Wedding Suppliers - payments

It's fairly common for suppliers to be paid in cash, hair, makeup and so on, the smaller payments usually. Bigger things like Photography, Video and stuff like that much less so.

Often a discount for cash can be justified in that paying by card attracts a fee from the payment gateway. Usually it's something like 3% so if they offer you a small discount that reflect this that's perfectly understandable. A bit like how some holiday companies don't charge a fee for using a debit card vs a credit card.

But, paying cash before the wedding or the service being delivered is a risk because you have no protection should the supplier go AWOL.

We paid cash to our DJ on the day, all was fine - we gave the best man an envelope with the money in & he sorted it with the DJ when he arrived in the evening. No issues at all - I suppose it depends how much & which supplier xx

If they want cash perhaps offer half upfront then the rest on completion of their service?

Thanks all, it is our caterer so that is why I am hesitant as its a major part of the day!

I wouldn't for something as big as catering, at least not upfront.

As mentioned, paying in cash offers you no protection, like paying through a credit card - you don't get any protection paying by debit card though!

Do you have wedding insurance? Mine accepts cash payments, as long as there is a receipt from the supplier.

I would consider getting that - and also consider not paying the whole thing up front.

Thanks All!