Now that you found your perfect wedding venue, it is time to get it signed, sealed and delivered.  Here are some do’s and don’ts related to your wedding venue contract.

• Do proofread the agreement carefully. You want to ensure that your name, address, payment terms, and the wedding date and wedding time are correct.
• Do make sure that the agreement lists your event space on it. If you are using a different space for getting ready and/or cocktails, it should note that information too.
• Do take notes during your meetings prior to the agreement. And, make sure that the terms you discussed and negotiated are spelled out in the agreement.
• Do ensure that your agreement spells out its policies for cancellation and an acts of God/Terrorism/Government . Your agreement may not have a cancellation clause, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be penalized for cancelling. Get that spelled out in advance.
• Don’t miss the return receipt deadline. If you miss it, the venue salesperson is well within his or her rights to rent the space to another couple.
• Don’t let the clauses go over your head. If you don’t understand something in the venue agreement, ask for an explanation (in writing) before you sign it.
• Do document (in writing) any changes you make to the agreement after you sign it. Create an addendum (or ask your sales contact at the venue to create an addendum), and make sure that both parties sign and initial it.
• Don’t forget to get a countersigned copy. The agreement is not really binding until both parties have signed it. Don’t let the venue sit on the agreement too long. Make sure that you get a countersigned copy shortly after you send in your signed copy.

For more information, check out our previous post. It lists some of the basic items you definitely need to include in your venue agreement.

Finally, I must mention that we are not attorneys. The information in this blog post and our previous posts are based on our experiences as professional event planners.

Love & Soul Always, Kawania