how do i cancel a wedding without losing any money?

Question

i need to cancel my wedding can anyone suggest how i can do it without losing loads of money

Answer 1

This is an interesting one. If you have booked a reception venue, then usually they will try and keep your deposit - could be £1000 or more.

BUT I saw in Which? magazine last month the story of a father who managed to get the deposit back because he argued that it amounted to a penalty clause (unlawful under English law). It was a penalty clause because the likelihood was that the venue would be able to get another booking, so the value of the deposit was far more than the loss suffered by the venue.

Because it settled out of court it didn't set any precedent, but it's probably worth a try.

Answer 2

I'm so sorry about your wedding! There is never a happy reason for cancelling such an occassion and you have my sympathy and my best wishes for a bright future.
As for your deposits....Depends a great deal on how far away the date is... if the wedding was supposed to take place next week, you may as well amend the guest list to exclude the grooms half, adding your coworkers, church friends, whoever was not on your original guest list, call it a Holiday Feast and go ahead with a great party or offer the arrangments to a local charity so they can use it as a fundraiser and you can take a tax deduction.
If your wedding was scheduled for January or later, look over your contracts- The DJ/Band should be able to land another gig by then, likewise, your reception venue should be able to book another event, the caterer/florist will not yet have ordered your food/flowers but will have put in some time and effort on other preparations, you'll lose some of your deposits but should be able to get most of them returned.

Answer 3

All depends if you put down deposits kiss them goodbye you are not getting those back if there is a contract.. kiss the money goodbye. Most places make you sign contracts now because of people canceling at the last minute. I lost like $10,000 on a canceled wedding. Sorry to tell you but you are going to loose some money... Just dont spend any more.

Answer 4

The fact is it depends on what u agreed in the contracts u sign for the wedding. If it's far enough in advance... u might get most of ur money but usually not all. Most are non-refundable deposits.

Sometimes u can find another couple who is getting married and slip them into your arrangements and recoup most of ur money.

The most important thing is U want to cancel and not make a permanent mistake. Money is hard earned but that is why u don't get married everyday. Obviously u found truth... give yourself plenty of time to reflect. Know what it is that u detected wrong and don't repeat the mistake. If u don't reflect, then ur apt to find another guy with the same flaws... Good luck in taking the time u need to get through this disappointment.

Answer 5

You don't; it's going to cost you something. How much is determined by how close to the event date you cancel, how much money you have paid out in deposits, and what each of your contracts says about canceling. We're talking about flowers, cake, a reception venue, church maybe, invitations that have been ordered, dress that cannot be returned, and probably other expenses. Put your negotiating skills to the test, and give it a try. And remember that no matter what it costs, it's better than going through with a wedding you know now is not right.

Answer 6

Do you have wedding insurance????
It also depends on why you need to cancel. If it's because you have split up then you will most likely lose all you deposits. Read your contracts and small print.
If it's due to death or anything like that and you have insurance then you may be able to get something back. Have you tried speaking to the Citizens Advice Buearu - they may be able to advise you further??!

Good Luck

Answer 7

Look at ALL the contracts you signed. That'll give you your answer. If you signed a contract and it has a clause about cancellation - your best bet is to cancel as SOON AS POSSIBLE but recognize that you might lose some money, not get your deposits back and possibly owe them more money. But you need to look at the contracts. if you SIGNED THEM, legally, you are bound to them and if you don't pay what you owe per the cancellation clause, they can sue you.

Answer 8

I am in the same position as you here so i know wot an awful situation it is.
I think that there are some wedding insurances that cover everything including cancelations and apparently they are not as expensive as you'd thisk. I know its a bit dishonest to take it out knowing fine well you're gonna use it but hey. . .theses people are more than willing to screw us lot over.
Not exactly sure if this will work but i'm going to look into it.
Good Luck!

Answer 9

I dont think you can most places require a deposit to be put down for their services and are often times non refundable. If you want to cancel your wedding for whatever reason you may have to take the loss

Answer 10

Too many variables. What are the cancellation policies of the place you've rented? Etc.?

You'll probably lose security deposits, etc., but maybe not TOO too much.

See what planning a big wedding does??