TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Quotations

All quotes provided expired within 14 calendar days. Ruffles & Bells reserves the right to adjust prices in any quotation once the expiry period has passed. A ‘first in first out’ policy applies to all hire items. A quotation does not guarantee the availability of any items.

All produced materials, pertaining to, but not limited to the styling and look book remain under ownership of Ruffles & Bells.

It is your responsibility to review all event details, including the date, wedding venue, and quantities of items to be delivered.

Deposits

Ruffles & Bells requires a non-refundable deposit of 50% of the total hire/service cost and is required to confirm your booking.

Payment

The total invoice must be paid 4 weeks before the event/hire date and before picking up or delivery of any item. Invoices must be paid in full in order for the goods to be released.

If you wish to make a booking within 14 days of the event/hire, the full invoice must be paid in order for the goods to be released and your booking be confirmed. Ruffles & Bells accepts direct deposit, cash, cheques and credit card. Cheques must be received no later than 21 days prior to your event/hire date. All prices are quoted in Australian Dollars and include GST.

Please note that a 10% surcharge will be charged to your invoice for events/hire on public holidays and weekends that include pickup and drop off on public holidays.

If you fail to make full payment of the package price (or any part which is outstanding) within 4 weeks of your event, Ruffles & Bells may take legal action against you (jointly and severally) to obtain payment from you.

You agree that the expenses incurred by Ruffles & Bells in obtaining payment from you shall be added to the amount you owe, and this may include penalty interest at a rate of 10% pa accruing from the date payment is required, legal and agent fees and disbursements.

Vendor Management

Based on preliminary discussions, Ruffles and Bells will gather offers from appropriate vendors, according to the wishes of the Client, within the wedding budget (which is subject to change depending on the final venue choice, wedding day scenario, the Clients' vendor and service choices and number of guests), for the defined fees.

The selection of the vendors proposed by Ruffles and Bells is made by the Clients, unless otherwise agreed. Should the Clients explicitly request, the selection is to be made by Ruffles and Bells.

Ruffles and Bells will exercise reasonable care and skills in locating and recommending any vendors for the Clients. However Ruffles and Bells is not responsible for the conduct and/or performance of any vendor.

Ruffles and Bells does not recommend hiring vendors outside the list of Ruffles and Bells Recommended Vendors.

Should the Clients choose to book other vendors, despite the recommendation on the previous paragraph or without involving Ruffles and Bells, or should they book certain vendors before signing the Booking Agreement, it is the Clients' responsibility to provide Ruffles and Bells with copies of vendor contracts for all vendors they contracted on their own. Any fee or cost for the payment will be borne by the Client. Also, it is the Clients' responsibility to provide Ruffles and Bells with contact names, telephone numbers, and scheduled timetables for all vendors involved in the wedding within 3 (three) days after they are hired, no later than 90 days prior to the event. Any dispute with these vendors will be handled directly between the Clients and the vendors.

In the event of any supplier/service provider’s cancellation, Ruffles and Bells may substitute a new supplier/service provider with advance notice to the Clients at its discretion, and any additional costs are to be paid by the Clients.

Client's Obligations

The Clients are bound to provide Ruffles and Bells a thorough status-quo description of their plans and ideas and inform the Ruffles and Bells in a timely manner of any changes that may arise in this regard.

Due to the virtual nature of the relationship, the Clients understand the importance of communication, especially via e-mail, and agree to respond to questions, requests and communications from Ruffles and Bells in a timely manner. The Clients understand that Ruffles and Bells is a business with other clients to serve, and require fair, realistic notice in order to attend to requests and projects. Poor planning or miscommunication on the part of the Clients will not constitute an emergency for Ruffles and Bells. The Clients understand that Ruffles and Bells may require detailed clarification of events/projects in order to meet expectations and provide the best support and highest quality work.

The Clients will provide all content, outlines, photos, etc., necessary for any special projects. Source material must be clear and legible. The Clients are responsible for providing all pertinent information, and accurate, truthful and complete information, necessary for Ruffles and Bells to perform or complete the contracted services or projects.

The Clients are obliged to provide Ruffles and Bells the following documentation at the latest 10 days before the wedding day (where applicable): guest lists, seating charts, name cards, wedding favours, welcome bags, schedules, e-mail addresses of relevant guests, etc. . There may also be additional charges above and beyond those set in the original Agreement.

The Clients shall not change the date, time or location of the wedding without first contacting and advising Ruffles and Bells of said changes, so as to determine if Ruffles and Bells is still available to provide services. If the Clients change the date, time or location of the scheduled wedding, and Ruffles and Bells is unavailable to provide services, then Ruffles and Bells is released from all contract obligations, and shall in no way be held responsible or liable in any manner whatsoever for non-performance. The Clients also forfeit Ruffles and Bells’ Booking Fee along with a percentage of the Service Fee, corresponding to the hours invested by Ruffles and Bells up to the cancellation, for non-compliance with this Agreement.

In the event the Client is forced to change the date of the wedding, and Ruffles and Bells is available to provide services, every effort will be made by Ruffles and Bells to transfer location reservations, sub-contractors and the wedding coordination support to the new date. The Clients agree that in the event of a date change any expenses including but not limited to deposits and fees that are non-refundable and non-transferable are the sole responsibility of the Clients. There may also be additional charges above and beyond those set in the original Agreement. The Clients further understand that last minute changes can impact the quality of the event and that Ruffles and Bells is not responsible for these compromises in quality.

Cancellations

To cancel your invoice, a 30 day calendar notice before the event/hire is required to have any payments, other than the 50% deposit which is non-refundable , to be returned to the client.

If an event/hire is cancelled within 30 days the full amount paid is non-refundable and will be forfeited to Ruffles & Bells. No refunds will be issued due to bad weather.

Ruffles and Bells may terminate the agreement between the parties where you are in breach of the Terms, including but not limited to the non-payment of invoices. Where Ruffles and Bells terminates the agreement for breach, you will be responsible for all fees and disbursements incurred or accrued prior to termination.

Ruffles and Bells may withdraw their Services in some circumstances. Such circumstances include discovery of new information, changes to agreed circumstances, or other factors which tend to circumvent its policies. Non-cooperation, unclear instructions, changes in locations, facilities or available times missed appointments and late payments are examples of such circumstances.

Delivery/Setup

Large furniture, incur a delivery surcharge due to their size and weight. Please note delivery surcharges +10% will be charged on Public Holidays and weekends that require pickup on a public holiday.

Fees will be charged to the client for any installation of equipment, delivery and collection. This fee will vary depending upon the distance travelled from the Ruffles & Bells premises, amount of equipment hired, amount of setup required and installation time. The client will be advised of the fee once all equipment has been decided upon. This fee may be subject to change should the client then change the amount of equipment hired or the amount to be setup. Unless a setup fee has been charged and agreed upon by the hire company, the hire company is not responsible for the setup of equipment.

Please provide Ruffles & Bells with a site contact name and number that can be called on the day of delivery. Drop off access must be arranged by the hirer/s previous to goods arriving. In some cases help may be required to lift furniture on arrival, but is done so at the hirer/s own risk.

Pickup

Hirer/s can pick up items from the Ruffles & Bells studio the day prior to the event, unless otherwise arranged. Name/s and contact details must be provided for the person taking the goods. Hirer/s must arrange a time with to ensure the studio is open and a staff member is present. Large items and furniture are not available for pick up unless otherwise stated.

Hire Period

All prices are based on a strict 4 day hire period (pick up/delivery the day before the event, return/ pick up the day after the event). If you require the hire times for a longer period, this can be arranged at the time of booking and will depend on the availability of the goods and be charged at an additional cost per extra day. A quote for additional hire period will be provided at the request of the hirer/s. If items are not returned within the hire period, an additional hire fee for items will be charged or deducted from your security bond.

Returns

It is the responsibility of the hirer/s to ensure all crockery, glassware and linen is CLEANED after use, and goods must be re-packaged exactly as delivered or hirer/s will be charged a laundering fee. If items are not returned, or broken upon return, the hirer may be charged a replacement fee for the item/s.

Security Bond

Some items available for hire attract a security bond due to the antique nature and replacement cost of the item if it is damaged, broken, stolen, or unaccounted for upon return, whilst it is in the hirers possession. The security bond amount will be determined based on the final invoice cost and is due 14 days prior to the event, with final payment. The security bond will be refunded when all goods are returned and are in the same condition they were hired in. In the event items are returned damaged, broken, stolen or are unaccounted for your bond will be returned within 7 days, less the costs to repair any damages, breakages, professional cleaning costs and replace missing items. If the amount owing for damaged, dirty or non-returned items exceeds the bond paid, the hirer must pay the difference within 14 calendar days of amended security bond invoice.

Bond is calculated based on your total invoice amount and hire items required. Your bond amount will be advised when your final order is confirmed and is required at the time of your final payment. Bond can be paid by direct bank transfer or cash.
Minimum Bond required: $50.00

Misuse of Equipment

Ruffles & Bells shall not be liable for any loss or damages arising out of the overloading, exceeding rated capacity, misuse or abuse of the equipment by the customer.

Loss and Damage of Equipment

Ruffles & Bells must be notified immediately of any equipment lost or damaged during the hire period. The client indemnifies Ruffles & Bells in respect of all such loss. The customer must pay on demand the following amounts:

• If the equipment is lost or damaged beyond repair the client must pay to Ruffles & Bells the current replacement cost of the equipment.

• If the equipment is damaged the client must pay for all repairs.

• If no notice is given to Ruffles & Bells of a lost item/s it shall be deemed as extended hire until such time the item/s are returned and hire fees will continue until notice is given or equipment found and returned to Ruffles & Bells .

Receipts

Whilst Ruffles & Bells does its best to ensure each item has been correctly included on the invoice it is your responsibility to check the itemised receipt to confirm all goods have been delivered. If item/s are missing from your order and are shown on the receipt it is your responsibility to inform Ruffles & Bells immediately.

Responsibilities of the Hirer/s

Unless an agreement is made with Ruffles & Bells in advance, all items are for indoor use only. Any items used outside are done so entirely at the hirer/s risk. In no case should the goods be used or left outside in the weather overnight, any damage or loss of goods is entirely at the risk of the hirer/s.

Insurances

Insurance is not covered by Ruffles & Bells once the items have left the studio with the customer. The hirer/s are responsible for maintaining all appropriate policies of insurance, covering liability, casualty and property insurances in amounts necessary to fully protect the owner and the goods against all claims, loss, or damage. These policies are to be made available to Ruffles & Bells employees upon request.

Ruffles & Bells is not to be held liable for any damage, personal injury or loss that may occur before, during or after the event hire period. The hirer/s resume all responsibilities once the items have left Ruffles & Bells premises.

Ruffles & Bells maintains standard public liability insurance of AUD10 million for all styling packages provided.

Public Spaces

Ruffles & Bells does not accept responsibility for the approval or non-approval of Local Council applications. Applications to the council as well as abiding by the council rules and regulations are the sole responsibility of the hirer/s. Ensuring all outdoor/indoor event set-ups are in accordance with the Local Council, or the venues Rules and Regulations is the responsibility of the hirer/s.

Fines

In the event that Ruffles & Bells is issued with a fine due to the instructions of the client, the fine will be payable by the client. All items are in a used condition (unless stated otherwise) and therefore some items have reasonable signs of wear and tear which may show, as they are continual hire items.

Publication

Ruffles & Bells will not publish the styling other than for the purposes of promoting her business, website or folio and you irrevocably consent to this publication. Ruffles & Bells will not publish the stylings or story for profit or to the media without your prior consent.

Covid Postponement and Cancellation Policy

In the event that your event is cancelled (and not postponed) due to government restrictions in line with the COVID-19 global pandemic, Ruffles and Bells retains the 50% deposit paid at the time of cancellation.

In the event is being postponed to another date in the future, Ruffles and Bells will transfer any deposits or payments to the new chosen date.

Covid Safety Policy

While working with Ruffles and Bells on their event, both prior to the event and during, they are not to undertake any illegal or dangerous activities that threaten Ruffles and Bells’ safety and well-being.

Unless legislation provides otherwise, it is your responsibility to ensure it, and its other vendors, are following government regulations in regard to COVID-19, including those restrictions relating to gatherings and social distancing.

If these regulations are not strictly adhered to and Ruffles and Bells feels the personal safety of its employees and officers are at risk, it reserves the right to exit the event and its duties and you will forfeit any fees paid.
Ruffles and Bells is not responsible for the failure of the participants and guests to follow government regulations in regard to COVID-19, including those restrictions relating to gatherings and social distancing. To the fullest extent permitted by law you agree that Ruffles and Bells will not be liable to you or any person for any claim resulting from issues relating to COVID-19 and the following of mandatory rules and regulations relating to the same.

Force Majeure

In the event either party is unable to perform its obligations under the terms of this Agreement because of acts of God, strikes, equipment or transmission failure or damage reasonably beyond its control, or other causes reasonably beyond its control, such party shall not be liable for damages to the other for any damages resulting from such failure to perform or otherwise from such causes.

In the instance the face majeure event results in the cancellation or relocation of the wedding within 21 days of the planned date, and the wedding date is unable to be rescheduled or relocated by mutual agreement as per this Agreement (Rescheduled & Relocated Events), you agree that you will be liable for:

• The initial 50% payment; and

• An amount equivalent to the cost of items or materials purchased by us to meet our obligations under this Agreement.