Wedding Contracts for Wedding Vendors
Have you ever been in one of those Facebook groups for wedding business owners and you notice that often there's a thread or two (per day) where the vendor is complaining/confused/panicking about a negative client experience?
"I gave my client all of their images but they have yet to pay me, what should I do?"
"I had a client write a negative review about something that I didn't do, but I don't do that thing..."
"I have a client who keeps rescheduling their appointments last minute..."
"My design/images/something-I-created-and-own was stolen, what do I do!?"
In the most haughty way possible, whenever I see these comments I quickly mute notifications and might just leave the group. Because ain't none of that in my pool of 'things to worry about ever' because I opted for a lawyer to create my business contracts.
To me, these cries for help all point to one answer: Wynne Reece. In this episode, a small business and creative's lawyer extraordinaire is breaking down why you need a professional contract.
Do not copy/paste one from the internet.
If you already did, well then, amend that goof up immediately. Take the time to elevate your game, to realize that if you want to be a business professional you need more than just business cards and an info@biz.com email address. You need a contract and insurance and likely an LLC (remember: this is just legal information and not advice). With that artillery and through listening to this episode you will realize that a strong contract will increase your confidence and it will banish those client quibbles that are filling your Facebook group feeds - FOREVER. I think.
Again, this episode does contain legal information, but not legal advice. Wynne is talking to the collective you and not you personally. Contact her for your specific needs, you won't regret it.
DO I NEED A PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT?
**rhetorical question**
WHAT SHOULD BE IN YOUR CONTRACT?
Uh, that's the whole point of this episode, so press play. However, let me tell you some of the things that brides and grooms could use reminders about, because they don't all read what they are signing before signing it.
Vendor meals. A given for you, not for them. Like why do they have to feed you? Nordstrom didn't provide me a meal when I worked in Men's Furnishings for 8 hours.
Who owns those images/that video. Because they don't understand copywriting or creative licenses or what ever. They feel like if they hire you, they buy what you make, if this isn't the case, tell them.
Arrival and departure times. If you think there is an industry standard for what time the DJ arrives, what time photographers leave, or how long the florist stays on sit, well, there ain't. Ever-y-body is an individual and differs in the services they provide and the way they provide them.
"YOU SHOULD BE FRIENDS WITH YOUR CONTRACT"
RESOURCES:
Twin Cities Collective Episode 022: Legalize Your Biz