5 Must-Have Clauses Every Wedding Vendor Should Include in Their Contracts
📋 Blog Highlights
A wedding vendor contract should include clear clauses for model releases, anti-harassment, pandemic coverage, cancellation, and force majeure.
Protect your wedding business legally and professionally with a well-crafted client agreement.
Every wedding professional should consult with a licensed attorney to ensure their contract is legally sound and tailored to their services.
You know what’s not dreamy? A contract that leaves you wide open to confusion, conflict, and chaos. We’re talking about your wedding vendor contract—the one that protects your time, your talent, your sanity, and yes, your business.
Whether you’re a seasoned wedding pro or just starting out, your contract should be doing some serious heavy lifting. This isn’t just a formality—it’s your business’s first line of defense. So let’s break down the top five clauses you need to stop sleeping on.
✨ *But before we dive in, a friendly reminder: We’re not attorneys. This blog is not legal advice—always consult a licensed attorney to review your contracts.* ✨
Model Release Clause: Show Off Your Work, Legally
You know that perfect shot of your floral arch or those emotional golden-hour couple portraits? You *need* the right to share them. That’s where a model release clause comes in.
✔️ Allows you to use images/videos of the couple, bridal party, guests, or event design in your marketing
✔️ Covers usage across your website, social media, print, and portfolio
✔️ Sets expectations for how their images may be used (and gives you peace of mind)
Pro Tip: Want to stand out? Offer a photo swap—tag your couples and vendors, and encourage them to do the same. It builds community *and* trust.
Anti-Harassment Clause: Protect You and Your Team
It’s unfortunate, but necessary. Your contract should clearly state that you and your team deserve a safe, respectful working environment.
✔️ Sets boundaries around inappropriate, offensive, or threatening behavior
✔️ Allows you to remove yourself from a harmful situation without penalty
✔️ Outlines expectations for guest conduct toward vendors and staff
Remember: You’re a professional. Your contract should reflect that your safety matters.
COVID-19/Pandemic Clause: Because We’ve Learned Our Lesson
If the past few years taught us anything, it’s this: the unexpected can—and does—happen. Pandemic clauses are no longer optional.
✔️ Clearly outlines procedures for event postponement or cancellation due to health crises
✔️ States who is responsible for rescheduling fees, deposit retention, or timeline shifts
✔️ Protects you from refund demands outside of your control
Tip: Keep this flexible. Include wording for “unforeseen circumstances,” not just COVID-19.
Cancellation & Rescheduling Clause: Clarity is Kind
Weddings shift. Plans change. Your contract needs a plan for that.
✔️ Defines non-refundable retainers vs. refundable balances
✔️ Sets terms for how far in advance cancellations or reschedules must occur
✔️ Includes any fees related to changes (like new travel or rush charges)
Being upfront here avoids confusion and awkward “but I thought…” conversations later.
Force Majeure Clause: AKA The Ultimate What-If Plan
Natural disasters. Power outages. Flooded venues. The *very rare* alien invasion. 😅 A force majeure clause is the legal umbrella for those true “act of God” situations.
✔️ Frees both parties from obligations if extraordinary events make the contract impossible to fulfill
✔️ Protects your business from being held liable when things are truly beyond your control
✔️ Demonstrates professionalism and preparedness
Final Thoughts: Contracts Are a Love Letter to Your Business
We get it—you didn’t get into weddings to write legal documents. But trust us, having a solid contract is one of the most empowering tools in your business. It sets expectations, builds trust, and protects you from nightmare scenarios.
Need help organizing your backend systems or building better workflows around your contracts? That’s our jam.
💌 DM us or click the link in our bio to learn how we can support your wedding biz!
At The Social Attendant, we love all things social media and helping wedding professionals take their businesses to the next level. Lori was a wedding planner for 19 years and has been helping wedding creatives like you since 2020 with their social media management, consulting/coaching, and virtual assistant tasks . Let’s chat about how we can help!
