Engagement Party

 Engagement parties can be big or small, some even are similar to mini weddings! There are no longer rules for who pays for the party and there may be several parties! Legally, considerations for engagement parties may be the same as for weddings! Often these contracts are more open ended. Sometimes you may not even get anything in writing, which can lead to undue surprises. 

1. Booking a restaurant.

If you just book a large table at a restaurant, you may not even get a contract. They may or might not tell you that there is a built-in surcharge for parties over 6 people. Suppose you get hit with a sur charge  that you did not know about, do you have to pay it? Generally, that service fee must be set forth in writing before you order the food, either on the menu or on some contract you sign. Did you know that depending on the state, the service charge may not be a tip and may not go to the employees?

2. Booking a room at a hotel.

A initial contract at a hotel may very open ended with little detail other than you guaranteeing a minimum payment. Big corporate chain contracts might not be negotiable, so be careful to read them!

3. Booking a venue similar to a wedding venue.

Carefully look at whatever agreement you sign because your simple little party may not end up being simple at all! You might be surprised to find out all sorts of requirements such as the requirement to have insurance and security, to use food vendors only that are on a list of approved ones , to pay extra charges for setup, janitorial and a whole list of things!