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Home: Video University Forums: Digital Photography for Videographers:
Wedding Planner from Hell

octoberpro
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Jun 12, 2007, 12:29 PM

Post #1 of 10 (805 views)
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Wedding Planner from Hell	Can't Post

Sigh... why do people always think they can restructure contracts?

This is a small battle I'm going through with a local wedding planner. I met the potential client last week. Sweet couple. They offered a cash payout if I discounted a small %. However I declined the offer. Handed them a contract and 2 days later the Bride emails me saying they're using my services AS LONG AS the wedding planner approves the contract! So the wedding planner's a lawyer now?

Not a big deal if I loose this one, but it's the principle.

I changed the names to protect the innocent. Angelic

Please read from the bottom up and tell me if I'm being unreasonable.
................................................

There was no mention of this during our consult last week. Had BLANK or BLANK spoke of this I would have told them personally during the time of our meeting. I did however receive an email from BLANK Friday evening stating that they will be utilizing my services upon your review of the contract.

They can pay 100% up front if they like. If not, the entire balance is due 2 weeks prior. I can guarantee you that I am not the only Photographer that contracts this way. If you would like for me to explain why this process is used I'll gladly do so.

Here's the simple explanation. I have a client from last October who has yet to pick their final prints. (They simply haven't had time yet) If I had contracted the way you described then I would still be waiting for a 1/3 of my final payment even though the work was completed last year.

If you want, I can discuss this matter personally with BLANK. I have her email and contact info in my address book.

WEDDING PLANNER WRITES:

> So, you are not flexible with this then? Even if the B&G feel uncomfortable paying 100% even before the wedding day?

>

> -----Original Message-----

> Hi BLANK , I hope all is well. Unfortunately I can not negotiate contract agreements in regards to payment. I feel that it is a reasonable request that all funds due are paid two weeks prior to the event date. This has been my process for the past four years.
Please contact BLANK and BLANK with this request. Let them know that the full amount would be due no later than 10/05/07.

>

> WEDDING PLANNER WRITES:

>> my Friday October 19 client has requested that the payments are broken down into 1/3's, with one being a deposit, 1/3 two weeks prior and the other 1/3 due when they pick up the pictures. They would
feel more comfortable with this. I told them that I would ask you.

Postal Boy
Veteran

Jun 12, 2007, 12:39 PM

Post #2 of 10 (798 views)
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Re: [octoberpro] Wedding Planner from Hell [In reply to]	Can't Post

I think you are fine. I don't see a problem with them negotiating it for whatever reason they have, but I wouldn't give in to it.

Just be polite and don't let yourself get bent out of shape at all.

-Postal

octoberpro
User

Jun 12, 2007, 1:11 PM

Post #3 of 10 (792 views)
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Re: [Postal Boy] Wedding Planner from Hell [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I agree. I've found in both personal and professional life that anger only leads to your own downfall. My opinion is that it's not the BG it's the "planner". She's advising them on what it should be, not what it is. It's her job to "advise" just like it's our job to document the event. I'll keep you posted on the final verdict.

octoberpro
User

Jun 12, 2007, 1:58 PM

Post #4 of 10 (782 views)
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Re: [octoberpro] Wedding Planner from Hell [In reply to]	Can't Post

Case closed! Bottom up again...

...................................................

WEDDING PLANNER WROTE

It's all good! I haven't worked with you before but your rep seems fine. They will send the contract. I look very forward to meeting you in person.

-----Original Message-----

Sent: Tuesday, June 12, 2007 12:44 PM
To: WEDDING PLANNER
Subject: Re: 10-19

Thank you. I understand your situation BLANK, but I to need to protect certain assets which is why my contract is structured as so. It would be a
shame to lose wonderful clients over a turn of events such as this. Please
keep me posted.

WEDDING PLANNER writes:

You must understand that it is my job to protect my client and carry out their wishes for them. When I make a request, it is always on behalf of my clients. I do understand what you are saying but I also can not disregard a request from my client. I will relay to them what you have said and if
theywant to proceed, great.

RustyB
Veteran

Jun 12, 2007, 1:59 PM

Post #5 of 10 (779 views)
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Re: [octoberpro] Wedding Planner from Hell [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

That's so terrible...the customer loses because of some jergoff planner. You and Postal are right about how you're going about it.

I met with a couple two weeks ago. It was the typical "good cop/bad cop" routine that couples give me. The bride was very anxious to book on any terms, while the groom was questioning everything and reluctant about getting a video at all. The groom says he was very hesitant about paying 100% up front. I told him that was understandable, and personally, I wouldn't pay a videog or photog a dime until I actually had my video/photos in my hand. Having been married myself, in addition to being a videographer, I've read a lot of horror stories. I told him that, however, in this case I'm the one that can't pay the rent when the customer can't pay...and I've had it happen enough times to have to change my policy. I told them good day, and never heard from them again. They'll come crawling back. Grooms are still whipped at that point. Laugh

Faith Poison Wedding Films Blog
Intergalactic Award-Winning Epic-Cinematic Wedding New-Doc Style Indie Bridal Movies on Hi-Definition Blu-Ray Disc

octoberpro
User

Jun 12, 2007, 2:04 PM

Post #6 of 10 (775 views)
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Re: [RustyB] Wedding Planner from Hell [In reply to]	Can't Post

Main reason why I go with up front payment is so I don't have to chase money. I used to require it due the "DAY OF" but found myself chasing parents, brides, grooms, aunts, and uncles around the dance floor after a 10 hour shoot in order to get a check written.

Not to mention I like the comfort of knowing the "check cleared" before exausting myself.

RustyB
Veteran

Jun 12, 2007, 2:13 PM

Post #7 of 10 (770 views)
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Re: [octoberpro] Wedding Planner from Hell [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

My policy is 21 days before the wedding, paid in fill. Seems to work pretty well, as some people STILL take 2-3 weeks to get that last check written, and send it at the last minute. Depsite the fact that my contract says it's void if not paid 21 days prior, and I send them an invoice for the balance well in advance, they still wait until days before the wedding.

That reminds me, I think I'll send out the invoice for my October wedding TODAY, in the hopes of getting paid on time. Laugh

Faith Poison Wedding Films Blog
Intergalactic Award-Winning Epic-Cinematic Wedding New-Doc Style Indie Bridal Movies on Hi-Definition Blu-Ray Disc

Brackish
Veteran

Jun 12, 2007, 4:45 PM

Post #8 of 10 (759 views)
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Re: [octoberpro] Wedding Planner from Hell [In reply to]	Can't Post

Stick to your guns on 100% up front. I just made an
exception to be paid the remaining balance at the
rehearsal - instead of 3 weeks prior - and they forgot
the check.

octoberpro
User

Jun 12, 2007, 4:47 PM

Post #9 of 10 (756 views)
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Re: [Brackish] Wedding Planner from Hell [In reply to]	Can't Post

OPPS!

Don't froget to show up!!! Sly

Scott Brooks
Veteran

Jun 12, 2007, 7:00 PM

Post #10 of 10 (740 views)
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Re: [octoberpro] Wedding Planner from Hell [In reply to]	Can't Post

Quite honestly many people are getting a bit nervous about the up front payments. And for the record ... I ask for everything up front as well.

Some of the photography forums have had a multitude of news items and videos from news shows where the photographer/videographer left them high and dry with nothing, or that it was 9 months to 12+ and no one would return their calls. I understand the situation and actually sympathize with them.

If I liked the couple I would probably consider a small token payment after the wedding. However ... I would make it known that I would not start editing the files till the final payment had been made.

Now that I think about it ... out of my first 5 weddings this year only three of them made their payments on time. I guess I don't really "require" the final payment up front. Unsure