Event florist T&Cs: what to actually include

The clauses that actually protect you, and the traps most florists don't know about.

Updated on September 4, 20267 min read

Your wedding contract fits on a one-page quote and a handshake? If a client cancels three weeks before the event, you might recover only part of your deposit, or nothing at all, depending on how the payment was qualified.

This guide lists the points to prepare with your legal adviser: payment, cancellation, substitutions, delivery and tax. It does not offer universally valid clauses.

The deposit: qualify it precisely

For French consumer contracts, an advance is generally treated as earnest money unless agreed otherwise. Earnest money and a deposit have different consequences on cancellation; choose the appropriate mechanism and identify it clearly.

Set the advance and due date according to the purchases to be made and the agreement with the client.
Explain cancellation consequences, subject to consumer rights and the validity of the terms.
Agree on a realistic balance due date and include it in the quote.
List accepted payment methods and check the rules for cash payments separately.

Cancellation: a sliding scale, not a punitive clause

A cancellation schedule is not automatically valid because it is graduated. Review fees against the contract, incurred costs and both parties’ rights. Have the amounts and exceptions checked by a legal professional.

Flower substitution: agree on changes

Distinguish inspiration images from the features promised to the client. If a variety is unavailable, propose a specific replacement and seek agreement when it changes the agreed service. A general disclaimer does not remove your obligations.

Identify inspiration images separately from the features agreed in the quote.
Do not change an accepted price unilaterally; document agreed adjustments.
Notify the client as soon as an unavailability is known, ideally 2 weeks before.

Delivery, setup and breakdown

Specify the service area (departments or radius in km).
Provide a complaint contact and procedure without removing the client’s legal remedies.
Specify setup times and access constraints, then agree how delays will be communicated and handled.
Record handover and transport instructions without a blanket exclusion of liability.

Props and hired equipment: prepare an inventory

Attach an inventory stating condition, replacement values, return arrangements and security deposit conditions. Distinguish loss, damage and normal wear.

VAT: exemption or split rates

VAT-exempt: mandatory wording "TVA non applicable, article 293 B du CGI" on all quotes and invoices.
The VAT treatment of flowers and arrangements depends on the BOFiP conditions. Neither 20% for all arrangements nor 10% for every bouquet is a reliable blanket rule.
In 2026, base thresholds are €85,000 for sales and €37,500 for services; increased thresholds are €93,500 and €41,250. Crossing the base threshold and crossing the increased threshold have different effective dates. Check mixed-activity rules with your adviser.

The clauses everyone forgets

Check your consumer mediation obligations and provide the relevant mediator’s contact details on the required materials.
Image rights: get written consent in the signed quote before publishing your work online.
Provable acceptance: add "I acknowledge having read and accepted the attached T&Cs" to the quote.
Symmetry: if the client forfeits their deposit on cancellation, include an equivalent remedy if you cancel.

Check VAT rules for your quote

Frequently asked questions

Deposit vs earnest money: what's the practical difference?: Earnest money generally allows withdrawal: the client loses it if they withdraw, while the supplier returns double if they withdraw. A deposit indicates a firm commitment. Identify the chosen mechanism and have its consequences checked in your terms.
Can I keep 100% of the deposit if a client cancels 15 days out?: Not automatically. Any retention depends on the contract, applicable rights and the proportionality of the fee. A cancellation 15 days before the event does not itself justify retaining 100%.
Does the 14-day withdrawal right apply to my events?: It depends on how the contract was concluded and the nature of the goods or services. Exceptions exist for certain perishable or personalised goods and specific dated activities. A wedding date alone does not automatically exclude every floral service.

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The deposit: qualify it precisely

Set the advance and due date according to the purchases to be made and the agreement with the client.

Explain cancellation consequences, subject to consumer rights and the validity of the terms.

Agree on a realistic balance due date and include it in the quote.

List accepted payment methods and check the rules for cash payments separately.

Flower substitution: agree on changes

Identify inspiration images separately from the features agreed in the quote.

Do not change an accepted price unilaterally; document agreed adjustments.

Notify the client as soon as an unavailability is known, ideally 2 weeks before.

Delivery, setup and breakdown

Specify the service area (departments or radius in km).

Provide a complaint contact and procedure without removing the client’s legal remedies.

Specify setup times and access constraints, then agree how delays will be communicated and handled.

Record handover and transport instructions without a blanket exclusion of liability.

VAT: exemption or split rates

VAT-exempt: mandatory wording "TVA non applicable, article 293 B du CGI" on all quotes and invoices.

The VAT treatment of flowers and arrangements depends on the BOFiP conditions. Neither 20% for all arrangements nor 10% for every bouquet is a reliable blanket rule.

In 2026, base thresholds are €85,000 for sales and €37,500 for services; increased thresholds are €93,500 and €41,250. Crossing the base threshold and crossing the increased threshold have different effective dates. Check mixed-activity rules with your adviser.

The clauses everyone forgets

Check your consumer mediation obligations and provide the relevant mediator’s contact details on the required materials.

Image rights: get written consent in the signed quote before publishing your work online.

Provable acceptance: add "I acknowledge having read and accepted the attached T&Cs" to the quote.

Symmetry: if the client forfeits their deposit on cancellation, include an equivalent remedy if you cancel.

Frequently asked questions

Deposit vs earnest money: what's the practical difference?

Earnest money generally allows withdrawal: the client loses it if they withdraw, while the supplier returns double if they withdraw. A deposit indicates a firm commitment. Identify the chosen mechanism and have its consequences checked in your terms.

Can I keep 100% of the deposit if a client cancels 15 days out?

Not automatically. Any retention depends on the contract, applicable rights and the proportionality of the fee. A cancellation 15 days before the event does not itself justify retaining 100%.

Does the 14-day withdrawal right apply to my events?

It depends on how the contract was concluded and the nature of the goods or services. Exceptions exist for certain perishable or personalised goods and specific dated activities. A wedding date alone does not automatically exclude every floral service.