Got a deposit and a signed contract? Why not take the booking (except that your pricing strategy may change by then). But, a booked date is a winner in my book.
The gal could change her mind about venue, the gal could change her mind about even marrying this guy! Tell her you have penciled in her date and to call you a year before the day to put down her money and confirm, and that you will contact her first if anyone wants to book you on that same date one year in advance. Otherwise to hold money that long might entail clauses about no interest accruing during that time, plus there is the issue of return of her deposit if she/he gets cold feet more than one year in advance.
I would book it with a two year price adjustment. All of my costs will have gone up by then......prints, albums, labor.......you have to decide if and how much you would normally raise your pricing in two years time........if none, then charge her your normal rate for 2008.
Thanks guys for the input. I might take the idea of "penciling" her in due to the fact that there are way too many variables that come into play whether on her part, or mine.
I'm sure my prices will be raised by then, up until this year I was just doing 5-10 a year, nothing big at all. This year I have raised them a bit, and am taking a stronger approach at booking the weddings. As of now my most expensive package is only $2,250.00 while that is a starting package for most full time shooters in the area. I enjoy my teaching job way too much to even attempt to go full time with trying.
Yes, take it...your deposit should be NON refundable under all circumstances, in case she changes her mind. You can right it into the contract with expected charges for that year. I book 1-2 years in advance on a regular basis.
I will take a year and a half out as well. Contract, depoist, etc. I had a bride (With Mother) come by our booth yesterday whose date is in 2011. They both talked so interested and asked all these questions. It blew my mind...Dennis and I just looked at each other after they left. Besides...who has a calendar for 2010 yet? Yvette
Ya besides if 2009 and 2010 rock then you just might spent all of 2011 plunked on a beach in Thailand drinking smoothies and wondering what the catch of the day for dinner will be. Blackened or not, decisions decisions.
Yes 18 months sounds good. Beyond that they are likely on day release. Steve
Yvette