It sounds like you didn’t make it clear up front that you expected to get paid, but rather relied upon the parties “knowing” that it is halachially required and/or socially acceptable to pay.
In the future, you must make it clear up front to the parties involved, even if you feel that they should already know. Make it clear what you expect as for what your expected fee is, under what conditions you expect it to apply (first date, third date, engagement, marriage, whatever) and when the payment is due. If you can get it writing, all the better. If not, at least give your future clients a written (even email works for this) description of your fee.
The Wolf