Have you ever run up against a client who suddenly stopped paying for your event services, which left you wondering what to include in your event legal contracts to protect you and your event business?

I hope this hasn’t happened to you and it’s something you only hear or read about, but the reality is…

Nearly all planners run into a problem client or two throughout their event planning career.

The hardest pill to swallow is when a client refuses to pay you for work already done or leaves you footing the bill for vendors you signed agreements with. It can make you anxious and leave you feeling like you should give up altogether.

Most of us operate on good faith and trust that our clients are honest. But, when something goes wrong, we have nobody to blame but ourselves.

I’m the first to tell you that I lost money on the first event I planned and was also stiffed by another client to the tune of $5000 because I trusted our relationship and our verbal agreement.The good news is I didn’t give up and I see each “failure” as a lesson and a way to improve myself and grow my business.

Your Event Legal Contracts

If you or another event planner you know is wondering what to include in your event legal contracts to protect your event business, watch this video as Rob Schenk from Wedding Industry Law and I talk about:

1. What’s the deal with non-refundable deposits? (10:24)
2. How do event planners get paid? (12:18)
3. At what point do you sue over breach of contract? (16:29)
4. How do you legally fire a client? (19:21)
5. How do you protect your IP (Intellectual Property) like photos, etc? (24:25)
6. Are you liable for vendors and should you sign contracts with vendors on behalf of your clients? (30:10)

Now, Rob and I would love to hear from you.

What is your biggest insight from today’s interview and will you add to your event legal contracts?

In the comments below, let us know.

Thanks so much for joining us and for sharing your comments.