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Wedding contract in Italy: terms, clauses and rules to know

Wedding contract in Italy: what is it? 

The wedding contract represents the maximum expression of private autonomy and, not by chance, is widely used in everyday life.

Its importance lies in the fact that it is based on an agreement between two or more parties with the aim of creating, modifying, or terminating a legal relationship, predominantly of a patrimonial nature.

Wedding contracts have now become indispensable even in the context of marriage. More specifically, during the pre-wedding phase, where the future spouses need to organize their special day by engaging professionals and wedding vendors.

Technically speaking, a wedding contract is established to define the terms and conditions of the services to be provided by the hired experts, such as catering, decorations, entertainment, and so on, as a legal safeguard for both the clients and the professionals, ensuring professionalism and commitment.

A well-drafted wedding contract usually contains details such as the date and time of the wedding, the number of guests, the services to be provided, prices and payment terms, as well as any clauses regarding possible cancellations or changes. Besides the standard clauses outlined by wedding vendors, the spouses can also include additional clauses if desired.

The importance of these clauses is evident in preventing misunderstandings and issues, allowing for a common basis of agreement between the parties and detailing precisely what has been agreed upon.

In case of disputes, the wedding contract thus serves as a written document that holds legal proof.

Legally, the wedding contract is classified as a supply contract for goods and services, to which the regulations for supply contracts apply, involving a provision of goods in exchange for a monetary consideration. It is considered a service contract when the performance involves an obligation to perform certain tasks.

Supply contracts are characterized as long-term, reciprocal, consensual, and for a fee.

What should be included in a wedding contract in Italy? 

The essential elements of a wedding contract are:

- Agreement or consent of the parties, spouses and wedding vendors;

- Cause, which is the purpose the contract aims to fulfill, not to be confused with the motives, which are the personal reasons of the parties;

- Object, meaning the services the parties commit to performing, which must always be possible, lawful, determined or determinable;

- Form.

Additionally, it is advisable for the wedding contract to include the following clauses:

- Details of the services offered;

- Date and time of the wedding;

- Price and payment terms;

- Cancellation clause;

- Modification clause;

- Liability for damages or losses during the wedding;

- Signature.

In the event of contractual non-performance by the wedding vendors, the future spouses may seek compensation for damages caused to them, as well as invoke the cancellation of the contract and, under the required conditions, its termination.

Weddin contract in Italy: Can you cancel an wedding contract?

Following the signing of the wedding contract in Italy, wedding vendors, and venue owners usually request a deposit, which is an amount paid in advance by the clients to reserve a good or service. In other words, it serves as a security deposit for the requested service and may be retained as a penalty in the event of an unjustified cancellation by the contracting parties.

The deposit thus provides a guarantee: for the buyer, it ensures the reservation of the desired services, and for the seller, it provides compensation for any unjustified cancellation of the wedding event.

In the case of wedding cancellations, wedding vendors may also request an additional penalty on top of the deposit already paid. Therefore, it is advisable for future spouses to consider obtaining specific insurance that can cover the damages incurred by wedding vendors due to wedding cancellation.

From the above, it is clear that signing a contract with wedding service providers is of utmost importance.

Contracts are essential to safeguarding the interests of both parties by defining the terms and conditions of the services to be provided. This is why it is crucial to include all the essential clauses within the wedding contract to protect both parties from potential misunderstandings or issues that may arise.

Moreover, in case of problems or disputes, the wedding contract serves as a written document that can be used as legal evidence. Signing a wedding contract with service providers certainly offers future spouses the assurance that everything will be organized and managed properly.

Wedding contract in Italy: How can help you?

In this context, the assistance of an international Law Firm becomes essential, especially when the couple consists of foreign nationals wishing to get married in Italy. Not knowing the Italian language, they may feel more secure signing a contract that is comprehensible to them and contains all the terms and conditions agreed upon with their wedding service providers.

For years, the Arnone&Sicomo Law Firm has been assisting both foreign and Italian couples who wish to protect their wedding arrangements through written contracts, thus avoiding any unpleasant surprises in the event of wedding vendors non-performance.

We ensure the translation of each contract into a language understood by the couple.

We draft every wedding contract with the utmost care, leaving no detail overlooked and evaluating all legal implications of each clause included. Are you looking for a wedding lawyer in Italy? Contact us.

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