An event planning contract is used to establish a working relationship between the event planner and their client. The document provides a complete overview of the services to be provided and the parties’ responsibilities.

How to Write

An event planning contract should contain the following terms:

• Agreement term. The start and end date of the agreement.
• Services. The scope of the event planner’s responsibilities (program scheduling, hiring decorators, booking entertainment, etc.).
• Payment terms. The event planner’s compensation for their services and the payment’s due date.
• Retainer. An upfront fee that secures the event planner’s services.
• Confidentiality. Ensures that any sensitive or proprietary information is not disclosed to outside parties.
• Independent contractor status. Establishes the event planner as a self-employed contractor.
• Signatures. The signatures and signing date of the parties.

When to Use

An event planner contract should be drafted and signed once the client is ready to formally hire the contractor to organize their event. As events vary widely in scale and type, the contract informs the client of what the event planner’s services will include to ensure their expectations are met.

An event planning contract can be used for:

• Corporate events
• Fundraisers
• Private parties
• Weddings
• Concerts
• Conventions
• Press conferences

Event Planning Certification

Event planners are not required to hold certification to operate, though many institutions offer diplomas and degrees in fields such as event design, management, and planning. As organizing events can be a complex and demanding job, these types of programs offer knowledge and specialization to those seeking a career in event planning.