When do you sign a contract?

mamaprecious · October 2014

I'm in a bit of a dilemma. I would like my wedding to be in May 2016. I'm in love with a venue for my reception and it seems to be already booking up for May 2016. I asked the coordinator when I give my deposit do I sign the contract at the same time. She told me not until the wedding date gets near. Has anyone had to wait until their wedding date got near until you have singed a contract for a venue. I don't want to put down a payment if I don't know what's on the contract. The down payment is also non refundable and of course I cant cancel if its going to be near my wedding date. I have not asked her as yet as to what she means "not until near the wedding date". Thanks

penguin44 · October 2014

I would not give a deposit without signing a contract. How would they be held liable?

CTYankeeBride · October 2014

How much of a deposit are we talking? If you're talking about leaving a small deposit to reserve the space, I've heard of that and I don't see a problem with it but I'd still get it in writing that for whatever money you're putting down, they agree to hold that space available for you on that date.

Beyond that, I wouldn't be handing anyone a deposit without a contract. Especially not a non-refundable deposit. We made deposits last October for our wedding this November and in every case, we signed a contract.

mamaprecious · October 2014

The deposit is $500 and yes it is to reserve the space only. But when it comes down to the contract she said she typically wont do the contract until near my wedding date? I have emailed her back and asked what she means by that

Maggie0829 · October 2014

I would not be giving them any money without a contract in place. If there is no contract then there is nothing that will prevent them from not holding your date and keeping your deposit.

sarawifenow · October 2014

Yeah screw that. They would not be getting a dime out of me until I signed that contract.

CTYankeeBride · October 2014

I very strongly suggest that if you give them money to hold the date that you get it in writing. I would be reluctant to not have a contract in place because the venue's policies might change between now and your wedding. For instance, the minimum head count could go up, or the price of the meal, or the services provided for the agreed-upon price. If that happens you have no recourse because all that you'd have in writing is that for 500$ they will have the space available to you.

They could be promising you filet, lobster, and champagne now knowing that you're not going to walk away from your 500$ and find a new venue closer to your wedding date when they offer crackers and water.

lilacck28 · October 2014

STOP. DO NOT PASS GO.

Always get a contract. Always. If they don't typically do a contract when a deposit is made, just tell them that you would like to. If they can't accommodate that, then get yourself a new venue. They should be THRILLED to take your money and lock you down. A contract protects both parties. If they fuss, there's something wrong.

ETA: I've booked my venue and a few vendors at this point. Every single one gave me a contract to sign at the same time I gave them a deposit. I've never heard of this not being the case. My mom is a lawyer-- she would murder me if I didn't get a contract. Okay, not murder me, but seriously question where she went wrong in teaching me the ways of the world haha.

mamaprecious · October 2014

My thoughts exactly!

novella1186 · October 2014

CTYankeeBride said:

How much of a deposit are we talking? If you're talking about leaving a small deposit to reserve the space, I've heard of that and I don't see a problem with it but I'd still get it in writing that for whatever money you're putting down, they agree to hold that space available for you on that date.

Beyond that, I wouldn't be handing anyone a deposit without a contract. Especially not a non-refundable deposit. We made deposits last October for our wedding this November and in every case, we signed a contract.

This. My dad is a lawyer, specializes in contract law, and whenever I had to approach vendors about contracts I'd just politely say "I hope you don't mind but my dad is a lawyer and insists on reading all my contracts before I sign and pay a deposit." They were all VERY receptive to that. If I were you, I'd politely play the lawyer card, even if you don't actually know one. "I hope you don't mind but my uncle is a lawyer and has advised me to read your contract first, even if I don't have to sign it yet, and I'd like some sort of receipt or something in writing stating the amount I've paid and the date I've reserved."

mamaprecious · October 2014

If i give them a deposit the contract....for now will pretty much say that have a reserved a spot.

Maggie0829 · October 2014

I would want more then just "my date is reserved." I would want anything that we talked about including price and what they are offering written down as well. Like a PP said you don't want them changing things on you without notice and then you have nothing in writing saying how things should be.

mamaprecious · October 2014

okay thank you, i will ask her if i can sign a contract at the same time of deposit.

lilacck28 · October 2014

novella1186 said:

CTYankeeBride said:

How much of a deposit are we talking? If you're talking about leaving a small deposit to reserve the space, I've heard of that and I don't see a problem with it but I'd still get it in writing that for whatever money you're putting down, they agree to hold that space available for you on that date.

Beyond that, I wouldn't be handing anyone a deposit without a contract. Especially not a non-refundable deposit. We made deposits last October for our wedding this November and in every case, we signed a contract.

This. My dad is a lawyer, specializes in contract law, and whenever I had to approach vendors about contracts I'd just politely say "I hope you don't mind but my dad is a lawyer and insists on reading all my contracts before I sign and pay a deposit." They were all VERY receptive to that. If I were you, I'd politely play the lawyer card, even if you don't actually know one. "I hope you don't mind but my uncle is a lawyer and has advised me to read your contract first, even if I don't have to sign it yet, and I'd like some sort of receipt or something in writing stating the amount I've paid and the date I've reserved."

Also, if there are things you want to add to the contract, or things in it you want changed or taken out, make a note of it, and tell the vendor! Most likely they will be receptive to those changes. My lawyer mommy made a boatload of changes to contracts (Hi @novella1186! my mom also focusses on contract law). I felt awkward showing those to the vendors, but they were very accommodating, took her changes, and I felt a lot better than I would have if we had just let those things go.

mamaprecious · October 2014

She said that the menu will change before 2016. She will get back to me on the menu so ii will wait till than because either way i am not booking until i know whats on the menu and the prices!

novella1186 · October 2014

lilacck28 said:

novella1186 said:

CTYankeeBride said:

How much of a deposit are we talking? If you're talking about leaving a small deposit to reserve the space, I've heard of that and I don't see a problem with it but I'd still get it in writing that for whatever money you're putting down, they agree to hold that space available for you on that date.

Beyond that, I wouldn't be handing anyone a deposit without a contract. Especially not a non-refundable deposit. We made deposits last October for our wedding this November and in every case, we signed a contract.

This. My dad is a lawyer, specializes in contract law, and whenever I had to approach vendors about contracts I'd just politely say "I hope you don't mind but my dad is a lawyer and insists on reading all my contracts before I sign and pay a deposit." They were all VERY receptive to that. If I were you, I'd politely play the lawyer card, even if you don't actually know one. "I hope you don't mind but my uncle is a lawyer and has advised me to read your contract first, even if I don't have to sign it yet, and I'd like some sort of receipt or something in writing stating the amount I've paid and the date I've reserved."

Also, if there are things you want to add to the contract, or things in it you want changed or taken out, make a note of it, and tell the vendor! Most likely they will be receptive to those changes. My lawyer mommy made a boatload of changes to contracts (Hi @novella1186! my mom also focusses on contract law). I felt awkward showing those to the vendors, but they were very accommodating, took her changes, and I felt a lot better in the end then if we had just let those things go.

Hi! I actually made a change to a contract based on a contract law class I took for grad school and many conversations with my dad. The vendor actually thanked me and decided to make that permanent change to his contract cuz it was something he had overlooked. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself! It's YOUR money! The vendor will not have your back, they'll have their own back.

mamaprecious · October 2014

Great idea! Thanks!

lilacck28 · October 2014

novella1186 said:

lilacck28 said:

novella1186 said:

CTYankeeBride said:

How much of a deposit are we talking? If you're talking about leaving a small deposit to reserve the space, I've heard of that and I don't see a problem with it but I'd still get it in writing that for whatever money you're putting down, they agree to hold that space available for you on that date.

Beyond that, I wouldn't be handing anyone a deposit without a contract. Especially not a non-refundable deposit. We made deposits last October for our wedding this November and in every case, we signed a contract.

This. My dad is a lawyer, specializes in contract law, and whenever I had to approach vendors about contracts I'd just politely say "I hope you don't mind but my dad is a lawyer and insists on reading all my contracts before I sign and pay a deposit." They were all VERY receptive to that. If I were you, I'd politely play the lawyer card, even if you don't actually know one. "I hope you don't mind but my uncle is a lawyer and has advised me to read your contract first, even if I don't have to sign it yet, and I'd like some sort of receipt or something in writing stating the amount I've paid and the date I've reserved."

Also, if there are things you want to add to the contract, or things in it you want changed or taken out, make a note of it, and tell the vendor! Most likely they will be receptive to those changes. My lawyer mommy made a boatload of changes to contracts (Hi @novella1186! my mom also focusses on contract law). I felt awkward showing those to the vendors, but they were very accommodating, took her changes, and I felt a lot better in the end then if we had just let those things go.

Hi! I actually made a change to a contract based on a contract law class I took for grad school and many conversations with my dad. The vendor actually thanked me and decided to make that permanent change to his contract cuz it was something he had overlooked. Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself! It's YOUR money! The vendor will not have your back, they'll have their own back.

STUCK IN BOX

Yep, same thing happened to me. My photographer saw the changes and said "wow! That's awesome! I'm going to use this for all of my future contracts!"

msuprincess04 · October 2014

I understand menu changes when you book that far in advance, but you should still have a contract with the date, location, cancellation policies, rain policies, and any other rules of the location (outside vendors, burning vs. battery candles, ect). These are things you need to know before putting down money for the contract. I paid a sizable deposit when reserved my location prior to knowing the menu and the exact prices. I was told it would be no more than 10% more than the current year's prices (and I held on to the e-mails that stated this). In the end, it was only about 5% more, and although some of the menu choices changed, we were fine with the new options.

JellyBean52513 · October 2014

Well now I don't feel so bad for procrastinating on my contracts readings I'm supposed to be doing right now cuz, well, this thread lol.

@msuprincess04 makes greats points. There are plenty of other things you'll need to know that will affect your budget as the time gets nearer. As a silly example, burning votive candles vs. battery-operates ones for your centerpieces will cost different things, so you should know what your venue is going to require of you/restrict you to before you give them a deposit. Also, it's not unreasonable to address the inevitable menu change by asking them to give examples of how their menus/menu prices have changed in the past, and to lock in a guaranteed maximum percentage increase from the current prices (ie, "Food and beverage cost is to be determined, subject to conditions and circumstances unforeseen at the time of entering into this contract, but shall fluctuate by no more than a 10% increase from the current food and beverage prices of the calendar year during which this contract was entered into.")

mellyD2014 · October 2014

mamaprecious said:

She said that the menu will change before 2016. She will get back to me on the menu so ii will wait till than because either way i am not booking until i know whats on the menu and the prices!

**SITB**

This makes total sense - but to give you an idea, we signed our contract a year in advance - that contract included the specific date, how many cocktail hour stations we would get, how many passed appetizers, how many meal choices, and the level of dessert we would get. We didn't actually choose any of that stuff until 3 weeks before the wedding - but we know the quantity that we contracted for wouldn't change.

falsara · October 2014

We signed a contract with our reception venue for our May 2016 wedding just a few months ago. If you pay money then you need to get a contract.

Even if the food prices will change, ask if you can get the part of the contract that has time and date and location and dos and don'ts and then ask if they are willing to do a separate contract pertaining to the food part of the venue, when they update the prices for 2016.

novella1186 · October 2014

We signed our venue contract for our May 2015 date last December when we paid the deposit, but nothing is included with the venue besides seating. We signed our catering contract in May (pretty much a year before our wedding) because I wanted a caterer who's in high demand and books up fast, so obviously he doesn't know yet what our final guest count is or final cost and he's letting me change the menu still if I really want to. It can be included in the contract that prices are subject to change etc.

It's a good idea to book as early as possible if you know what you want and what you want books up fast, just to make sure you get it. But don't ever pay any money without singing the papers that say what you're getting.

lilacck28 · October 2014

We signed our May 2015 contract at then end of April this year. It included a pp fee, with a minimum of 90 guests. It included that the venue would provide "bridal attendants" and champagne and snacks for the bridal party during the getting ready time. It included that we could choose on the day of whether to have the ceremony inside or outside depending on weather, as well as a clause about if "an act of god" occurred (weather, terrorism, whatever) the venue would do whatever they could to give us a different date at the venue, or let us use one of their associated venues with no extra fee.

It also included how many passed apps, what drinks would be served at cocktail hour, what drinks would be served when guests arrived, what drinks and food would be served during the reception. I had a pretty clear idea of the food I wanted (smoked salmon eggs benedict, waffles, muffins bagels, etc. It was really pretty detailed... it even includes where the loxspread would come from! I don't like philadelphia's smoked salmon cream cheese...) I told the venue what I wanted, and they said "yup. we can do that!" and they put it right into the contract for me. I think there was other stuff in there as well, but I can't remember off the top of my head...

Basically... get detailed! a lot of what I mentioned above was not initially in the contract (like the "in case of terrible weather" clause, and "we can choose on the day of where the ceremony will be" clause.

cowgirl8238 · October 2014

CTYankeeBride said:

I very strongly suggest that if you give them money to hold the date that you get it in writing. I would be reluctant to not have a contract in place because the venue's policies might change between now and your wedding. For instance, the minimum head count could go up, or the price of the meal, or the services provided for the agreed-upon price. If that happens you have no recourse because all that you'd have in writing is that for 500$ they will have the space available to you.

They could be promising you filet, lobster, and champagne now knowing that you're not going to walk away from your 500$ and find a new venue closer to your wedding date when they offer crackers and water.

ALL OF THIS!!

cowgirl8238 · October 2014

As an added note, I can tell you that a good contract is very important. I learned the hard way with a MUA who didn't really hold up her end of the deal. (She kept cancelling appointemnts/trials and I had to "let her go" the week before the wedding thus breaking the contract....but after blowing off multiple appointments and giving shitty excuses to the other dates I just couldn't trust her to show up and do it). If I was smart I would have added something to the effect of what happens if she fails to provide services by a certain date, etc...but I didn't and I lost almost $300. I spent over a month trying to get it back, but she just ignores me, and there isn't much I can do about it

mamaprecious · October 2014

yes but the price of food change still makes me nervous, but I will definitely sign a contract for other things when putting down payment. Thanks

mamaprecious · October 2014

oh sorry to hear that. yes we don't really think about these things until they happen. I will try to make sure everything that I want and need if possible is on contracts for anything!

mamaprecious · October 2014

She said the menu is gong to change for sure so im guessing the price will change too what makes me nervous. So even if I sign the contract without the food portion in it don't know how much the food is going to go up and when.

mamaprecious · October 2014

Do you think maybe because the wedding date is too far in advance that she doesn't want to make a contract because there might be upcoming changes. I will ask her if that's the case.

mamaprecious · October 2014

Do you think I should ask her if I could stick with the food she has on the menu now. I know what I want but she said the menu will be changing . Im wondering either way if I can still stick to what I want off this menu.

When do you sign a contract?

Re: When do you sign a contract?

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