I am running into situations where I am attempting to schedule calls with officiants that will not speak to me without first filling out a contract or providing a deposit. This seems crazy to me! I run my own design business and would never tell a potential client that they need to sign a contract or pay me before I speak to them. How are you supposed to know if they feel like a good fit? There is a lot to learn about someone when speaking in person.
I almost feel like sharing this with these vendors because it feels very unreasonable and frankly off putting that they are unable to take the time to sell their services and see if it is a mutual fit. I am so grateful that we had a wonderful consultation call with our photographer. She made us feel so comfortable and was so easy going that we booked her right away.