MUA Contract Question - Bridal.

Aug 15, 2013

Meghan N.

I am relatively new to having my own MUA business with the focus on bridal/wedding. I have a client who is booking me for next fall (2014), so over a year away. My contract is currently based on agreed-upon services and a retainer is paid on that amount. Right now, the bride isn't sure about her bridesmaids getting MUA services.

If you were in my position - would you:

a. Send the contract out and let the bride know she has to have a firm account of services to be rendered on the day of/retainer based on that

b. Send the contract for the bride and her mother's services only, because that is all that is confirmed at this point? And give her a deadline (I.e. 2 months from wedding date) to give count of any bridesmaids Makeup Application and then send an amended contract?

I guess I am unsure because the wedding is so far out and I know it can be hard to know who will get M/You and who will not. 

Thanks!!

Aug 15, 2013

Danielle B.

Option B. This wedding is a long way off. You are correct to have the contract signed and take the retainer now, but with such a long lead time, things will change as they always do.:)

Aug 15, 2013

Maura Z.

I would definitely let her know upfront how much you are planning on charging her for herself, but also give her an estimate for how much it would be to do her bridesmaids as well! I just started freelance as well, and met with my first potential client on Monday. We had been talking thru FB, and I did not want to discuss prices there mainly because I didnt know what was a good amount to charge yet. I wrote up my contract, and when I met with her I went over it but she said that was way out of her budget and refused to sign. I ended up doing a trial run because she made it sound like she was going to pay me something but it turns out she wanted all of it for free. At the end of the trial run, she told me she will be finding someone else. Biggest slap in the face ever. So in order to protect yourself from this happening, I would send or email a copy of your contract to her, and let her know a rough estimate of the cost with and w/o the bridesmaids reguardless of the date of the wedding. That way she can';t back out at the last second or say its out of her budget if she knows everything upfront. And I would send both options of contracts so she can look them over.

Aug 17, 2013

Tamara L.

B :)

Aug 19, 2013

Meghan N.

Thank you all for your responses! I went with B and I think that will work out great!

Sep 21, 2013

Nicol D.

I'm late. Lol

But I have a minimum that must be met to book me - bride plus 3. I won't book a bride who isn't sure who is getting makeup done. That will screw you in the end because you could get a bigger bridal party in the meantime - 2014 is so far away. I would tell her she must met my minimum and if I haven't booked another client I might be able to do everyone else.

Sep 21, 2013

Nicol D.

And don't let them change your contract. You send them an updated contract.