Deposit question

DirtyWater

FI and I were really excited when we found certain vendor.  I emailed them to set an appointment and ask about deposits.  They want 50% down at signing.

How much of a deposit did you have to put down for a photographer or videographer?

I'm kind of upset and in shock right now.  We really want them but 50% right now while trying to book other vendors is just not possible.  The amount they want is what we have to put down for everything!

knwitham

Our photographer, videographer and hair/makeup required a 50% deposit all the others required $100-$250 for a deposit. It really sucks, I know!

DirtyWater

Do you mind me asking who you went with for photography and videography?

dhdaydream

We put $450 down when we booked our photographer and then we just paid a second deposit of $500 last month. Our remaining balance is due 3 weeks before our wedding.

dls.1215

We owed 50% deposit but they were flexible with usand we did it in 3 payments.

ladyd522

We also had a 50% down payment on our photographer.

socongruent

Our photographer asked for 50% down as well. But, we chose to do more down  to lessen the blow at the end. We interviewed three photographers in total and the pay schedule was the same for each. However, our photographer seemed to be very flexible and I'm sure if you spoke with them.. they may be willing to work with you. After all, once you sign the contract you're locked in with them.

daisy667

I also had to put 50% down for my photographer. 

mrsk1112

Ours didn't. We have a deposit of $450 for a $1450 package. I guess it all depends on the vendor though.

Biotechick620

We had to pay $400 to book our photographer and the balance of $1700 is due two weeks before the wedding.  Try and see if they'll be flexible and take a 25% deposit.

knwitham

We are using a photographic memory, but I think danielle (dls.12.15) used them as well and they were able to break her deposit into payments. I think thats def. worth asking about, thats a great idea! Wish I had thought of that!

[Deleted User]

our photographer deposit was 1/3 of the pkg total, with the 2nd third due 2 weeks before the wedding and the final third due when our pictures are ready.

our florist deposit was $50 of the $200 total

our videographer is a friend of ours so he's letting us pay half at the wedding, half when we get our video

[Deleted User]

I believe most all of my vendors required 50% (photographer, florist, DJ, the gown - 60%!).  The venue deposit was broken into 3 separate payments and the final payment due just before the wedding.  It does suck, but talk to your vendors and see what you can negotiate (especially given the current economy).  Good luck!

chelley599

We had to put down 50% for the photographer and our florist didn't ask or one.  Our first florist was $100 deposit but then he closed on me....still a bit bitter

Mom2MPS

DirtyWater,
I pm'd you

JuJuBee1977

I have not booked my photographer just yet but my videographer required a deposit of 1/3 the total, with the remainder due 2 weeks prior.

Dj wanted a deposit of 50% but I negotiated it down to 1/3.  

hope this helps!

Jules

mariegra

We had to pay 1/2  the cost for the videographer's deposit also.  The photographer only needed $200 deposit.  The venue wanted a $500 deposit, and I am sending in a second installment to them on March 1st.  Ceremony musician was $75 deposit, DJ was $300 deposit, Uplighting $200 deposit, and we paid in-full for the dress.