What do you do with Policy Changes?

[HotHolly]

So, say your biz evolves over a year time span...and some of your policies need to change. What do you do with people that signed for a wedding under the old policies/ co. guidelines? (most are verbal)

I have several examples from our recent events that demanded the policy change. Some were originally spoken, some were written.
Examples of changes over the past 12 mo that affect weddings in the next 12 months:
We have added a videography clause
Proofs sizes have changed

The change has affected the policy positivly for the client, so the change is in their favor. We used to use 5x5 proofs (changed to 4x5 due to cropping issues). And the videography clause was added after that insane wedding I mentioned a while ago, also in their favor.

What's the norm when you update policies, written or otherwise? For people that are getting portraits within a week or 2 of an update, no biggie...For those that are 6-8 months out, what do you personally do?

Just wondering how to handle this. Thanks!

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

Legally you are pretty much bound to what the stated policy was at the time of the contract; be it written/verbal or implied, to change it you would either need to send them a new contract or an addendum to the contract explaining the changes and having them accept the changes by signing same.

[HotHolly]

My plan is to only bother them with policy updates that are in their favor, that make sure their wedding images turn out as best they can. 5x5 crops have issues with our 3rd shooters camera (D2X - they loose almost 3 inches), which is why we changed the standard paper proof size to 4x5 - it pretty much is the same crop they get when they buy.

I was going to send those affected an amendment and they can choose to sign it ot not, but I was wondering what the norm is.

I realize a lot of people have been open full time longer than me, so thought it was worth asking...