A wedding contract is rarely one payment. From the booking deposit to the balance due the day before, dates spread over 12 to 18 months. Without a tracker, a missed transfer hurts (penalties, stress).
Typical due dates by vendor
•
Venue: 30–50% on booking, balance 1–4 weeks before
•
Caterer: 20–40% deposit, balance after final headcount (often D-15 to D-7)
•
Photographer: 30% on signing, 70% on the day or within 7 days
•
DJ / band: 50% on booking common in peak season
•
Florist: moderate deposit, balance on delivery
A wedding budget is not a lump sum. It is a calendar of bank transfers.
Practices that work
Keep contract PDF, amount, date, and payment method in one place.
Align caterer balances with your RSVP deadline: you pay for the right headcount.
Budget a « day-of tips » line (€150–400 depending on vendors) from the start.
How Fiancé can help
Fiancé tracks expenses, deposits, and due dates in one budget. Intimate, classic, and prestige templates give you a starting split you refine as quotes arrive. Try the budget calculator without an account, then carry the logic into the app. Disclaimer
Please be advised that the contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and not professional advice. The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, financial, or tax advice. The content reflects the opinions of the author and/or the Drakkar Software team. Drakkar Software does not guarantee any particular outcome.
About the author
Camille
Budget, guests & seating expert