Deposits and Payments

Once you have made a firm decision to book a certain service, the trader will almost certainly ask you for a deposit. This may be a token flat rate, or a percentage - up to 30% of the final price. Deposits are usually non-refundable, although some traders will return a deposit if the cancellation allows sufficient time for another booking to be taken.

You will also be required to sign a contract, which will act as a receipt for your deposit. Make sure you read the contract carefully, as once you have signed it and the deposit is paid there will be a penalty if you change your mind - usually the loss of your deposit.

Once you have signed, the price you have agreed should be the price you actually pay. Most weddings are planned around nine to twelve months in advance and any price rises should be included in the price you are quoted. Check that this is the case before you make your booking.

You will probably be asked to pay the balance before the wedding day, usually a month before.

Staged Payments

Some traders may ask for staged payments, for example, the caterer may ask for a booking deposit, another payment a month before the wedding and a final payment when final numbers are known. As the payments are spread out over several months, this may make meeting the cost of expensive items a little easier.

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