Photographers - Is it the Norm

Yes, generally. The higher the ticket item the more chance it'll be paid in advance.

Some take cash on the day. But in the mainstream it's usually a month or two in advance. I'm two months in advance (because people almost always pay a few weeks late).

MUA's, Hair, some bands take payment on the day and I've often seen dads wandering around with envelopes to pay people.

Then, some will take media supliers will take payment after delivery. But most don't.

Our photographer has asked for the balance on the day, we are meeting up with him in september though so I need to check if he wants it in cash! We are also paying for our cake on the day and also our flowers on collection (which will be 5 days before the wedding, we are having silk flowers)

I think it is the norm. I don't request it myself but I think I will start to soon.

Here is what I paid:

Flowers - £100 deposit, full amount 4 weeks before

Venue - 25% when I booked, 50% 3 months before, 25% two weeks before

Photographer - 25% deposit up front, full amount 4 weeks before

Band/choir/jazzband - all had £100 deposits then rest paid on the day

Hair - £50 deposit, rest paid on the day

Make up - £50 deposit, rest paid 2 weeks before

Cars - £100 deposit, rest paid 4 weeks before

Coach - Full amount 1 week before

Dancefloor, lighting & PA system - 25% deposit up front, rest paid 2 weeks before.

Yeah, it is obvious everybody needs initial payment before starting, but check their previous feedback.

Yeah that's very much normal. I agree with Chris - a lot of people take payment a month or two in advance before the wedding because quite a few people are late with payment. Think I will start doing this too.

I charge a non refundable booking fee to secure the date then the balance is due 4 weeks in advance, so yes for me it's normal. Just saves time chasing people for payment and I'd rather not have to process money on the day or even after it - I did that once for a friend and it took me 3 months to get paid. Never again.

Interested to know what your Mum said now!

Thanks all that's as I thought. I think she was just worried about paying upfront completely for a service you have not yet received. I did mention wedding insurance normally covers these things.

Thanks all

Yes completely normal. I am 6 weeks in advance.

I can see what your Mum means. Make sure you sign contracts and thoroughly research anyone you're paying beforehand - any professional service you employ should have their own insurance too.

I may be wrong, but regarding being covered by wedding insurance. I think you should make sure you get a contract from the photographer. Most togs will insist anyway, but I'v heard a few hitchers on here questioning about their tog not using a contract so it isn't that uncommon.

I agree with Rhys. Most professional photographers do provide a contract, and this is done for the benefit of both parties. It should cover the T's & C's of your booking fee and details of the balance payment.

4 weeks before the wedding here too, been operating like this since I started. Also make sure you do get a contract.