How much deposit?

Have you told them that? Maybe see if they will accept a post dated cheque next month for them to cash in January?

Maybe be worth having a word with the conferencing manager at you venue,and explain that you can afford £550 right now, but can the other £500 wait until January. If you explain that with Christmas it's very tight, I'm sure they'll give you some lee-way. Good luck. x

We paid a £500 deposit for our venue, and the balance wont be due until 2 weeks before the wedding, im a bit surprised that they seem to be asking for 'two deposits' after all £500 is alot of money as you well know and if you pay that as a deposit you're not likely to change your mind and risk losing it are you?????

As others have suggested i would try and speak to them to see if you can come to an arrangement, lets us know how you get on x

We paid a £500 deposit when we booked but the second deposit isn't due until the end of January (it is £1000 though). I would definately ask if you can move the payment date

We had to pay £500 to confirm the booking, I think a further £1000 is due 6 months prior to the wedding (I must check this when I get home as I'm not 100% sure when the £1000 is to be paid) and then the balance 2 weeks before.

It sounds strange to ask for 2 installments so soon, maybe you should discuss it with a manager as explian that as it's approaching xmas you would struggle to find the 2nd payment and could they delay it until the new year? I'm sure if they want your custom they will understand.

Thanks for your advice. I spoke to the manager at the hotel and she has said they will accept £500 this month and the rest by the 29th Jan! Now the venue is provisionally booked I just have to ring the registrars to check they can do the date. its not until the 1st may 2011 but the venue told us to ring them to check before we pay the deposit. I thought u could only book a year in advance. Also does anyone know whether registrars come out on bank holiday sundays?

Thanks for all your help!

You can book pretty much whenever, we booked 18mths in advance but when you give notice at the register office, that notice only lasts for 12mths so you can book and pay your booking fee and then so long as you are past the 12mths mark you can then give your notice, not sure about the bank holiday thing, iwould imagine they do but it may cost more x