Ask the Wedding Maven: Think Before You Sign, Advice about Wedding Contracts

In this week’s column, Wedding Maven Marta Segal Block answers a question about wedding contracts.

Dear Wedding Maven,
My friend and his fiancee signed a contract with a photographer for their wedding in summer 2010. They realize now that they can’t afford it, but the photographer won’t let them out of the contract.

Please let me know what they can do.

Thanks,
Friend of the Groom

Dear FOG,
First of all, I think you’re very nice to be looking into this for your friend. Your question brings up two really important points about wedding planning.

1) Most wedding vendors (photographers, caterers, florists, musicians) and venues will require you to sign a contract. This is for their protection, as well as your own. These contracts are legally binding, you need to read them very carefully, make sure you understand the fine print, and ask questions about things like “What if plans change?” Reputable professionals will ask for a deposit, but the deposit should be a reasonable amount.
2) Determining your wedding budget should be the very first thing you do. It affects everything.

Now, for your friend: Obviously, the first thing he should do is re-read the contract carefully. In order for a contract to be legal, it has to be reasonable. If your friend feels that the photographer did something unethical, or the contract is illegal, he may want to consult a lawyer.

Given that it hasn’t been long since the contract was signed, and the wedding is still a year away, there may be an out written into the contract. If there isn’t, he may still be able to appeal to the photographer’s better nature.

In order to do this, he must remember that he’s in the wrong, and he’s asking for a favor. No threats, no tears, no yelling. Wedding professionals depend on good word of mouth, so it would be in the photographer’s best interest to work with this couple to come to a good compromise. Maybe he could keep only part of the signing fee? Maybe he could reduce the overall price of the package so that the couple could afford it? Sometimes, the vendor will be willing to give back the deposit if he or she finds another client for the same day. If your friend could find someone else to take over the contract, would the photographer be willing to switch clients?

If the photographer won’t budge, then your friends need to decide if it makes more economic sense to eat the cost of the deposit, or to pay more than they’d like for a wedding photographer.

For everyone else out there, don’t let this happen to you! Remember, budget first, and read your contracts carefully!

Do you have a question about wedding planning, traditions, or etiquette? Ask the Wedding Maven at onewedmaven@gmail.com