When's the $$ due???

[Julz518]

I have a question: when do the vendors (photographer, caterer, florist, etc.) for your wedding usually want the full payment?

I'm asking b/c my company's Credit Union is offering a great deal (5.5%) on an add-on 15-month CD. If I open it now, 15 months will be up approximately 1-month before my wedding. Now, my contirbution (to the wedding) is only roughly 25% of my wedding budget as my mom & dad are both also chipping in - so there would still be money available to pay for most stuff.

Does it make sense for me to invest in the CD, or will ALL my payments be due before the CD matures??

[imstilldreaming]

My caterer isn't requiring the balance until 4 days before my wedding. From what I remember, the musicians I hired and my ceremony/reception site aren't require full payments until about 2 weeks before.

[whiddle]

I paid my caterer three days before the wedding when I gave my final count. I handed the photographer a check at the reception. I didn't have a florist...

I think you'd be ok investing the money in a CD.

[AshNJam07]

My reception requires full payment the night of, the cake is due 3 weeks before, and photographer and dj are night of as well

btw: we just put $ into a CD to do the same thing! Although not 15 cuz the weddings only 6+ months away

[birdie]

Mine are all within the month of the wedding. I think you would be safe.

[ljeagle]

Most people want a check 10 days b-4 or cash with in a week. Then you have some that wants it that day. I'm sure you will be fine as long as you have the money for the deposits.

[555Ann555]

The only thing I had to pay a lot towards in advance was the photography, but I think that's because they charge so much they have to be sure that you are capable of paying!

Pretty much everything else was either at the time of the wedding, or no more that a month before. I'd say you'd be fine

[syringa]

The industry standard is that final payments are due two weeks before the event if you pay by check. Many merchants will ask that all forms of payment be made at least two weeks in advance unless they have a credit card number on file. If they have a credit card number, they shouldn't bill it until just before the wedding or the day of.

[Belles]

From a photography side, almost all reputable (and experienced) studios are going to want the final payment anywhere from 1 week to 45 days prior to the event. Most are also more than happy to provide you some wiggle room though - provided they don't have to wait at the studio late the night before waiting for mom to drop a check by. ) I say to go for it!

[AshyBekka]

It really depends-I would call all of your vendors and ask them directly when they expect final payments, or verify on your contract. Some will want payment in advance-will you have money for those needs (i.e. photography as someone mentioned before)? What if the unexpected/emergencies come up in the interim-wedding related or otherwise? Are you hamstringing yourself in that regard? If the answer is no to all of those, then I think you're fine-just make sure you don't have any payments coming prior to that. I know in my situation, I had a couple of BMs that needed me to cover the cost of their dresses at the last minute until they got a paycheck-which I happily did. However, I spent about $600 I wasn't budgeted for and didn't get the money back until a few weeks after the wedding. But as long as you're prepared, then go for it!

[Julz518]

I think I'm going to do it.

3/4 of my wedding budget is coming from my parents, my contribution really is just the "wiggle room" money. Since my wedding is still 18 months away, I don't really have my vendors picked out yet - but I will be sure to ask them when the money is due when I interview them. I worked up a rough budget last night, based on my sisters wedding and prices I've found online and at Bridal fairs, and I could meet it with just my parents contribution (though I'd like to give something back to them, which is why I'm contributing).

And even if we do need the money before the certificate matures, we'll probably have enough cash (between me, FH, mom & dad) to cover it and then reimburse ourselves later. And if we end up not spending it on the wedding, then we have it to take on our honeymoon.

[cilo911]

Reception hall wanted 3000 down and 3000 one month before the wedding. Balance is due 1 week before the date.

I already put all the downpayments down for the photographer, video and dj. Rest is due 2 weeks to a month before the date.

I need to put a deposit on a limo, but do you know how hard it is to find a stretch Lamborghini...

[KaileK]

Most of my vendors require final payment anywhere from 2-10 days before the wedding