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Just Said Yes September 2020

Sketchy catering contract?

Emily, on April 7, 2020 at 3:59 PM Posted in Planning 0 7

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So, I’ve had an email conversation back and forth with our caterer for a couple months. We have not met in person because we live 3 hours away. When I told her we would like to officially hire her, all she said was that she needs a $200 deposit to hold the date. She did not send over a contract, I had to ask for one. I also asked what her thoughts were in the event that we end up needing to postpone due to the virus. (Wedding is in September). She did not answer that question...
So anyway, take a look at this “contract”... Shouldn’t it have things like “catering company agrees to provide service on this date” and “deposit is non refundable” and “in the event that a pandemic causes event to be postponed...” you know, legal contract things, lol.This is a small town catering company but they have many good reviews and they seem legitimate. Am I reading too much into this or is there something sketchy here?
Sketchy catering contract? 1

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7 Comments

Latest activity by Caitlin, on August 6, 2020 at 10:48 PM

Legend June 2019
Melle · on April 7, 2020 at 4:02 PM
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Maybe you can ask her if she has a separate terms and conditions that goes along with this form?
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Savvy November 2020
Alexa · on April 7, 2020 at 4:39 PM
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Hmmmm that would definitely make me nervous for an actual wedding service, not going to lie lol! BUT it depends, too - I know for my rehearsal dinner, it was more of a 'reservation' and had a similar format to this contract you have here and that was because it was more of a local/small restaurant vs. a giant hall or event space that puts on weddings 24/7 with 200+ people and is more accustomed to wedding events.
But yeah, I'd maybe give her a call and ask if she has any policies - like cancellation policies, what happens in the event that your event gets cancelled or if they cancelled, liabilities, payment schedule. The pandemic is new so not every business will have something specific to that, but they usually have a section that references cancellation or something of that nature in relation to an 'act of god' but again, it might be different for smaller companies!
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Super May 2021
Stacey · on April 7, 2020 at 4:53 PM
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This looks like an order form, not a contract, Lol. I completely agree with you - I would feel a lot more protected with things spelled out exactly in terms of the goods/services she is obligated to provide, when payments are due, etc. If she doesn't do that, maybe there's a generic one you can find online that you are both comfortable with?
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Super March 2020
Jennifer · on April 7, 2020 at 4:54 PM
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I had a vendor that had a "contract" like that. They weren't a big time business. My "thoery" is that some vendors have the privilege of hiring a lawyer or business consultant to help write a legally binding contract while others don't. While I would be sketched out...it may be something as simple as not wanting to hire someone to write out a more legal contract.
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Legend November 2019
Caytlyn · on April 7, 2020 at 5:04 PM
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I don't think it's sketchy, I think it's a small local business who has never written up a proper contract before. It doesn't seem like she's trying to get one over on you or anything, but I agree that I wouldn't feel protected by it.
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Devoted August 2020
Kate · on April 13, 2020 at 10:21 AM
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It does look odd to me. Even if you were to add something specific in the notes section, there isn’t even a place for the caterer to counter-sign! I’d definitely proceed with caution. This might be what they have always done, but now with the way corona is going to change how we all do things, they should have a more specific and professional contract. I’d keep pressing them for that before committing.
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Expert January 2021
Caitlin · on August 6, 2020 at 10:48 PM
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Hmm... I'd be worried in a way but would also understand if she's a smaller business. Maybe you could get her to jot down a few things that are of concern to you and y'all can both sign it on top of the order form she sent you? That might give you some peace of mind. I would also try to find reviews to read. If they seem okay, I think you're in the clear. Good luck!
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