Signing Contract to the venue

Our contract was pretty thorough. A few things I'd make sure it included are:

Hours you have the venue

Amount of staff and for how long

What happens if you cancel/what happens if the venue cancels

Breakdown of catering costs (if included)

What any service charge includes

A clause about how late you can change guest numbers

I'm sure I'll think of other things lol

I'd feel very uncomfortable with a "vague" contract, unless you are just renting the space and that's all that is included in the contract. Even then, I'd be sure exact times/dates are listed, costs, potential upcharges, deposits, penalties, requirements regarding insurance and/or security, any limits on vendors (e.g., do you have to work with "preferred vendors", is there an additional charge for using "non-preferred"?), expectations regarding set-up-clean-up, who will be responsible/on-site as a contact, how and when vendors can make deliveries and pick-up items, access to kitchen space, restrooms, parking, etc. If it's more inclusive, it should literally list every single thing and the exact cost. Daughter's contract with an inclusive venue was about 14 pages long and covered every possible detail. Google wedding venue contracts and/or questions to ask, and you'll get some pretty detailed suggestions for things to consider. This is one of the most important things you'll do/decide about the wedding, so be thorough and ask questions before you sign a contract. Good luck!

These are good, but I would also add:

When you can decorate the venue (day before/hours on the day)? What kind of decor is allowed? (our venue has a specific policy about this, as they don't allow certain things)

Is security required? If so, how much and who pays?

Liquor policy (pay for theirs/use your own/bartending)?

Like LB, I'll probably think of other things. But these were things I hadn't thought of until I read my venue contract.

For everyone's protection, the contract should have as much detail as possible. If theirs is vague, maybe see if you can have them add some things, so you're all on the same page.

Hey Mistylynn!! Welcome to the community! We have an awesome guide to vendor contracts that is very helpful and shares things you should look out for. The guide can also help you think of things to ask about if you haven't seen them in the contract that you were given.

- Wedding Contracts 101: The Words & Phrases to Look Out For

How is the rest of your planning going?