Hey there, if you’re reading this, it most likely means that you’ve most had a client ask to postpone their event, wedding, or services due to COVID-19 government mandates or you have clients that you haven’t yet fulfilled their contract as their event or service date is not until a later date.

As a wedding photographer, I’ve been hit with some tough times over the past 30 days. I’ve had couples call me up in tears to let me know that their wedding is being postponed, and I’ve helped couples navigate working with vendors to pick a new date.

As a business strategist and educator whose goal is to help serve and support other entrepreneurs and small businesses, I’ve provided step by step guidance to those looking for resources during this extremely fluid situation. 

Here are a few quick steps that you’ll need to take if you’re a service-based company to protect your clients and your business during uncertain times.

Step 1: Update & Revise ALL Of Your Contracts 

Force Majeure Verbiage

You’ll need to update and revise all of your contracts to include Force Majeure verbiage that covers a wide range of situations. This consists of all templates you use and any contracts that are still open, even if the client has not yet selected a new date of service. (i.e., if services have not yet been rendered- you’ll need to revise the contract) Even if you think the event won’t be postponed and is “far enough out”, you’ll want to cover all bases.

Join the COSMOS Collective for help writing emails to your clients and to get help with the proper verbiage you’ll need in your contract.

Selecting Another Professional To Render Services

You should have verbiage in your contract that will allow you to select another professional to render services if you are unavailable. Without this, in your agreement, your client could potentially refuse to allow you to hire a replacement. Thus forcing you to void the contract, which could result in you having to refund their money. 

Step 2: Email ALL Revised Contracts To Clients 

Advise Clients Of New Clause

Remind clients that if they wish to postpone their services and enforce the “Force Majeure” clause, they will need to do so within a certain amount of days before their current contracted service date. (We have 14 days before the event that they must let us know in writing of the postponement). 

Encourage Clients To Reach Out 

Be sure also to encourage your clients to reach out to you PRIOR to selecting a new date for their services to be rendered – that way, you can confirm your availability. 

Step 3: Confirm All Contracts Have Been Reviewed & Resigned 

Follow Up

Reach out via phone if the client hasn’t reviewed and signed the contract within 48 hours. 

Step 4: If Clients Needs To Postpone

Force Majeure Clause Enforced 

If the client wishes to postpone services and has given this information to you in writing, then the “Force Majeure” clause is in effect. Be sure to update the contract with the new date of service once it’s been agreed upon.  All of the original contracted parties must sign this new update.

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Even More Ways To Get Help

Join the COSMOS Collective for help writing emails to your clients and to get help with the proper verbiage you’ll need in your contract.

Ways To Help Prepare Your Couples

It’s important to help couples and clients through these uncertain times. 2020 Couples are looking for ways to postpone their wedding and pick a new wedding date. With that comes a lot of questions- here’s a recent blog I wrote and shared with couples to help them through the process.

How To Choose A New Date For Your Wedding During Covid-19!

I’ll do my best to keep updating this blog as we continue to navigate these uncertain times we are all facing during COVID-19. If you have questions or would like to reach out, please do so. 

Love • Kindness • Grace 

-Heather 

Disclaimer: I am not a legal professional, the information provided above is not legal advice and should not be taken as such. The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only.  Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.  This website contains links to other third-party websites.  Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser.