cancelled weddings

[Dotty.c]

Can anyone advise on what I should have done or if i did it right. A couple booked us for July 22nd, paid in full even though we asked them not to, then they fell out. Bride tried to get a refund in full, but she didn't write the cheque so knew she wasn't due it. Groom contacted us few days later. We turned 4 possible bookings away for the same date, so I have told the groom that I am prepared to refund the difference between our lowest price and what they paid (£200) and should I resell that date I will refund the rest.

[tonymidd]

Hi DottyC,
That's more than fair.
I always asked for a booking fee; this is legally not refundable whereas a deposit is legally refundable, of 1/3 of the total. So in this case even tho' they had paid in full they would have had a refund of 2/3 total cost.
If a wedding was postponed I allowed six months to rebook after which the booking fee was lost.

[Stemmy]

I have a rolling scale for how much they would have to pay if they cancel.

I take a deposit (soon to be a booking fee - thanks Tony) and then the rest is as follows. Its the standard MPA contract booking form. You have to buy them but they have been written by solicitors so I am happy that everything has been covered.

0-7 days before wedding 100% of balance
8-14 days 95%
15-30 days 90%
30-60 days 80%
60-120 days 50%
more than 120 days 0%

Obviously the "Booking Fee" is non refundable.

I have had a couple of people who have changed the wedding date for the next year this is more tricky. What if a month before the wedding the couple ring up and want to change the date to next year. Chances are you wont be able to rebook that wedding. What do you do ??

I would always recomend a professionaly written contract with the claims culture of today.

[Dotty.c]

Thanks very much for the info. guys. Hate the money side of business, my husband is always telling me I'm to soft and that my prices should be higher.

[england1965]

Get yourself a contract. I print 2 copies and sign both, then send the couple both to sign and return one.

I have a sliding set of charges also.

I also make clear what the payments are if *I* don't turn up (eg refund of money paid). The last thing you need if you are ill/have a car crash etc is the couple chasing you for "tens of thousands" for their "ruined photography".

Hope that helps

Mark

[Stemmy]

Totally agree Mark that is why I use the MPA contracts. Everything has been written by solicitors.

[lostmysnorkel]

Hi Stemmy,

Is it possible to get the MPA contracts without being a member?

Cheers

[Stemmy]

No because the contract is headed up MPA and refers to the photographers membership of the MPA.

Sorry.

The problem with the MPA in years gone by was that you couldnt join unless you were a full time professional. I think these rules have recently been revised.

[Dotty.c]

The MPA still want pro's, it's the references from 2 members that pose a problem for me, clicky bunch around here.

[LTJ]

you can copy the wording of it so you know you are covered.i have them if anybody wants a copy

[Dotty.c]

Yes please

[LTJ]

send me your address and i will send you one. you can send it me in a private email if youd rather. You never know what weirdos are watching!!! Martin!!

[Dotty.c]

done thanks

[BarryM]

I take a 10 percent deposit at time of booking which is stated as NON refundable unless through exceptional circumstances, i.e. a death, illness etc.