It Is Time to Book Your Wedding Venue

Now that you found the perfect venue for your wedding day, it is time to book your wedding venue. In order to secure your wedding date, you will need to pay a deposit, which will more than likely be non-refundable, and you will need to sign a contract with the wedding venue. Before, you sign on the dotted line, here are some do’s and don’ts related to your wedding venue contract(s).

Proofread the Venue Contract Carefully

You want to ensure that your name, address, payment terms, the wedding date and the start and end time for your wedding day are all correct.

Make Sure the Contract Identifies Where Your Wedding is Taking Place in the Venue

If you are using a different space for getting ready and/or the cocktail reception, that should be noted in the contract too.

Take Notes During The Meetings with the Venue Prior to Signing the Contract

And, make sure that the terms you discussed and negotiated in your meetings are spelled out in the contract.

Ensure That Your Contract Spells Out Its Policies for Cancellation and Acts of God/Terrorism/Government

If your venue contract doesn’t have a cancellation clause, that doesn’t mean you won’t be penalized for cancelling. Get the terms spelled out in advance.

Don’t Miss the Contract’s 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 Contract Clauses Go Over Your Head

If you don’t understand something in the venue contract, ask for an explanation (in writing) before you sign it.

Document (in writing) Any Changes You Make to the Contract 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 of the Contract

The contract is not really considered “fully executed” or binding until both parties have signed it. Don’t let the venue sit on the contract 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 contract.

Finally, I must mention that I am not an attorney. The information in this blog post and our previous posts are based on my experiences as a professional wedding and event planner.

If you are ready to plan your worry-free wedding experience, please contact your wedding planning team at Howerton+Wooten Events. We have a great deal of experience with wedding venue contracts.

Love and Soul Always, Kawania

Photo: Shutterstock

P.S. If you’re interested in booking me as a speaker or wedding industry expert, click here to learn more.