| Glenn,
I ask for a 50% deposit before the job is considered booked. If they don't get me the deposit in a reasonable time (like a week) and I get another call I tell the second bride I will get back with her in one hour. I then call the first bride and tell her to have someone bring me the deposit as I have an offer for another booking.
NEVER has the first bride told me to take the second booking, and never have I not had cash in hand within 60-minutes.
I also call the bride, or a designated agent, 2 days prior to the wedding and ask if they have any last minute changes in the ceremony. I say, "I'm looking forward to playing for you", and wish them the best of luck. I also take that opportunity to remind them that I need the balance and suggest that the best man or the bride’s father deliver it.
Something that has happened in my experience over the years is that almost every bride pays me the entire fee rather than paying me a 50% deposit. I have never not shown up for a gig of any type, and all the local organists know me. If they book me through the organist or vocalist they are assured that I will show, and that I will do a good job.
Dave
PS – Maybe I do need to clarify that I did indeed not show up for a gig after one of my heart attacks, but I booked jophst to take my place at several jobs over a period of months. In booking Josh I booked a player who was as good or better than myself. I also took care of making certain that his fee was paid as a courtesy to him and the people who had booked me.
I think it is important that if you ever become ill that your replacement be equal or better than yourself, and that it is YOUR responsibility to find the replacement, and also your responsibility to contact the bride that you have booked a replacement and explain why you did so.
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