Buyer (Bride) Beware

Caveat emptor - a popular latin phrase used in the legal landscape meaning "let the buyer beware". This essentially means that when you enter into a contract with a vendor you must be careful to understand all the facts before signing on the dotted line. "All the facts" includes the implications of the clauses in the contract.

One of the lessons that COVID-19 has taught us, is that we need to pay more attention to the contracts with various vendors such as the venue owners, the decorators, the caterers etc.

Unfortunately, some brides (and more generally, event hosts) made down payments for the needs of their weddings or events before the pandemic, only to find themselves in the midst of the pandemic with contracts that do not adequately provide for the cancellation/postponement and/or refund of their down payments. What's worse is that some vendors capitalized on the strict legal rights under the contract and refused to be flexible. At that point you have very little recourse.

As not only a wedding planner but an attorney by profession I can't help but think of how avoidable these situations are if we learn to expect the unexpected and protect ourselves through carefully worded contracts. Those buying into these contracts need to make sure that there is an airtight and enforceable clause in case of these emergencies that will allow you to back out of the contract during events such as a pandemic, or more commonly in the Caribbean, some other natural disasters such as hurricanes. These clauses are called force majeure clauses.

Part of the wedding/event planner's role is to look over these contracts and ensure their clients are protected. A wedding/event planner is also there to help you choose the right vendors, particularly those vendors who won't just look at legal rights but will also be flexible and do the (morally) right thing.

If you are getting married or planning an event, the most important contract you will enter into is the one with your wedding/event planner. You want to ensure your wedding planner is vigilant and can help you through the process of selecting a vendor. Choose wisely. Caveat emptor.

For more information and to get help to envision and execute your dream wedding/event, contact us at Melissa Simone:

Call us: (876) 832-1978

Email us: melissasimoneevents@gmail.com

DM us on Instagram: @melissasimoneevents