Who Should Sign Your Wedding Planning Contract (Hint: It’s Not the FOB)
If you take nothing else away from this blog, let it be this: never (well, technically, try your hardest to never) let anyone but the people getting married sign your wedding planning contract. Not their mom. Not their dad. Not Aunt Agnes (even if she’s footing the bill). Only the people actually getting married.
Here’s why that seemingly small detail matters so much.
Who Signs = Who’s the Client
A contract is a legal agreement between two parties. Whoever signs it is the one you’re legally obligated to serve — and the one who has the final say. So if a parent signs your contract, they become your client, they become the decision maker, and they hold the legal rights to enforce that contract.
That means even if the marriers want something different, you’re technically bound to follow the wishes of whoever signed. And if a disagreement arises, it’s the signer (aka mom or dad) who can bring legal action — not the marriers themselves.
The Deeper Pockets Problem
Another thing to consider: if parents sign, they often have more financial resources (and more free time) than the people getting married. That means if something goes sideways, they’re more likely to (and more able to) pursue legal action. Suddenly, what seemed like a harmless favor — “Oh sure, your mom can sign since she’s paying!” — could land you in a much riskier situation.
The Ideal Scenario
In a perfect world, everyone getting married should sign your contract. That keeps decision-making power squarely in their hands and ensures the agreement is legally binding with the people whose event you’re planning.
If parents are paying, that’s fine — but payment and decision-making are two separate things. A parent can write the check without ever signing the contract.
Protect Yourself From Day 1
It might feel awkward to tell a parent they can’t sign, but this is one of those boundaries that protects everyone involved. And if you’re ever unsure about how to establish that boundary or want to make sure your contract is protecting you, a lawyer who understands the wedding industry (hint: me) can help.
Because at the end of the day, you’re not planning a wedding for Mom and Dad. You’re planning a wedding for the marriers — and your contract should reflect that from the start.
Need help getting it to that point? I’m here for you.