1. LOOK FOR FLEXIBILITY
You don't need to plan for a title wave to crash into the catering hall in Central Jersey, but if you want to ensure that the site has another space available in case of emergency, that needs to be in the contract. Do not be afraid to alter the first draft of the bar mitzvah vendor contract. A reasonable request is for them to be liable for potential negligence or willful misconduct, and if the vendor will not accommodate you, it's best to find a bar mitzvah vendor that will.
2. UNDERSTAND REFUND POLICY
Make sure your bar mitzvah vendor contract has a refund policy that states what refund you will receive if you cancel and what penalty the vendor will pay if they don't show up or cancel. For bands and DJs, you might want to include a "Chicken Dance Clause": If they play something on your written "Do Not Play" list, they must deduct a small amount from the bill. Also, put something in the bar mitzvah DJ contract that states you should receive a refund if they have equipment failure, or if the microphone is crackling all night because they forgot to pop in a new batterie.
3. PLAN TO REVISIT DETAILS
What should you do if you've made some decisions but haven't finalized details? For example, you know you want to submit a song list for your candle lighting service, but you haven't decided on each song or the order. You should include a sentence that says details will be confirmed in writing by a certain date. Make sure the bar mitzvah vendor initials this sentence, so they know they need to revisit this contract, or make another appointment with you to go over the new details.
4. BAR MITZVAH VENDOR CONTRACT CONTENTS
* Date of the party (month, date, year, and day of the week)
* Time the vendor should arrive
* Day and date an item should be delivered
Party Pointer: When dealing with vendors that are providing a service on the day of the party, make sure the contract includes the name and number of the person they should call if anything goes wrong or gets delayed.
5. KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS
When you order something, such as invitations, or favors, the contract can be as simple as a checkout receipt. Make sure you keep all of your bar mitzvah vendor receipts, and make sure they all include:
* The party's date
* Style (a number, or a detailed description)
* Date item will be picked up
* Price and payment schedule
* Outline of what the price includes (such as alterations, accessories, delivery, and envelopes)
