Wedding payment schedule: deposits, instalments and final balances
Updated 2026-10-17
Most vendors take a deposit to hold your date, then the balance before the wedding, sometimes with an instalment in between. Because balances cluster in the final weeks, list every payment with its amount and due date as soon as you book, and check the next 30 days every month.
How vendor payments usually work
Each contract sets its own terms, but the common pattern is: a deposit when you book (often non-refundable), sometimes an instalment a few months out, and the final balance shortly before the wedding. Catering balances are often tied to final guest numbers, so they may change.
Always read the contract for exact amounts, due dates, cancellation terms and whether a service charge is included.
Why the last two months hurt
Bookings spread over a year or more, but balances pile up near the date. On a $40,000 wedding it is easy to owe $20,000 or more in the final weeks. A simple list of every payment in date order shows that crunch months ahead.
What to track for every payment
- Vendor and item
- Amount
- Due date
- Paid? (and how)
- Who is paying (you, a parent, someone else)
The Sorted Budget wedding planner builds this list for you from the Budget tab: overdue payments turn red and the next 30 days are totalled on the dashboard.
Questions
Are wedding deposits refundable?
Often not. Check the cancellation section of each contract before you sign.
When is the final payment due?
It depends on the vendor; many ask for the balance in the weeks before the wedding. Your contract has the exact date.