Wedding day nerves!!

McManus79

McManus79

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Keith
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OK, so I'm shooting my first wedding in July, I am unsure of what to include in the agreement/contract and when I should ask for payment? I obviously want to protect myself from doing a lot of work and then getting stiffed (not that they seem that type of couple) but you never know! I have read that contracts should be pretty detailed/thorough and would be interested to see what other photographers have done.

I have done portrait shoots before and been paid on the day but not for as much money as this, I always feel funny about bringing fee's up. We have already agreed the price but should I get all of it before the big day or get a deposit and then the rest on the day:shrug:
 
Usually a deposit first and then iv known of getting the rest of the payment on the day or just before or after. Usually always a deposit though.
 
Deposit at the booking & remainder 7-10 days before - allows time for the cheque to clear
 
Yeh I would definitely recommend asking for payment before the wedding, it's not uncommon to state payment in full 30 days prior...
 
I ask for the remainder 1 month in advance of the wedding date to make sure everything is OK. Recently for some reason most people have been paying even earlier. Booked a few where they have just wanted to pay in full at the time of booking..... that's fine with me :)
 
We paid a deposit on booking then the balance a week before the wedding. Everything apart from the final venue bill had to be paid up before the wedding so they will expect this. Good luck :)
 
Thanks guys really helpful. Do anyone do a contract too
 
swanseamale47 said:
Remember a deposit is refundable, a booking fee isn't.
Click to expand...

Could you say more about that ? - my understanding was that a deposit could be non refundable if you clearly state that it is during the 'invitation to treat' ie before the client signs the contract and pays a deposit.
 
big soft moose said:
Could you say more about that ? - my understanding was that a deposit could be non refundable if you clearly state that it is during the 'invitation to treat' ie before the client signs the contract and pays a deposit.
Click to expand...

It's my understanding that a deposit is a deposit, if the client cancels they can have a refund, a booking fee is a charge not part payment. As regards to the non-refundable part I'm told that your terms and conditions must comply with the law, you can't exclude your customers legal rights.
Thats what I'm told by my solicitor, it may be wrong... but I doubt it.
 
It was my solicitor who gave me the advice above , her contention was that a deposit is not a part payment and thus can be non returnable so long as thats made clear at the outset, and so long as its not so large as to form a 'substantial part' of the payment

(goes to show if solicitors can't agree what hope is there for lay men)
 
The whole Deposit / Booking fee things seems to have drifted over from the US

Here's a section from a leaflet produced by Kent County Council's Trading Standards...

"Sometimes when you agree to buy something you may be asked to put some money down to secure the item. This is usually known as a deposit. It means that you are entering into a LEGALLY BINDING CONTRACT, with the seller, for the goods.

It is a sign of good faith that you have agreed to make a purchase. If you change your mind for whatever reason a trader DOES NOT HAVE TO GIVE YOU YOUR MONEY BACK"

Underline & CAPS are as per original document

Seems pretty clear

Dave
 
DG Phototraining said:
The whole Deposit / Booking fee things seems to have drifted over from the US

Here's a section from a leaflet produced by Kent County Council's Trading Standards...

"Sometimes when you agree to buy something you may be asked to put some money down to secure the item. This is usually known as a deposit. It means that you are entering into a LEGALLY BINDING CONTRACT, with the seller, for the goods.

It is a sign of good faith that you have agreed to make a purchase. If you change your mind for whatever reason a trader DOES NOT HAVE TO GIVE YOU YOUR MONEY BACK"

Underline & CAPS are as per original document

Seems pretty clear

Dave
Click to expand...

what Dave said. The difference has drifted over from US forums where the law on deposits etc is different
 
Hi Keith, if you pm your email address I will send you a copy of my contract.

Phil.
 
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