe.

Let's work together to create a stress-free and memorable wedding experience!

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Payment

The wedding contract should include a detailed payment plan with suggested dates and a late fee clause in case payments are missed. It should also stipulate the form of payment (e.g. cash, cheque, credit) and whether a deposit or non-refundable payment is required.

If the wedding planner uses a percentage pricing model, this should be clearly explained in the contract. It is also important to outline any additional charges for services that are not included in the fee.

For smaller expenses, it is advisable to get a written agreement that the wedding planner will be reimbursed within a certain timeframe (e.g. 10 business days) of submitting the receipt to the couple.

The contract should also include a clause outlining what happens in the event of a cancellation. While most clients do not expect this to happen, it is always better to be prepared. The wedding planner needs to protect themselves and their business in case the wedding is called off.

Finally, the contract should include a limit of liability to minimise the amount of money the wedding planner would owe if they ever needed to rely on the contract.

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Cancellation and refund policy

The cancellation and refund policy section of a wedding planner contract should clearly state the length of time during which notice is required for a cancellation. It should also specify whether there are different notice periods for partial or full refunds.

In the event of a cancellation, the contract should outline the financial losses that would be incurred as a result, known as "liquidated damages". These damages should be calculated as a sliding scale, increasing as the event date draws nearer, as the closer the cancellation is to the event date, the less likely the wedding planner will be able to secure another booking for that date.

The contract should also specify what happens in the event of a termination, which occurs when either party's performance is prevented or made impossible by an "act of God" or "force majeure" event, such as a government order, or by acts of third parties, such as strikes or terrorist acts. In the case of termination, the contract should outline whether the client is entitled to a refund of payments made, and whether the wedding planner can be compensated for work performed prior to the termination.

It is also important to specify the conditions under which the contract can be cancelled, and the process for doing so. This may include reasons for termination, such as unprofessional behaviour, and the process for providing notice and receiving refunds or remaining payments.

Finally, the contract should include a dispute resolution clause, requiring the couple and the wedding planner to attempt to resolve any issues through mediation before bringing a lawsuit.

Frequently asked questions

A wedding planner contract establishes what the wedding planner will do, prevents misunderstandings, ensures a happy wedding day, and promotes trust between the parties involved. It also protects both the planner and the client.

A wedding planner contract should include the contact information of all parties involved, the date, time, and location of the event(s), a clear and specific scope of services, payment details, cancellation and refund policies, limitation of liability terms, termination or replacement information, and dispute resolution terms.

Specific clauses such as an "Act of God" or force majeure clause, indemnity and hold harmless provisions, confidentiality agreements, and image release statements are important to include in a wedding planner contract.

It is recommended to have a standard contract template that can be easily customized for each client. The contract should be sent as a PDF to ensure that no wording is changed. It should be printed officially, preferably on company letterhead, and accompanied by a cover letter expressing appreciation and providing an introduction to the working relationship.

It is crucial to include all relevant details about the wedding, such as logistics, responsibilities, and expectations. Both partners are advised to sign the contract to prevent confusion and ensure a clear understanding of the agreement. Additionally, having a local lawyer review the contract is important to ensure compliance with state laws and the inclusion of necessary terms for protection.

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