How much of a percentage for a deposit?

As long as you signed a contract I wouldn't be too worried. Our deposit was $500 for a $1840 service (DJ, photobooth, monogram). Percentage-wise our venue/caterer required less of a deposit, but dollar-wise it was more money.

My DJ's deposit was only 35%

My photographer was 8%

My florist was 6%

What does your contract say? Does it say your initial deposit within X amount of days? That's quite a significant chunk....

Most of my vendors require 50% deposit down. My venue did require less (maybe 25%, I don't remember).

I haven't signed anything yet! I'm going next week to do all of that. I guess I can ask him about it then. And my FH and I thought it was quite a big chunk too! I'm just trying to save my date... Not pay for it all up front!

Guess I was lucky, my dj came with my wedding package and we only have to pay a 500.00 deposit

My retainer is slightly under 50% (I'm an officiant) and the balance is due 30 days before.

Mine is just like Nancy's.

DJ - Flat $150 deposit (total was 745). Rest due by wedding date

Photographer - 50% deposit. Balance due 30 days before wedding

Florist - 30% deposit. Balance due 4 weeks before wedding

Caterer - Flat $750 deposit. Balance due 10 days before wedding

Venue - 50% deposit. Forget exactly when we had to pay the balance.

Our venue (venue for ceremony & reception and catering) was 13% down.

Photographer 20%

DJ 33%

Ceremony Musicians 33%

Flowers 5%

Decor 12%

My retainer is also 50 percent and I find that as typically standard in the industry. I won't put anyone's wedding on my calendar without having at least 50 percent non-refundable down. You would really be surprised how flakey brides can sometimes be and since I am a very small company as I'm assuming your DJ is me reserving a date means turning down other brides business on that date. No way would I do that without a retainer in hand...

The $300 deposit is more than 50 percent though. The dj costs $475!

I think every DJ tends to be different with how much deposit they require. As long as you have a contract signed you will be fine either way. Could you perhaps speak with the DJ and see if this is negotiable? xx

Our DJ total cost is $1,195. Deposit was $300 (approx 25%).

As long as you have a fully executed contract, you money is safe. Make sure you read the fine print regarding refund, weather problems, unforeseen emergencies.

If it's any consolation, you're getting a good deal on the DJ.

Nothing unusual in his fee schedules. Our fees are: $200 deposit, 50% of total due 30 days later, balance to be paid 30 prior to wedding date. Nobody has seemed surprised, and quite a few brides up the deposit amount to budget more easily.

Samantha, you have a highly desirable date -- a Sat. in May.

Now that he's booked you, he's going to have to turn down other couples. If you cancel in April, he's not likely to be able to fill your date. But, at least he'll have $300.

Since 1994, I have seen deposit requirements of all kind. I used to do 50% when I was dirt cheap, then went to 25% when pricing went up, but finally settled on 1/3. Just like down payments on a house or a car, the willingness to pay a larger deposit indicates your commitment to the booking. Most deposits will be non-refundable in many cases and you'll less likely cancel a booking if it means you lose a chunk of money. On the other hand, as I read in a previous quote, the vendor is risking losing a full paying gig by booking your date and having you cancel. In this case, the higher deposit helps them recoup their losses.

In the film days, the deposits for photography went to purchase film, batteries, and spare equipment. Maybe committing hire for assistants. Today, the only difference is I don't buy film.

Hello! Do you remember the name of Instagram of your DJ?