What Provisions Should Be Written Into Any Contract for Wedding Photography?
You've just viewed an online wedding album that makes your jaw drop and your eyes widen. Before calling to book the photographer for your own wedding, schedule a consultation appointment. Although the photos make the bride look like a supermodel, the company may lack professionalism or timely services, leaving you with a post-wedding headache. Before signing any wedding photography contracts, read the fine print and all provisions.
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Check the Details
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An itemized contract eliminates later confusion. Ask to see a sample wedding contract. A place for the cell phone numbers of the photographer, bride and groom are necessary in the event of any wedding day challenges, such as a flat tire. A contract should list the number of proofs, compact discs, hours and photographers planned for the wedding. Don't assume your package includes printed proofs, an engagement portrait session, Web viewing or reception photography, unless the details of the contract state these items.
Detailed Timeline
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All photography contracts should include a timeline for the services and products purchased. In addition to detailing the date of the wedding rehearsal and the wedding ceremony, ask for the date the proofs will be available. Wedding photographers often take months to return proofs, and several months to complete print orders. This timeline can put a damper on plans the newlyweds have for using wedding photographs as quick post-wedding gifts for the bridal party or parents. Before signing a contract, ask to see prices and service times for all photography products.
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The Cost
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Although the photographer has quoted you a package price for your wedding photography, expect additional costs. Ask the photographer to itemize all costs on the contract, including sales tax and overtime fees. A $1,000 wedding package with 8 percent sales tax adds another $80 to your wedding budget. The contract should also detail deposits and final payment due dates. Prepare to pay for photography services in full prior to the ceremony, and for photographic prints and products when ordered -- usually after the wedding.
Special Requests
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Once all the black and white details make it into the contract, add a paragraph about your wedding planning. Since wedding photographers document a variety of cultural traditions, family structures and special requests, you need to guide them through your wedding day vision. Let the photographer know you must have a portrait of your 100-year-old grandmother watching the ceremony, you'd like close-up photographs of the Irish horseshoe charm tucked under the bridal bouquet and you'd love a group picture of your cousins from Norway. By documenting special requests in the wedding contract, the photographer will know what personal details mean the most to the wedding couple.
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References
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- Photo Credit wedding image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
