Although weddings are dreamy affairs, their preparation involves plenty of down-to-earth paperwork -- namely, the contracts with the vendors you'll hire to carry out your vision. These legal agreements will explicitly state the terms and conditions of the work to be done, keeping misunderstandings to a minimum.

Formal Contracts
Many wedding services supply formal contracts that have been drawn up by their lawyers. Don't be put off by the obscure language; although you can always pay to have your own lawyer look over a contract, if you take the time to read it carefully, you should be able to decode the legalese yourself. Make sure you read every line and understand every nuance -- even the simplest phrases such as "and/or" ("red and/or white wine" is too vague if you want both) and "above" (it could refer to the previous line or to an item in paragraph one). If you're unsure of anything, ask the vendor to explain -- something he's probably accustomed to doing.

It helps to create a detailed list of important points from your perspective (for the band, for example, arrival and break times, transportation costs, and attire) to compare to the contract provided by the vendor. Then you can request appropriate changes to the document.

Informal Contracts
Some vendors, especially those with small businesses, may draft a handwritten agreement or use a simple proposal as the contract. You don't need a long, complicated contract as long as the terms are precisely defined and clearly stated.

Contract Basics
Every contract should cover basic points, including the most obvious: the date and time of the wedding. In fact, you'll probably see the phrase "time is of the essence," signifying that the date of the contracted service is an essential part of the agreement. The contract must also list the vendor's fee and a breakdown of the costs. Some contracts have a price-escalation clause, which allows for unforeseen expenses. If you can't get the clause deleted, insert a ceiling on the total costs; no more than 15 percent over the base price is fair. The contract should also record the terms of payment; typically, vendors ask for a 50 percent deposit upon signing, with the balance due shortly before or on the day of the wedding.

Signing and Making Changes
Once you have agreed on a contract, both you and the vendor need to sign it. You'll want a copy for your files with both signatures, too, because otherwise the document can be challenged should there be a disagreement later. Don't hesitate to make changes -- the vendors want to do business with you, so they'll probably be as accommodating as possible -- but if you agree on changes midway though the planning, follow up with a letter signed by both parties, and keep a copy of the letter with the original contract.

Refund Policy
A contract should detail the refund policy if the company doesn't fulfill its end of the bargain. To protect against a no-show or a company's sudden demise, consider paying in installments by credit card, so you have a chance of getting your credit-card company to dispute the charges if necessary. A contract can also describe the circumstances under which you get a refund if you cancel the plans. While it's unlikely you'll get your full deposit back, you may not have to pay the entire bill if you have an agreement. The more you can anticipate, the more peace of mind you'll have as the wedding approaches.