What’s Your Preference?

bkamps14 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-12-2011, 02:14 AM

I haven't had this happen before but now that it has, needing some advice.

We were supposed to shoot a wedding this saturday and apparently the groom has gotten cold feet and people haven't heard from him (don't know the full details)

Anyway, in our contract the clients pay the non refundable deposit to secure the date with the remainder due 2 weeks before the weeding date.

We have sent numerous reminder emails about this payment. The sister of the bride is now saying the wedding may not be going ahead because of the grooms indecisiveness.

We sold tickets to a music festival on the same day., have driven over an hour to scope the location, all the other bits and pieces that go with the prep for a wedding. Have my parents coming down from Perth (2 hours drive) to look after kids too

What to do? Still ask for the full payment, part payment, no further payment?

Thanks heaps in advance!

bhursey · #2 (**permalink**) 05-12-2011, 02:17 AM

You dont ask for anything more. They just lose the deposit.

bkamps14 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-12-2011, 02:22 AM

Thats what we were thinking, just annoying as we had another wedding inquiry for the same date. Just one of those things i suppose

candleman · #4 (**permalink**) 05-12-2011, 02:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkamps14

I haven't had this happen before but now that it has, needing some advice.

We were supposed to shoot a wedding this saturday and apparently the groom has gotten cold feet and people haven't heard from him (don't know the full details)

Anyway, in our contract the clients pay the non refundable deposit to secure the date with the remainder due 2 weeks before the weeding date.

We have sent numerous reminder emails about this payment. The sister of the bride is now saying the wedding may not be going ahead because of the grooms indecisiveness.

We sold tickets to a music festival on the same day., have driven over an hour to scope the location, all the other bits and pieces that go with the prep for a wedding. Have my parents coming down from Perth (2 hours drive) to look after kids too

What to do? Still ask for the full payment, part payment, no further payment?

Thanks heaps in advance!

That depends on your contract....

In the future, you need to look at the standard Contract for Photographers as set out by AIPP.

NZIPP standard terms are that If they cancel, they are still obliged to pay 50% of the total agree price.

OsmosisStudios · #5 (**permalink**) 05-12-2011, 02:55 AM

For events (though I dont do weddings) I get 25% to secure the date, 50% a month in advance (depending on time frame) and the remaining 25% on delivery.

Niresangwa · #6 (**permalink**) 05-12-2011, 04:05 AM

This happened to me late last year, and I asked about it here.

Thankfully I was in a better situation than you apparently, as the bride was compliant, and sent the cheque. I did hesitate on cashing it, but ultimately did. The groom also cut her a cheque for everything when he cut and ran. Were it her money I would have elt badly. As it was his...not so much.

I'm still friends with her, and now she has a new beau, who hopefully ends up being better for than the old one. It was nice to get paid for watching college ball all day.

Getting back to your dilemma, though I hope you're as fortunate as I was, though my contract explicitly states they're on the hook for it after 2 weeks before the date (aside from grievous injury) I wouldn't have belabored the point, nor have sought legal satisfaction.

You'll probably have more luck recouping money you've spent on the venture rather than the complete balance.

Insurance companies should consider Cold Feet policies.

Brian Mullins · #7 (**permalink**) 05-12-2011, 04:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkamps14

We were supposed to shoot a wedding this saturday and apparently the groom has gotten cold feet and people haven't heard from him (don't know the full details)

Anyway, in our contract the clients pay the non refundable deposit to secure the date with the remainder due 2 weeks before the weeding date.

Here it is... now the lengths of what you will go to get payment is up to you but if its clearly defined in the contract, this is what you adhere to. You can bet that if you didn't show up, per your contract, they would come after you for a full refund, why would you, in turn, not honor the terms layed out in your contract?

jdepould · #8 (**permalink**) 05-12-2011, 04:41 AM

I know lots of others have chimed in already, but here's my 2 cents.

Stuff like that is why you have a deposit. The amount of the deposit should more than cover any time and expenses incurred in preparing for the event.

If he got cold feet after they paid the two week balance, then they'd be on the hook for the full amount, but as it is just keep the deposit and move on with your life. Spend the time with your whole family if your parents still want to visit, go out to a nice dinner, relax, have fun.

bkamps14 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-12-2011, 04:59 AM

Thanks for all the advice guys!

Just off the phone to the wife and things are looking up.

The sister and mother of the bride have just dropped the remaining balance off, still not sure if the wedding is going ahead themselves. If it does, great, if not, they are just going to have a party with the family (as everything is paid and catered for) and want photos taken of the family and kids!

Wasn't overly stressed but its good to know we have some sort of plan going into the day.

Cheers
Blake

FlyingKiwiGirl · #10 (**permalink**) 05-12-2011, 05:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkamps14

Thanks for all the advice guys!
... If it does, great, if not, they are just going to have a party with the family (as everything is paid and catered for) and want photos taken of the family and kids!....Cheers
Blake

Sounds like it should be renamed as a "Lucky Escape" party!

Hope you still get some work out of it.