A retainer is non-refundable. If you cancel the contract with PiperzPiezesParties, you forfeit the retainer. PiperzPiezesParties can legally keep that portion that you have already paid them. Save your date!!! No date is secure unless retainer has been received. Pay your retainer to save your date!!! A retainer fee is an advance payment a client makes to a professional, and it is considered a down payment on the future services rendered by that professional. The retainer fee funds the initial expenses of the working relationship.