Fear of Vendor Backing Out

Um yes absolutely.

View Quoted Comment Like I’m so nervous now. I mean it’s only the violinist so it’s fine if something does happen because we have a guitarist as well but I don’t want to lose money.

To me, it makes sense that they wouldn't want anything more then the deposit at the moment. I totally understand why it makes you feel uneasy. For example, if it is a sole violinist who owns the business, what would happen if she ended up in a hospital? It would be easier for them to pay back a deposit then the full cost. Totally understand what you're going through though. If having them play for your wedding is very important, I would stick with just the down payment. If there are bigger businesses in your area with multiple options, I would look into them. Good luck!

View Quoted Comment Emily... that’s exactly what I keep telling myself is maybe it’s because they wouldn’t be able to afford to pay back the amount in full and the deposit would be easier for them to pay back if something were to happen. Just has me slightly uneasy.

Does not make sense to me. maybe they worded it awkardly. I would interpret that as "well if we get more $ from someone else, we'll refund your downpayment. Which in essense means, they are not really caring about you using their services. Very weird.

I wouldn’t worry about that. Most vendors take deposits, followed by the remainder of the payment prior or right after wedding. Your vendor may just want to follow their standard way of business so it’s easy for them. You have to remember they deal with dozens of weddings at a time.. she probably just wants it to be as structured and by the book as possible

I think it’s a bit weird. If they aren’t responsible enough to manage the full payment, I don’t know if they are responsible enough to be trusted with your important day. I’ve never really heard of a legitimate business refusing someone’s money. It would definitely make me think twice.

My photographer did the same. We asked if there is any type of discount for paying the full balance up front. He said he doesn’t feel comfortable doing that because something may happen where we need that money, etc. I think it was just his way of saying, “no you can’t have a discount”. Also I think some vendors just prefer to keep it structured, they know when to expect their payments.

Yes! The same thing happened when my fisnce and i booked our *spoiler alert* first.... venue. The owner waited 2 months to cash the deposit check (over drawing my account in the process) and ended up cancelling our reservation 3 months later because she didnt want to put in the effort to provide the services we agreed to.

Yes and no. Mostly no. They have to report that as income on taxes for this year. It's not their standard business practice. "In case something happens" is better for you and them. Couples do cancel before the wedding and if for whatever the reason the vendor can't fulfill as promised for your day it is a lot easier dealing with deposits rather than paid in full. I've been scammed before, not related to wedding stuff, and they were happy to take as much money as they could upfront.
If you still feel uneasy maybe look at another option. Having a structured payment system would not be a red flag or deal breaker for me personally.