What should I look for in a wedding planner contract?

Short answer

Look for the exact services included, such as full planning, partial planning, or day-of coordination, and what is not included. Check the fee structure, payment schedule, and cancellation terms. Also confirm how many meetings you get, how they communicate, and whether they handle your budget or just advise.

A wedding planner contract should clearly define the scope of work so there are no surprises. Start by listing the services they will provide: venue research, supplier booking, budget management, design, timelines, and on-the-day coordination. Also list what they will not do, such as paying your bills or managing your guest list. Confirm how many in-person meetings and site visits are included, and how you will communicate between meetings, by email, phone, or an app.

Check the fee structure: is it a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a percentage of your budget? Confirm when payments are due and what happens if you cancel or change the scope. Look for a clause about what happens if the planner is unavailable on your date, and whether they provide a backup. Also check whether they have relationships with suppliers and whether they receive commissions, as this could affect their recommendations.

Ask how they handle your budget: do they create it, track it, and approve spending, or just give advice? Confirm whether they attend your rehearsal and final walkthrough. Finally, check their liability insurance and any confidentiality clauses. If the contract is vague, ask for more detail in writing before you sign.