I like a challenge but to be truthful this gig seems to be blowing up as the date gets closer.
Do not under any circumstances give him a break on your price. IMO this gig is setting up to be a PITA so getting paid well will ease the pain......
Or, if you're only on hold, get out now. (If only I had taken that same advice, so many times.. 
)
GTD
THIS. GET OUT NOW WHILE YOU STILL CAN. If you think the advance is bad, just think about what the day of the ceremony will be like.
Of course, just my opinion. Trust your gut instinct. If you do go ahead with the gig make sure it's worth it.
Thanks for the concern guys. You are correct that this is a dumpster fire of a client. All of my production and rental gigs are 50% deposit and balance due 7 days prior to the event. He's got until Thursday to send me a wire transfer or he can book another provider. It's a good chunk of change and some holiday work for my guys. I was open that weekend anyway. Client asked for a 7% discount so I told him I'd pull the wireless down to three channels instead. Will see if he books and if not, I'll go snowboarding.
On the up side, the event planner and venue manager both met me and want to do future business, so it's already a win. Also met another local provider (lights and video) who I've spoken to in the past. He's taking that chunk of the production with me doing sound and I'm sure we will work together in the future.
