Wedding budgets are complex beasts. You are managing vendors, due dates, and deposits, all while trying to keep track of your total spend. The last thing you need is a vendor with a confusing or rigid payment structure. You need clarity, transparency, and a timeline that helps you manage your cash flow.
A practical question every couple asks is: What is your payment policy? My approach is designed to be simple and standard. I operate on a two-payment structure: a retainer to secure the date, and a final balance due before the wedding. This post explains Adrian Bonet Photography’s payment policy so you can plan your finances with confidence.
Do not let logistics stress you out. Secure a photographer who knows the area inside and out. Contact Adrian Bonet Photography to check availability for your venue today.
Index
The 50/50 Structure
The 30-Day Rule: Why Pay Early?
Secure Payment Options (Stripe)
Transparency & No Hidden Fees
Final Thoughts
The 50/50 Structure
The Initial Deposit
To keep things straightforward, I split the total package cost into two equal payments. The first payment is the 50% Deposit (Retainer). This is due at the time of signing the contract. This payment is crucial because it officially takes your date off the market. Until this 50% is paid, the date remains open for other inquiries.
The Final Balance
The second payment is the Remaining 50% Balance. You do not need to worry about this immediately after booking. This gives you a significant gap of time—often 12 to 18 months—between the first payment and the last payment, allowing you to save and budget accordingly without a massive upfront hit to your bank account.
The 30-Day Rule: Why Pay Early?
Due One Month Before
The final balance is due 30 days prior to your wedding date. While some vendors accept payment on the day of the event, I require it a month in advance. This policy is actually designed to reduce your stress levels.
Focus on the Party, Not the Wallet
The last week before a wedding is chaotic. You are dealing with family arrivals, final fittings, and last-minute details. The last thing you want to be doing on your wedding morning is writing checks or trying to get a credit card to process. By settling the balance 30 days out, you ensure that on the wedding day, the business transaction is already finished. You can focus entirely on celebrating, knowing your photographer is fully paid and ready to work.
Secure Payment Options (Stripe)
Credit and Debit Cards
I want payment to be as easy as buying something on Amazon. I use Stripe, a world-class secure online payment processor. I accept all major Credit and Debit Cards. This is particularly helpful for couples who want to put their wedding expenses on a card to earn travel points or miles for their honeymoon.
Security First
Your financial data is important. Stripe uses bank-level encryption. I never see your full credit card number, and I do not store your financial information on my servers. The entire transaction is handled through their secure portal, giving you peace of mind that your data is safe.
Transparency & No Hidden Fees
All-Inclusive Quotes
The price on your contract is the price you pay. Unless you specifically request overtime hours or extra albums later, there are No Hidden Fees. The 50/50 split covers the total agreed-upon amount.
Automated Reminders
You don’t need to set a reminder on your phone. My system will send you an Automated Email Reminder when your final balance is approaching. This ensures you never miss a deadline and keeps your booking secure without you having to mentally track the date.
Final Thoughts
Financial clarity is part of a good client experience. You shouldn’t have to guess when payments are due or how to make them.
When you book Adrian Bonet Photography, the payment process is automated, secure, and transparent. My goal is to get the “business” side of things handled smoothly and efficiently so we can focus our energy on the creative side of your wedding.