This is your wedding, but it is also a business. As you plan your wedding, you will be faced with numerous decisions, among them selecting a wedding venue and hiring wedding professionals. You will expect a certain level of service. They will also have expectations of you. To ensure wedding-day success, be sure to have detailed contracts with each wedding professional.

Get It in Writing

I found this great florist, but she says she doesn't do contracts. I really want to work with her, but feel a bit uneasy about the situation. What should I do? Wedding professionals should offer written contracts. They not only protect the bride, but they also protect the vendor. You might want to consider finding another florist, but if this is not an option, ask her if she is agreeable to you writing out the details of the agreement and both of you signing it.

When I called my DJ yesterday he said he never received my signed contract and booked my wedding date with another client. I just had not gotten around to mailing the contract back. Can he do that? If you never returned the signed contract and deposit, he probably just assumed you changed your mind. Mind you, he should have called or e-mailed you to check on your status. Officially you never booked him, and he was free to move on. Be sure to always return paperwork and payments on time. Always look on the contract for an expiration date on the contract as well.

I have made many changes with my caterer since signing the contract. He says “okay” to everything. Is it really okay? The caterer should update your file and send you updated written confirmations as you go. Be sure the changes reflect the details and the prices you discussed.

Are there any precautions I can take when I sign the contracts? Be sure all of the details are included. Don't let the florist write “five bridesmaids' bouquets” on the contract. Have them specify the types of flowers to be used and every detail down to the color of the ribbon. Just keep everything detailed.