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Wedding Vendor Contracts Make Sure You Understand What You Sign

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You’re engaged! How exciting. You have been watching “Say Yes to the Dress” for years and that last wedding on “My Fairy Wedding” is exactly what you want, not to even mention that fantastic cake from “Cake Boss.”

You’ve done your research, you know what things cost and you are sure you have a fairly good budget to work with so, you start making appointments and signing contracts.

STOP, STOP, STOP!

Contracts are binding legal document that are to be taken very seriously. Unfortunately in my business of Wedding Planning I get my fair share of Brides that come to me with contracts signed and they really have no clue as to what they signed up for. Brides can be likened to a deer in headlights at times. This is an emotional time, the ooh and ahh moments often overwhelm them. There they are staring at themselves in the mirror with a designer gown or they can envision their reception; Monogram lighting behind the head table, gorgeous uplightling highlights the room, their name in lights on the dance floor, the centerpieces what a wow factor.. and they sign on the dotted line in a heart beat. I have stories let me tell you. So, before you sign on the dotted line here is some advice.

When making any major purchase it is better to read a contract while you are alone. You should never sign anything unless you fully understand what you are signing. If you are rushed or excited you will miss important clauses that can come back to haunt you later. If it is a simple one page contract that you can read through for a few minutes without the vendor present, great. If it is a lengthy contract ask for a copy, take it home and read it. The million dollar secret, READ It. Keep a pen handy circle or underline items you do not understand or have questions about. Don’t be intimidated to ask your vendor questions. You can look at it this way, you are going to employ these people for a job. An employer doesn’t just hire anyone. They want to know they can rely on this person and trust him to do a good job. You are the employer and the vendor is basically your employee.

Do Not Take a Verbal Agreement.

Never, never assume a verbal agreement is written in stone, get it in writing. It is very easy to make statements and promises but unless you have it in writing it is worthless and worse it is impossible to prove or enforce.

Read each and every line and make sure you understand each and every line on the contract before signing it. Otherwise, you have no one to blame but yourself if something goes wrong. Whoever is responsible for paying the final bill should be the one to read and understand that document. You do not have to be a lawyer but you do have to take the time to read it. It may not hurt to ask a trusted friend to look it over with you. They may notice something you missed or something that might need to be revised. Yes, if you don’t like something you can talk with your vendor and ask to have that revised. Always get a copy for your records

The clause to watch out for is the “Cancellation Policy.” Make sure you read this policy thoroughly. I am going to say it again, It is important to understand this policy completely. I know it will never happen to you, uh huh heard that before…next thing you know you are not only out your deposit but you are looking at being responsible for the entire cost whether you have the wedding or not!

It sounds like simple advice, read a contract before you sign it. Yet so many brides and their families get tied up in the emotion of the moment and sign on the dotted line only to regret it later. Don’t be that deer in headlights, take the time to know what you are signing.

So you’re getting married, keep it in perspective and enjoy the moment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Margaret_Moore

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Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs serving Central Illinois. Want to use this article in your E-zine or website? You can as long as you include this complete statement: Event Planning entrepreneur Margaret Moore with Simple Elegance Events and Wedding Designs publishes information you can use at http://www.aweddingtodreamof.com/?p=1063

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