my cousin is getting married 3 weeks after me and asked me to do her wedding pictures (I'm a photographer). Her exact words were "We want you to do the pictures becuase you will be there anyways. I'm sending you and DAvid an invitation".
Even though she is my cousin I still went through the standard procedure of setting up a meeting, bringing my price list, discussing options and reviewing my contract. She gave me a set budget and asked what I can do for that. We agreed on a custom package and I left her with my contract. I told her I need a 50% deposit to reserve her date and the remaining balance is due 30 days before the wedding. That was almost 1 month ago and I still haven't heard from her! I sent her 2 messages but she hasn;t replied. I got an invite to her wedding but since she hasn't followed through with hiring me, as far as I'm concerned I'm just a guest and will not be taking pictures.
It's annoying and frustrating because I know she is assuming I will just do it for them without getting a deposit or anything. But I also know they won't pay me!