Wedding vendors no contract

[redross]

I'm in the middle of booking my photographer, something about it seems off. He asked for bank transfer for the deposit which I was happyish to do but in the last week I was scammed by the florist so I obviously told him this and said I was a bit worried. We've arranged a second meet up (first one was seeing his work, this one to discuss photos)and get the deposit but now he has mentioned he doesn't have a contract in place AND would like the deposit cash in hand. Aibu not to trust this? I'm so paranoid about people bailing !

Now I think about it my makeup artist doesn't have a contract either but I've met her heaps as she's previously done my makeup. Maybe it's now common not to have a contract?

I would want a contract before handing over any cash

Have a discussion on what you will get for your money by email. This will form a contract. You could just start it as “further to our conversation, I would just like to confirm xyz”
If you leave it as verbal and have no proof of anything discussed you could end up in murky waters.

You need a contract so you know what you are paying for.

What if you think you're paying a deposit for 10 hours worth of photography with all photos edited and on a DVD with the best 60 printed and in a leather bound personalized album. With no contract, he could turn round in 2 months time and say I'm just doing 2 hours and you'll get the raw photos emailed to you to edit yourself.