Planning a wedding is a whirlwind of excitement—choosing the perfect dress, designing stunning floral arrangements, and finding a DJ who actually understands your taste in music (no, we don’t want the chicken dance—thanks!). But amidst the excitement, there’s one not-so-glamorous task that too many couples overlook: actually reading the contracts from their vendors and suppliers.

Yes, contracts. Those boring, fine-print-packed documents that might seem like just another formality. But trust me, the last thing you want is a surprise charge or a logistical nightmare because you skimmed instead of scrutinized. So, let’s talk about why reading (every single word of) your wedding contracts is non-negotiable.

Key Things to Look For in Wedding Vendor Contracts

Before you sign anything, make sure you understand these crucial details:

1. Payment Schedules & Fees

When do payments need to be made, and in what amounts? Are deposits refundable? Are there hidden fees? (Spoiler: There often are.) Some vendors might charge extra for services you assumed were included, so make sure you’re crystal clear on what you’re paying for.

2. Cancellation & Rescheduling Policies

Life happens—illness, weather issues, or, you know, global pandemics. What happens if you need to cancel or reschedule? Will you get any of your money back? Can you apply your deposit to a future date? And what if the vendor cancels on you? You need to know what your options are before you’re in a panic trying to figure it out.

3. Overtime Charges

The reception is going great, the dance floor is packed, and you’re not ready for the party to end—awesome! But will your DJ, photographer, or venue charge you extra if things run over time? (Probably.) Make sure you know the hourly rates for overtime and factor that into your budget.

4. Substitutions & Changes

What if your florist can’t get those specific peonies you wanted? Will they substitute a comparable flower, or will you be left scrambling? Can you make last-minute changes without incurring a massive fee? Get clarity on how flexible each vendor is before you sign.

5. Force Majeure Clause (aka the ‘Act of God’ Clause)

Basically, this outlines what happens if an unforeseen disaster (think hurricanes, fires, or pandemics) prevents the vendor from fulfilling their end of the contract. Make sure you know what your rights are in extreme situations.

6. Liability & Insurance

If a guest trips over a speaker cord and breaks an ankle, who’s responsible? Many venues require vendors to have liability insurance, but don’t assume—it’s always best to confirm.

Ask Questions—Lots of Them

If anything in the contract is confusing or vague, ask! Vendors expect questions, and any reputable one will be happy to clarify. If a vendor is unwilling to explain something, that’s a major red flag. Also, if anything is agreed upon verbally but isn’t in the contract, ask to have it added in writing. If it’s not written down, it doesn’t exist—at least not legally.

Keep Digital Copies of Everything

Once your contracts are signed, save digital copies in an easily accessible place. If an issue arises months down the line, you’ll want to have the documents on hand to reference. (Pro tip: A shared wedding planning folder in Google Drive or Dropbox is a lifesaver!)

The Bottom Line

No one wants to deal with contract disputes on their wedding day (or ever). Taking the time to read and understand every vendor contract now can save you from major stress, unexpected costs, and worst-case scenarios later. So, grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine, no judgment), sit down with those contracts, and protect your wedding day from unnecessary drama. Future You will be very grateful!