Reception Cancellation/ New Location

I would try and fight it but if it says that online i assume you will lose your deposit... theres no harm in asking

I mean, you can request the return of your deposit when you cancel. Given the circumstances of your cancelation, your venue almost certainly won’t hand it over willingly. As Hank has explained, that would be a completely reasonable position for the venue to take. If (when) the venue refuses your request, you’re free to spend time and money battling it out in small claims court. I’m not saying your position has any merit. My instinct is that it doesn’t. You should obviously get legal advice before starting any sort of formal process.


As for uninviting half the guest list for no reason other than you changed your mind—yikes. Your only option is to tell people it’s canceled and then communicate the new details to the remaining guests. And, if I were you, I would do so quietly because revoking an invitation for the reasons you’ve described is poor etiquette (BTW—that is not a comment on couples who have been forced to cut their guest lists to comply with gathering restrictions). I guess this serves as a cautionary tale to others. It is critical that you sort out budget, size, who you actually want in attendance, debate the guest list with your family etc. BEFORE distributing invitations. And yes, a save the date is effectively an invitation.
Anyway sorry if any of that came off harsh and good luck ☺️

You’d have to clarify with a lawyer but it isn’t likely you’d be able to get your deposit back. Because you were sent a package and you paid/verbally agreed, they can likely argue a contract exists. Perhaps there’s a compromise you can make that involves a new contract?

Uh no, especially considering the cancellation is of your own accord and not through any outside forces that prevents the venue from fulfilling their obligations. Deposits are what bind you to the venue for the date you want, and are generally non-refundable. You have to understand, wedding dates are already in demand as it is and if I was a business owner who had to deal with multiple clients who may pull out without any consequence, my business would be a nightmare. Think of how pissed off you would be if every vendor you signed with decided to drop your contract because they were able to fish in a client with bigger pay but refuses to forfeit your money.

As for your guests, you'll just have to tell everyone that the event at your original location is cancelled and then message the new invitees with details. Expect a lot of blow back, if not from guests directly then from your mom.