Wedding Finances Made Simple: What to Expect at The Orchard
Planning your wedding is such an exciting time but when it comes to budgeting, many couples find themselves wondering “How and when do we pay?” It’s completely normal to have questions, especially around finances, and at The Orchard, we believe in being as clear and supportive as possible throughout the whole planning process.
Below, we’ve outlined what to expect when it comes to securing your date and making payments for your wedding with us.
🌿 How Do I Secure My Wedding Date?
Once you’ve found the perfect date, you can place it on hold, completely free of charge and with no obligation, for up to 7 days. During that time, we’ll send over your contract to review.
To officially lock in your date, we ask for a £500 booking deposit, which will be deducted from your final balance.
💸 When Are Payments Due?
We want our couples to feel comfortable, so you’re welcome to pay in monthly instalments that work best for your budget. Alternatively, you can follow our standard payment structure:
- 1 year before your wedding day: 50% of your total balance is due
- 6 months before: 75% of your total balance is due
- 3 months before: The final balance is due
Booking with less than a year to go?
If you’re planning your wedding with a shorter lead time, we’ll adjust the payment schedule to better suit your timeline. In that case:
- 4 weeks after securing your date: 25% of your total balance is due
- 6 months before your wedding day: An additional 50% is due (bringing your total payments to 75%)
- 3 months before your wedding: The remaining balance is due
🧾 How Can I Pay?
We offer several easy ways to make your payments:
- Via Sonas, our secure online wedding planning system
- By bank transfer (BACS)
- In person at the venue – you’re more than welcome to visit and pay in cash if you prefer
At The Orchard, our goal is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you’re booking years in advance or planning something a little more last-minute, we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Got questions? We’re just a message or call away – we’d love to help.