What to Look for in a Sample Contract — Protecting Your Hawaii Wedding Investment
In Part 2 of Finding “The One”, we move beyond the first conversation and into the details that define professionalism — the contract.
A clear, well-written contract is one of the strongest indicators that your planner operates with transparency and care. It sets expectations, outlines responsibilities, and protects you both.
What to Look For in a Planner’s Contract
Scope of Services: What’s included (planning, design, coordination)? Are site visits, travel, or multi-day events part of the fee or billed separately?
Communication and Workflow: How often will you receive updates? Do they use shared tools like dashboards or online planning systems?
Fees and Payment Terms: Flat fee, hourly, or percentage of budget? Are there clear payment milestones and refund policies?
Vendor Payments: Who pays vendors directly — you or the planner? Ideally, you should handle payments to maintain transparency and control.
Cancellation and Postponement Policies: What happens if your date changes? Are there credits, refunds, or rescheduling fees?
Liability and Insurance: Professional planners always carry liability insurance and require vendors to do the same.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Be cautious if you see:
Vague service descriptions (“as needed” or “as available”)
Extremely high, non-refundable deposits
No mention of insurance or liability
Planner insists all vendor payments go through them
Missing cancellation or postponement clauses
Resistance to answering questions or pressure to sign quickly
A professional planner will gladly explain every clause and ensure you feel confident before signing.
Pro Tip: Take your time reviewing. This isn’t just paperwork — it’s the framework for your entire planning relationship.