Budget Advice

EvaG123

Hi all,

I've made a list of all of the various things we need to pay for in this getting hitched business and we have a good idea of what each should cost, or at least how much we'd like to spend on it!

I am just wondering could any of you give us a bit of advice on when different things will need to be paid? I know everything will need a deposit and venue needs to be paid before the big day but I'm wondering how photogs work and other vendors where you don't get the product 'til after the event e.g. videographer?

We're putting away a good amount every month but it would be great to know at what stages we need to have cash available.

Thanks,
Eva

lazygal

We paid a deposit for the venue, photographer, videographer, hair and makeup and my dress. We paid in full when we received the goods. We paid the venue in full the following day, I paid for my dress in full once it was altered and I was happy.

We paid our photographer half the amount left to pay when we ordered our album and prints and the second half on receipt of same. Videographer was paid once we had selected the music and were happy with a small sample. I wasn't too worried about the videographer as it was a last minute decision and it wasn't a big deal, but I had heard more than one person have problems with their photographer, having paid in full and been left high and dry. We had it in the contract that we'd only pay the full amount on receipt of all prints and the album, and it worked out perfectly.

fits

We paid deposits on venue, dress and photographer on booking. 1k for venue 50% of dress, 300 for photographer. Most bands would look for deposit as well. Everything else we paid on collection or use pretty much.

Milly33

Getting a budget together early well done, best way to keep track...

Trying to think now.

We have

The venue - Paid deposit when booking then the rest the week before the wedding, only because we didn't want to bring that much cash with us.

The Band - didn't ask for a deposit and we paid them on the night. I think the norm for most is you pay a deposit and then the rest after they play.

We had a second day event with food - we paid her after all was finished up.

Caterer - Paid deposit and then the rest after they were finished up.

Chair cover/Tableclothes - Paid a small deposit, then the rest for payment after. Was not happy with what was done so paid her half of what she was owed

Cant advise on photographer and what not, but for me I would think the same you pay the final amount after you are happy with how it went

Milly33

Oh there was hire of glasses and that

We paid in full and then for any breakages later

lazygal

I forgot about the band. We paid a deposit them too. And to the celebrant. I think it was €100 to each of them, then the balance in a cheque on the day.

Milly33

Yes the Register too, we paid the fee of €200 when we went in and then the rest the week we meet with her before the wedding

Faith

We paid a deposit for the hotel, ceremony venue, the band & DJ, photographers, the make-up artist and hairdresser on booking.

My dress was a sample, so I paid for it outright and brought it home with me there and then.

The florist didn't want money until a month in advance, at which point we paid off the ceremony venue too. The ceremony singer wanted a really small deposit about 3 months or so in advance, I think?

We paid a number of items on the day: Photographers (they're really reputable so we weren't worried about paying before we get our prints), band & DJ (in the middle of their set), the full balance for hair & makeup, the wedding car and other bits we'd gotten from that supplier, the florist, the singer and the celebrant.

You could probably negotiate with photographers and videographers to pay a lump on receipt of pictures/video if you're bothered.