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Tariffs Aren’t the Only Problem Crushing Wedding Business Profit Margins

Hey there, CEOs! A quick Legal Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. You should seek legal counsel from a qualified attorney for your specific situation.

Tariffs are getting all the attention lately, but let me tell you—they’re just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many hidden profit crushers lurking in your contracts, pricing models, and everyday ops. And unless we start getting really intentional, they’re gonna keep bleeding our businesses dry.

In Episode 291 of the Wedding Pro CEO Podcast, I sat down with one of our industry’s top legal voices, Paige Griffith of The Legal Paige, and y’all… she did not hold back. From broken contracts to all-inclusive package nightmares, we unpacked every corner where wedding pros are losing money without even realizing it.

Let’s dig into the 8 legal and logistical landmines you must fix in 2025 if you want to protect your wedding business profits.

1. Tariffs Are Driving Up Costs

Let’s start with the obvious: tariffs. They’ve been fluctuating like crazy, and for those of you who rely on imported goods (I’m looking at you florists, rental companies, stationers…), it’s eating up your margins—fast.

“Tariffs are taxed on the business owner importing the goods, not just the foreign supplier.” — Paige Griffith

Here’s the kicker: because these fees change unpredictably, your cost of goods could jump after your clients have already signed. If you don’t have a Right to Adjust Pricing clause in your contract, guess who eats the loss? Yep—you.

💡 Fix it: Add a line item in your proposals called “Tariff Fee” or “Market Adjustment” to set client expectations. As I said on the show, “If the tariffs either go up, go away, or go down, you can adjust that one line item. It helps the client see why your bill is more.”

2. Most Wedding Pros Are Missing a “Right to Adjust Pricing” Clause

If you’re booking weddings months or even years out (hi, florists and caterers), your costs are going to change. And unless your contract gives you permission to raise prices when your costs go up—you’re stuck.

“It protects you from being locked into a price that may no longer cover your wholesale costs.” — Paige Griffith

And I get it—no one wants to surprise a client with an upcharge. But transparency goes a long way when handled early and with grace.

💡 Fix it: Add a clause that lets you revise only wholesale or goods-based costs (not your service fees) before the final invoice is due.

3. All-Inclusive Packages Might Be a Legal Minefield

Listen, I love a good micro wedding or elopement bundle—who doesn’t? But if you’re collecting payment for multiple vendors and signing contracts on their behalf, you’re exposing yourself to way more legal risk than you may realize.

“You are liable for everything when you sign a contract as the planner.” — Paige Griffith

That liability includes model releases, equipment failures, and injury on-site—and your insurance likely won’t cover any of it because those vendors aren’t your employees.

💡 Fix it: Let the client sign individual contracts with each vendor in your package. It keeps your hands clean, limits your liability, and still feels streamlined for the client.

4. Signing Vendor Contracts for Your Clients? STOP.

Some planners are still signing contracts on behalf of their couples to “simplify” things. I get the intention, but y’all—it’s a big no-no.

“Unless you have power of attorney, you can’t sign on a client’s behalf.” — Paige Griffith

Not only could this void the contract, but it also makes you responsible for things like deliverables, late fees, and liability. Not the vibe we’re going for.

💡 Fix it: Have a “contract signing day” where you walk the client through all vendor contracts, but let them do the signing themselves.

5. Model Release Rights Are Misunderstood Across the Board

Okay, this one’s spicy. So many vendors think they own the rights to the images where their work appears. Spoiler alert: they don’t.

“Photographers own the copyrighted images. The minute they compose the shot, it’s theirs.” — Paige Griffith

That bouquet in the photo? Still the photographer’s image. The cake you spent hours designing? Also the photographer’s. If you didn’t take the photo, it’s not your copyrighted content.

💡 Fix it: Always request a limited commercial license from the photographer, and credit them properly. Most will say yes if you ask the right way and don’t ghost them afterward.

6. Requesting Photos? There’s a Right and a Wrong Way

We’ve all seen the Thread wars—vendors frustrated that photographers won’t give up images, and photographers mad that vendors don’t credit them. The truth? We all need to calm down and communicate.

“It’s not as complicated as people make it. Photographers just need to clearly communicate what their license includes.” — Paige Griffith

💡 Fix it: Photographers, include a line in your delivery email like, “These images may be used for social media and website use with proper credit. For any other usage, please contact me.”

Vendors, if you don’t get usage rights—don’t assume. Ask.

7. Sneaky Clauses Are Creeping into Vendor Contracts

This one’s new and sneaky: some vendors (and venues!) are adding clauses that require clients to send them photos from the photographer.

“It’s the most invalid clause I’ve ever seen.” — Paige Griffith

Here’s why it’s a problem: if the client doesn’t own the copyright (and they almost never do), they can’t legally share those images. And now everyone’s in hot water.

💡 Fix it: Instead of requiring photos, vendors can include a clause that says they may request images directly from the photographer with client permission.

8. Private Property Doesn’t Override Copyright Law

Some venues argue that because an event takes place on their property, they own the photos taken there. Nope.

“Copyright law still favors the photographer, even on private property.” — Paige Griffith

Unless the venue owns the photographer’s copyright (which, again, is extremely rare), they don’t get automatic rights to the images just because it’s their land.

💡 Fix it: Venues should reach out to the photographer directly and request usage—just like any other vendor.

Brandee’s Hot Take

The big theme here? Transparency and contracts. So many of these issues can be avoided with better communication and proactive legal protection. If you’re still operating on outdated templates or handshake deals—it’s time to level up.

You can’t protect your profits if you don’t protect your business.

Let’s keep those profit margins healthy and your biz legally legit. 💼✨

Feeling Exposed? Here’s Your Next Step

If this episode made you panic a little—good. It means you care about protecting your business.

🛡️ You can shop all of Paige’s contracts and clauses over at The Legal Paige. Use code Brandee10 for extra savings during her Midyear Sale—40% off everything!

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👉 Looking for our favorites? check out the links below!

Price Adjustment Clause – https://thelegalpaige.com/products/right-to-adjust-pricing-clause?_pos=1&_psq=price&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Model Release Clause – https://thelegalpaige.com/products/model-release-clause-for-photographers?_pos=2&_sid=7da041fe0&_ss=r

And as always, I’m rooting for you and your business every step of the way. Legal doesn’t have to be scary—but ignoring it? Now that’s terrifying.

FAQ

Q: What’s a “Right to Adjust Pricing” clause, and who needs it?

A: It allows vendors to change pricing for wholesale goods if costs rise between booking and the event. It’s a must for florists, rental companies, and caterers.

Q: Can I sign contracts for my clients as a planner?

A: Only if you have power of attorney (which you almost never will). Otherwise, you’re exposing yourself to massive liability.

Q: Are photographers required to give me photos of my work?

A: No. The photos are their copyrighted work. Always ask, and offer to credit them. Don’t demand or assume.

Q: Can vendors add a clause saying clients must give them photos?

A: No—clients don’t own the copyright, so they can’t give what they don’t own. It’s an unenforceable clause.

Q: If I offer all-inclusive elopement packages, how do I stay legally safe?

A: Let clients sign individual vendor contracts. That way, you aren’t liable for the services of vendors you don’t control.

Q: How can I work with Brandee more closely?

Easy! Apply to join Wedding Pro CEO where we dive deep into strategies like these every single week.

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