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Do you require clients to sign a contract?

I own a boutique invitation design studio. When I book a new client I usually require 50% of the total cost due after I create 3 design proof PDFs and send to the client. The remaining 50% is due before going to print. I have found that this process works well and have never had any problems, but I have heard other wedding vendors who have had many issues with collecting deposits and keeping clients.

I am thinking of creating a cotnract for clients to sign when providing their deposit. Does anyone else require a contract? Does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks!

Melissa

Blush Notes

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Dina Eisenberg on November 15, 2010 at 8:21am

Hey Melissa,

You've gotten such great advice. Yes, you should have a contract. I love that someone calls it a service agreement because it reframes the document away from being an adversarial document to a document where you and your couple agree upon how to best serve your mutual goal- a great wedding.

Two important thoughts-

1. Be sure you're using the right term. A deposit has different legal significance than than a consultation fee. What you call it may impact your ability to keep the money if things change. You can probably get a quick answer to this by calling your local bar association and asking for their reduced fee panel. These lawyers agree to a reduced fee for a first meeting in exchange for the referral. Then, you can ask the business lawyer you select to review not only your deposit policy but also your entire contract.

I actually think most wedding businesses need 5 different agreements and mediation clauses to be effective.

2. Prepare to make the contract conversation fun yet informative. You want to make discussing your work terms a memorable experience that educates your couple. The time to discover any areas where you disagree is while you're in discussion, not after your agreement is signed & it feels awkward to re-open an issue.

Hope that helps.

Warmly
Dina

Permalink Reply by Amy Alice Wilson on November 16, 2010 at 6:01am

I like Memento Photo's term "Service Agreement" and might have to use it in the future. As wedding musician, I currently use a "Wedding Music Worksheet and Contract" which helps me and the bride organize the music for the different parts of the ceremony. And it protects both of us. It is also reassuring to the bride to get the details in place and know that I am working with her.

Permalink Reply by Tracie Howe on November 16, 2010 at 6:51am

To protect both parties, yes! And a deposit, which it sounds like you do with the 50% up front.

I recently had a couple break up and cancel their wedding, which made me feel bad for them and not care as much about the lost money. THEN, they got back together and moved up the wedding and said something about not hiring a bunch of professionals. I didn't feel bad for them after that, but I was definitely upset about losing the money then!

Permalink Reply by Blush Notes on November 16, 2010 at 6:54am

Thank you to everyone for your wonderful advise! This is certainly something I will need to create and put in place to protect both myself and my clients.

Melissa