When hiring help for your wedding planning business, choosing the right contract is essential to set clear expectations and legal boundaries with your team members. At The Legal Paige, the Wedding Planning Associate Contract and the Wedding Planning Assistant Contract are two options designed for different types of roles within your team. Let’s break down the key differences so you can determine which contract is best for your business needs.

Wedding Planning Associate Contract

The Wedding Planning Associate Contract is specifically designed for individuals who will act in a planner capacity on your behalf. These associates are typically experienced wedding planners or coordinators who take on tasks that resemble your role as a planner, such as coordinating the day-of event or leading vendor communication.

This contract is for independent contractors, so it’s crucial if you’re hiring someone with the skill set to handle planning responsibilities under your brand.

Key Points in the Wedding Planning Associate Contract:

• Independent Contractor Status: Your associate planner works as an independent contractor, not an employee, which means they handle their own taxes and are not directly supervised by you during the event.
• Role in Your Absence: The associate will often serve as the main point of contact on the wedding day, coordinating with vendors, managing the schedule, and ensuring smooth execution.
• Autonomy and Liability: This contract includes clauses that cover liability and responsibilities, ensuring your associate understands the boundaries and protects your business if any issues arise.
• Use of Your Company Name: Since this planner is representing your brand, the contract ensures they will use your business name properly and uphold the professional standards of your company.
• Compensation and Expenses: The contract details how and when the associate planner will be paid, as well as what expenses are covered, if any.

This contract is ideal if you’re hiring someone to fully step into the planner role under your brand, allowing you to serve more clients without compromising the quality of service.

SHOP the Wedding Planning Associate Contract HERE!

Wedding Planning Assistant Contract

The Wedding Planning Assistant Contract is best for assistants who support you on the day of the event but do not take on the main planning or coordinating roles. This type of assistant typically helps with setup, tear-down, and other on-site tasks that are essential for a smooth event but don’t involve decision-making or leading the event.

This contract covers assistants who are hired by you and work under your direct supervision, allowing you to retain full control as the planner.

Key Points in the Wedding Planning Assistant Contract:

• Clear Support Role: The assistant’s duties are clearly outlined and limited to tasks that assist with the wedding setup, tear-down, and support throughout the day, while you remain in charge of the event.
• Direct Supervision: Since the assistant does not act as an independent contractor, they work under your supervision, and you remain responsible for any major decisions and client communication.
• Less Liability and Autonomy: This contract specifies that the assistant does not act on behalf of the business independently, so they do not carry the same liability as an associate planner.
• Hourly or Event-Based Pay: Compensation terms are typically structured based on hours worked or the event itself, rather than a fixed contract amount, as their role is more limited in scope.
• Expectations of Professionalism: The contract ensures assistants will uphold your brand standards and fulfill their roles as assigned without taking on any planning responsibilities.

This contract is a good fit if you need an extra pair of hands on the wedding day without relinquishing your role as the planner or coordinator.

SHOP the Wedding Planning Assistant Contract HERE!

Which Contract Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right contract for your needs:

• If you need someone to act as a planner in your place—handling day-of coordination, vendor communication, and representing your brand—go with the Wedding Planning Associate Contract.

• If you just need help with setup, tear-down, and other support tasks during the wedding day, while you remain the primary planner, the Wedding Planning Assistant Contract will provide the right level of support and protection.

At The Legal Paige, these contracts are crafted with the specific needs of wedding planners in mind, ensuring that your business is legally protected while setting clear expectations for each role. If you have any other questions, please reach out to us here.