Collecting on weddings...

Hey all, 2008 is shaping up to be the year of the wedding photography for me here in Halifax Nova Scotia. I am very excited!

There is one gap in my understanding : how would collection work?

Here is my thinking :

take 20 % deposit before i shoot anything....

then what? Do i collect the full sum after shooting and showing a web gallery? Do i collect several months down the road once they finally have the finished the Album for them? Do i chop up the remaining quantity into installments? What is the standard protocol?

Thanks guys.

I take $200 down payment and the rest is due on or before the wedding date.

Most take a non-refundable retainer at time of booking and the balance is due at least 14 days prior to the shooting, I believe. I doubt you'll find many that will shoot if not paid in advance.

I shot my first wedding with no money down, and the couple was great; the groom paid me at the reception. In retrospect, though, it was a pretty bad idea and I was lucky I didn't get shafted. It's my understanding that in general, wedding shooters don't shoot anything until they're paid in full...

Collect a sizeable, non-refundable retainer when the contract is signed to discourage cancellation, and collect the rest at least 30 days prior to the wedding (in case their check bounces).

I used to get 3/4 when the contract was signed and the rest on receipt of the proofs.

I do 50% at contract, balance day of or before. I don't turn my camera on unless I'm paid in full and don't chase payments after.

I take a 50% non-refundable deposit for the date (when contract is signed), then full payment is due 4 weeks prior to the wedding date just in case any problems arise. But if i do not have full payment before the wedding, i do not shoot.

I'm no professional, but I saw my main photographer (My photo teacher) collect the money right as we were leaving,

Just thought I would through in my 2.316 cents

50% retainer when contract is signed. 50% 60 days prior, unless prior arrangements are made.

Over here the average is around £200 deposit and the balance to be paid 2-4 weeks before the event.

Nearly everyone the world over will collect beforehand. The timespan may vary (I do 7 days) but you should have payment up front.

Look at all the other wedding suppliers - the venue, caterers, dress shops etc etc. They will all have been paid before the wedding day. Why should the photographer be any different?

50% non-refundable to hold the date.
other 50% BEFORE day of wedding

I collect a $200.00 non-refundable deposit to hold the date and require payment in full by the day of the wedding.

Well, that is fairly conclusive!

Thanks so much for all the feedback guys. Obliged, as usual.