No written contract?

Question

I am in the process of planning my wedding and have came across the perfect reception site. My fiance and I have already looked at it, and really want to use it. When talking to the woman who makes the reservations, when asked about signing the contract, told me that there was no contract. All she does is send you a paper saying when the room is reserved for you.

What types of complications can arise in this situation and would it be a good idea to draft up my own to cover myself? I am a bit nervous about agreeing to the use of the room with nothing outlining my rights and theirs. Or is it if there is no written contract the other person cannot be held liable in court for anything?

Side note- this is a very well known establishment and has excellent references and reviews.

Answer 1

I own a country club and handle all of the wedding planning. Everything we do here is handled with a contract. This is to protect both my customers and the club.

The contract typically states the the date you are reserving, deposit and payment requirements, duration time for your event and refund policies in the event you cancel your wedding and have put deposits down in advance. The contract will also state pricing for your event as well.

I can't stress enough that you really need a contract. The venue you have chosen could change your pricing without notice or take your deposit then tell you the date is not available.

I certainly do not operate in that manner, but I have to tell you that I have heard absolute horror stories from brides who had problems with venues.(and the venues they were telling me about were well established large venues).

If this venue won't give you something in writing outlining everything I mentioned above, I think you may want to consider another venue.

Before you do consider another venue, try speaking with the owner of the venue first because he or she may not be aware of how your situation is being handled and would be willing to give you a written agreement. Maybe you are just dealing with a lazy sales person, which isn't really very reassuring either.

Answer 2

My mom owns a ballroom where she does several weddings a week, and I've worked for her, so that's where I'm coming from with this answer...

I think it would be a colossally bad idea to do anything without a written contract. Your wedding is a one-shot deal - you won't have a do-over (hopefully!), and you're going to be spending as much as you'd spend on a car (probably). It's a major event in your life, and a major financial transaction, and it should be treated accordingly.

There are so many zillion things that could go wrong - double bookings, confused dates or times, misunderstandings of rules or obligations - it is a MUCH better idea to get it all in writing. I can tell you from my own experience that my church booked my wedding at the wrong time of day (3 pm instead of 5 pm) and then booked someone else at 5 pm, which left us high and dry - we actually had to move the ceremony and get the invitations reprinted.

Do yourself a favor - get it all in writing.

Answer 3

At one time all people had to have was a handshake. I get upset because I sometimes have to use a contract to perform a ceremony!

If the ONLY thing being supplied is the room then this piece of paper would be considerd a [very poor] contract; as long as your name, date & price is on it.
Otherwise, there could be ALL KINDS of mishaps & misunderstandings. It's up to you whether you want to take such a chance.

But, in my opinion, I sense a real-hard life lesson brewing here.

Answer 4

Well, you have no rights, except what she (the owner of the place) extends to you. You have two choices
1. check with previous tenants (if she has a reputation for integrity and keeping her word) or
2. finding another place-a contract you draw up will be worth the paper it's written on. if she has no integrity then she may or may not honor the contract. if she doesn't honor it your day is ruined-even if you take her to court and win (costing money) your day is still ruined.
a third option is to pay in advance-then you will definitely need to check references-the best way is to ask to see previous tenants and YOU choose who to contact. if you contact the one(s) she provides (and she is a crook) that will, also, be fixed. reputation is the key-how long has she been there and what's her reputation

Answer 5

For legal purposes there should be a contract of some type. You should have everything in writing Law 101

Answer 6

Get a contract with the date, time, payment, your obligations, and their obligations. Do not book anywhere that won't give you a written contract.

Answer 7

I think you are right to worry, draft your own contract and get her to sign it, just tell her you prefer that things are written and signed to avoid any misunderstandings..