What to do with Vendor Contracts?

Any advice about things I should make sure are on a band contract or any vendor contract for that matter...or lists of additional contract guarantees? Can you add-on to a contract stipulations after the initial contract is already signed? I've heard some horror stories about extra charges after the wedding...but don't see anything on the contract other than total balance due - deposit etc... Wierd question but what if the vendor says oh we needed to provide this that or the other thing and here is the extra charge. If I don't feel it is legitimate can I refuse to pay saying it's not specified on my contract? Thanks!

What to do with Vendor Contracts?

Suggestions: For the band: List all members of the band that will be at your wedding, not the instruments that will be there but the actual band members; List the break times and what will be done when the band is on break , ie tapes, cds, only half will break at a time etc; if they will learn a song for you, have it on the contract Flowers- What type of flowers will be each centerpiece, bouquet, arrangement and number of flowers per- a friend of mine had a wedding and the contract stated 'beautiful bouquet of stephanotis (sp?) and anna roses' beautiful is in the eye of the beholder as she found out- be specific; time of set up; if you want fillers or not (baby's breath, queen anne's lace, etc) I think the key is to brainstorm about as many details as possible. Even if it seems silly to the vendor have them put it in. Better safe than sorry!

What to do with Vendor Contracts?

great ideas thank you so much! i never would have thought to include all the details about the flowers - i was just going to trust the good taste and judgement of the florist (I don't know so much about flowers other than colors and that i like roses) guess i'll need to do some research! Thanks again! bye the way what arrangements do most brides make w/the photographer if it rains on their wedding day?

A few suggestions

Find out up front what your caterer is willing to give you in case you don't make the minimum guest count on the day off. Some places will upgrade your appetizers or main course or throw in extra dessert. Make sure you get everything you want in writing. Our catering contract said 'top shelf liquor & beer'. We automatically assumed top shelf covered the liquor & the beer. Not so. Imagine our horror when the only beer being offered to our guests was Bud & Bud Lite. ICK! My husband fixed that right away. Make sure it's OK with your facility if a guest needs to leave his/her car there overnight in case of 'overindulgence'. A friend of mine had to pay a hefty fee for each car left behind in the lot. For the florist - stipulate every detail - even the color/material of the ribbons in the bouquet. For the photographer - Make a detailed list of must-have shots. Leave someone responsible in charge of making sure they get taken. Outline whether you want posed or candid or what percentage of both. We were really lucky - our photographers were so on target we didn't have to think of a thing! Also cover things you don't want - we absolutely did not want pitchers of ANYTHING sitting out on the tables. We did not want bartenders to accept tips from guests. Our DJ knew our 'absolutely do not play' list by heart I'm sure! If I heard one note of the Macarena or Electric Slide someone wasn't getting paid! Sorry for the long list, but our wedding was fairly recent and things are still fresh in my mind. If anything else comes to mind I'll post.

A few suggestions

i'm taking notes...thank you so much for the excellent advice! now i've gotta make some phone calls :)

Shelby9201

I need some advise about the whole Electric Slide, Macaranna thing. I don't think I need to have those at my wedding. My stepmother told me that everyone LOVES to do those dances and it would be very unfair of me to ask for them not to be played. None of my friends do them anymore but all of her friends (45 and older crowd) do. Did anyone ask for them, did anyone mention this to you? I appreciate the words of advise.

Some other stuff to consider

Using a reputable vendor is the key. Even a great contract does not protect you from a bad or unfair vendor. I checked on this board before I signed with each of my vendors or they were recommended to me by people that I trust. Also, I found that some bands will not put down names on members because they cannot guarentee that someone will not get sick, leave the band or (as one person told) even passaway. Horrible thought but when I considered it I guess it could happen. Also, go by your insincts. If something does not 'feel' right to you walk away. You can also call the Better Business Beaure in your area and ask if there are any complaints against the vendors. I am using Burton's for my flowers and they do not charge by flower type or colors. So my contract says hand-tied any flowers. But I got recommendations by the hall manager and from this board before I signed.

Michele31

Quite honestly no one missed them and the dance floor was always crowded. Our DJ did do some participation songs that we approved of. For 'New York New York' he had everyone gather around us in a circle and do the kick dance thing. We had fun and got some great photos - grandma even grabbed the mic and sang along. We also did 'Paradise by the Dashboard Lights' and 'Time Warp'. My best advice is: you & FH pick 2 or 3 participation dances that don't completely irritate you. I'm sure the DJ will be just as happy to not have to hear 'Hands Up' for the millionth time. I would be really wary of any DJ who insists that these songs MUST be played in order for your guests to have fun. I hope this helps. Michele

Shelby9201- Thanks alot *NM* *NM*