Order process for "future" orders

I am looking for some guidance on order processing.  We have the scenario where we may sell our solution (receive an order) to a customer, but they don't want it installed for a month (for example). 

Would we set the order date as "today", and then just leave it in pending fulfillment until we install (fulfill) it?
Can we accept a down payment against that order before anything is fulfilled (not using advanced shipping since we are using advanced billing...)?

I realize that some of these are really process questions, but we are in a position where our process can be "shaped" by best practices from NetSuite in this area.  I guess I just don't quite understand all the implications of the order date at this point (and how is it different than the start date, etc.).  I would greatly appreciate any feedback.