Make sure you understand contracts with vendors

By Paul R. Huard, Copley News Service

Before you tie the knot, make sure you read the fine print.

That advice doesn’t just apply to reviewing a prenuptial agreement. Your wedding day could involve an army of participants: bakers, caterers, photographers, musicians, bartenders, disc jockeys, florists, seamstresses, tailors and many more.

If you are going to use any of these services, there will be contracts that specify everything from the date and time a wedding cake will be ready to the number of dances the band will play during the reception.

Details like that can make the difference between a day to remember or a nightmare you’d sooner forget. Avoid embarrassment and frustration by keeping the following in mind:

Read your contract. It’s that simple, yet many people sign contracts for wedding services without any idea of what the vendor promises to do.

Key points to look for in any contract include:

* The name and contact information for the vendor and you. Communication is essential, particularly if things don’t go the way you planned.

* The wedding date, time and location, with complete address.

* The when, where and how of your wedding. For example, when will the photographer arrive, where will she be and how will she take the photos?

* The total price, including delivery fees, set-up fees, rental fees and any other expenses.

* The deposit amount.

* The balance and date it is due.

* The cancellation and refund policy, if any.

Ask, “What if?” Running out of food before all your guests are served is a bad time to determine what the caterer will do about a crisis.

If the contract checks out, then sign it. Make sure that everything is signed, that your check number or charge card number is clearly recorded and that the deposit amount is indicated on the contract.

Weddings, joyous events that they are, are inevitably the scene of crises large and small. Ask your vendors questions, and listen to their answers. Are they specific in what they promise, or dismiss your concerns with a breezy, “Don’t worry about it.”

If the vendor isn’t answering questions to your satisfaction, think twice about using their services.

Don’t forget to obtain emergency contact numbers, such as cell phone or pager. A photographer’s office will probably be closed during a Saturday or Sunday wedding. It’s smart to have a way to contact that needed person if they are on the road or not by their business telephone.

Use a known quantity. Ask friends and family who they used during their weddings. Did they like the photos? Was the band on time? Was the cake beautiful? A referral is your best source for a quality vendor. But, don’t forget to inquire about contract details and services, just to be on the safe side.

Also, here are some specific points to look for with individual vendors:

Photographer: Number of pictures taken, time allowed for session, cost for reprints and enlargements, overtime fees.

Baker: Detailed description of flavor, icing, decorations, number of tiers, topper, shape and number of slices.

Tuxedo rental: Cleaning charges, whether shoes are included in the fee, fitting, delivery charges.

Florist: Itemized list of flower arrangements, exact names of flowers, number in each arrangement and colors.

Caterer: Menu details, servings, overtime costs, whether the caterer will meet special dietary needs (vegetarian, kosher, diabetic, etc.).

Band or disc jockey: Music format, electrical needs, length of time they will play.

Bartender: Does he expect guests to tip, will he also serve soft drinks?

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Make sure you understand contracts with vendors By Paul R. Huard, Copley News Service Before you tie the knot, make sure you read the fine print. That advice doesn’t just apply to reviewing a prenuptial agreement. Your wedding day could involve an army of participants: bakers, caterers, photographers, musicians, bartenders, disc jockeys, florists, seamstresses, tailors and many more. If you are going to use any of these services, there will be contracts that specify everything from the date and time a wedding cake will be ready to the number of dances the band will play during the reception. Details like that can make the difference between a day to remember or a nightmare you’d sooner forget. Avoid embarrassment and frustration by keeping the following in mind: Read your contract. It’s that simple, yet many people sign contracts for wedding services without any idea of what the vendor promises to do. Key points to look for in any contract include: * The name and contact information for the vendor and you. Communication is essential, particularly if things don’t go the way you planned. * The wedding date, time and location, with complete address. * The when, where and how of your wedding. For example, when will the photographer arrive, where will she be and how will she take the photos? * The total price, including delivery fees, set-up fees, rental fees and any other expenses. * The deposit amount. * The balance and date it is due. * The cancellation and refund policy, if any. Ask, “What if?” Running out of food before all your guests are served is a bad time to determine what the caterer will do about a crisis. If the contract checks out, then sign it. Make sure that everything is signed, that your check number or charge card number is clearly recorded and that the deposit amount is indicated on the contract. Weddings, joyous events that they are, are inevitably the scene of crises large and small. Ask your vendors questions, and listen to their answers. Are they specific in what they promise, or dismiss your concerns with a breezy, “Don’t worry about it.” If the vendor isn’t answering questions to your satisfaction, think twice about using their services. Don’t forget to obtain emergency contact numbers, such as cell phone or pager. A photographer’s office will probably be closed during a Saturday or Sunday wedding. It’s smart to have a way to contact that needed person if they are on the road or not by their business telephone. Use a known quantity. Ask friends and family who they used during their weddings. Did they like the photos? Was the band on time? Was the cake beautiful? A referral is your best source for a quality vendor. But, don’t forget to inquire about contract details and services, just to be on the safe side. Also, here are some specific points to look for with individual vendors: Photographer: Number of pictures taken, time allowed for session, cost for reprints and enlargements, overtime fees. Baker: Detailed description of flavor, icing, decorations, number of tiers, topper, shape and number of slices. Tuxedo rental: Cleaning charges, whether shoes are included in the fee, fitting, delivery charges. Florist: Itemized list of flower arrangements, exact names of flowers, number in each arrangement and colors. Caterer: Menu details, servings, overtime costs, whether the caterer will meet special dietary needs (vegetarian, kosher, diabetic, etc.). Band or disc jockey: Music format, electrical needs, length of time they will play. Bartender: Does he expect guests to tip, will he also serve soft drinks? Visit Copley News Service at www.copleynews.com Photography: Constance Wallace-www.constancewallace.com Carol M. Miller Photograghy-www.carolmillerphotos.com Jeff Aman-Fresh Bread Photography-geoffsfreshbread@yahoo.com Laughing Dog Photography-www.laughingdogphotgraphy.com Sparrow Framing-156 South Main Street, Rockland-596-7476 • Bridal Guide • Home •

Make sure you understand contracts with vendors

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