Last year in October, I worked a wedding where I basically did everything. I was the planner, DJ, officiant, and I did all the hair and makeup. I also traveled 1.5 hours (each way) twice for her rehearsal and prep. I met her in different Starbucks locations/ friends houses to plan this wedding as well and didn’t charge for that.

The total I charged for everything was $950, broken down as: • Officiant: $100 • DJ: $250 • Planning: $500 • Remaining hair balance: $100

She asked to pay in $50 weekly installments, and I agreed. So far, she’s only paid $350 and then stopped completely.

Since then, she’s given me several excuses—medical issues, delayed taxes, inconsistent pay, etc.—and has told me more than once that she would have it paid off “before the year is out,” then later said “by March.” It’s now April, and still nothing. I reached out again recently and got another vague response saying she’s not trying to avoid paying, but still no timeline or payment.

I’ve been extremely patient and understanding up to this point, but this is a significant amount of money for me and I feel like I’ve waited long enough. I’m planning to send one final message telling her I need the balance paid by Monday or I’ll have to start the process of taking it to collections or small claims court.

I don’t want to cause drama or come off as cold, but I also don’t want to let this go unpaid forever after the amount of work I put in. WIBTA for finally drawing a hard line and threatening legal action?