Is the contract really important? If the costs are at a level where it is a problem if you lose the money, you definitely need a contract, but not just for a wedding but for another parts of lie…

Organizing a wedding is a big challenge. It is not a coincidence that couples usually start organizing the Big Day 1 year earlier. The first important task is to choose the major providers and book them as soon as possible. If you have found the most sympathetic service providers for you, such as a DJ, band, master of ceremonies, photographer / videographer, then the next very important step is to sign a contract. A contract is an agreement between two or more persons describing their rights and obligations. The agreement is born when the partners agree on the essential part of the contract. This document protects both parties and gives you a sense of peace and security, and of course it can protect you from anxiety.

It happened to me that I was asked to play at wedding in the last minute (it was 24 hours until the wedding) because without contract the DJ cancelled the music service and the couple had to find DJ for their Big Day immeiately. It is scary and very sad that it can happen…

Experienced and professional providers are usually booked a year weddinging advance, so for this reason, if I get a last-minute request, I can’t accept it in 95% because I’m already booked for that date. I already have reservations for the next 2 years, so if you want to choose not only from the ”rest of the DJs”, it is advisable to look for a DJ as soon as possible. Sometimes, several couples said they trusted me, and that they didn’t need a contract, they didn’t insist on it.
I always sign a contract for the Big Day. Couples who organizes their wedding are highly advisable to do this, because the contract guarantees that everything will be right. To be honest, there are disagreements even between family members, especially for a stranger. Don’t take risks, but be prepared for everything, signing a contract is a guarantee for everyone. A fair contract is bilateral, so it protects not only the service provider but also you.

What can I do besides signing a contract?

It’s simple, you have to see the differences between two providers. Why is it cheap? What is it that they can’t do or don’t want to do? Why is a more expensive provider better? Why is the service provider who undertakes the same wedding for half price different? Are they legally okay? It isn’t good for us, legal service providers that lot of DJs work illegally because they often harm the reputation of the profession with their unprofessionalism. Their equipment isn’t high quality, they do not have enough experience. Because they don’t pay taxes, they can work cheaper – Of course, It can be attractive to young couples. But musical, sound and visual improvements are expensive, as are taxes .

It’s simple, you have to see the differences between two providers. Why is it cheap? What is it that they can’t do or don’t want to do? Why is a more expensive provider better? Why is the service provider who undertakes the same wedding for half price different? Are they legally okay? It isn’t good for us, legal service providers that lot of DJs work illegally because they often harm the reputation of the profession with their unprofessionalism. Their equipment isn’t high quality, they do not have enough experience. Because they don’t pay taxes, they can work cheaper –Of course, It can be attractive to young couples. But musical, sound and visual improvements are expensive, as are taxes.

Do not get into situations where you do not sign a contract, because this often causes inconveniences. The price you pay at the booking has to be realistic, if you pay little, cancellation is expected and an experience of a lifetime can be ruined and become a nightmare, causing many sleepless nights.

Interestingly, many people don’t believe that negative publicity has a bigger negative effect in this job (where trust and sympathy are very important in making the final decision) than a more attractive event for a higher profit. Beware of the following things in the contract – for example – the service provider claims in the contract that if they cancel the party, only te has to look for a professional substitute. In this case, what they put into the contract is not possible to guarantee, it is uncertain, and unprofessional. If they need to use such devices to ain your trust, it is already a bad sign. Of course, there are cases when someone has to cancel an event e.g. illness, accident or family tragedy. In this case, the correct provider will help the couples find someone as a substitute.
Experience also shows the importance of a contract.

So, my advice is that without a serious contract, You shouldn’t even give 1,000 HUF or agree with a service provider. Unfortunately, some providers don’t do the things that they agreed on with the couple. The couples also have to beg them and sometimes they disappear, and you never hear from them again. Because of the couples’ lack of experience, this is a very common problem.

You really need to stick to paying a deposit, contract, receipt or invoice. Without these, the risks of cancellation increase and unfortunately, you can’t do much with the service provider because sometimes it is difficult to pursue your interests even with a valid contract!

I always try to sign an electronic contract, which we can do at the first meeting. It is more practical, faster, a more elegant and up-to date/modern solution.
This method of signing a contract is also widely accepted, because the agreement of the partners can also be validated electronically. The New Civil Code includes special rules for contracts that are signed electronically. It includes that an electronic contract declaration is considered valid from the point it becomes available to the other party. For example, if the e-mail that contains the contract declaration arrives in the other party’s mailbox.
My contract is based on the experience of my clients over the years, so I never publish it and it is forbidden to give it to third parties.
I provide an e-invoice for the ordered service, which I also send by e-mail. Before I give the invoice, you can ask for a paper invoice instead. (eg if receiving thee-invoice is not manageable). Of course this is free. It is possible to pay with PayPal.

To sum up, the most important important things are the well-thought- out choice of provider, a fair, written agreement ,and finally a deposit. This is how you are in the most reassuring position possible.
The contract is important, but sympathy is also important, and your service provider’s work has to suit for your taste. Each provider has their own contract and you are recommended to discusse it thoroughly. A piece of good advice: if someone does not want to sign a contract, You should say goodbye to them so they won’t give you an unexpected surprise 🙂
I wish you a superb organizing process. I hope this period will be exciting for you! And if you want to sign a contract, contact me as a Wedding and Event DJ, I love challenges 🙂