Cancel wedding to Covid-19 over reschedule?

View quoted message

All our vendors said we'll lose the deposit if we cancel, and our venue deposit was 50% so we couldn't afford to just walk away from that. We're postponing it to 2021 and our vendors are ok with moving the date without more fees. Not ideal, but it's what we have to do.

We’re in the exact same boat as you with family coming from the states and Iran. Postponing is really not an option for us in this situation and we will need to cancel the reception. The only problem is the deposit which in our case was 1/3 of all the venue +food costs. Can you give us an update of what you ended up doing with your venue?

Explain to your venue you have alot of family flying in and ask for deposits back i would. no harm in talking to them and see what they say.

Venues are offering refunds if they can't keep the date you put the deposit on their terms. Ask them based on the contract signed if there is any circumstances given the situation. Postponing the wedding date may be the only choice if they won't refund or give a portion back to you. Your family can call the travel agency to push the date forward without being penalized on their end. Many businesses and vendors are understanding with what's happening and willing to work with you any way possible to make your day special.

Hey!
I'm really sorry this is happening to you. We are a September wedding and are considering rescheduling ours due to the financial strain on family members, friends, and wedding party. We have decided for the time being we are going to wait it out and weigh out options with out vendors. We also have people coming from alllllll over. What about rescheduling till next year? and still attending you honeymoon this year / see if you are able to postpone the honeymoon dates. I highly recommend discussing your potential options with your venders! Wishing you all the best & sending postive/healthy vibes.

Regarding deposits, it depends on your contracts. Read them carefully. Some contracts have cancellation clauses. In your case, check for a force majeure which means if government or forces beyond both you and the vendors control makes it so the contract cannot be executed, it becomes void and you get all moneys back. But some vendors try to make it so that deposits are not refundable no matter the circumstances. That's where wedding insurance can help you if you have it.

If your contracts don't state anything regarding cancellations and return of deposits, try talking to them. Based on what people have been saying here, most seem to be really good about it.

If you are having a lot of family travelling from the states and Iran, then I believe it is best so postpone. Not sure how long this will last. Amelia is right - you generally lose your deposits but postponing you can transfer. You can always reach out to your vendors and ask for your deposit back, it doesnt hurt to try.

I know how tricky this is. My wedding date is the weekend before you. My family members are in the city so I might just have a smaller ceremony and postpone the party another time.

However, you dont have to make a decision now. See how things go end of April and perhaps you will have a better idea. There is still time.

You could always do a smaller ceremony and have your family come together to celebrate your anniversary next year. My fiance's family is in the states too and I worry that they won't be allowed to cross the border easily even after the restrictions are lifted. We're waiting until we really worry and change anything, but it's in the back of my head.


Generally cancelling you lose your deposits and any payments you've made, but postponing you can usually transfer anything you've paid to the new date.