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Newbie February 2021 Belfast

Rights to refunds when vendors cancel

Erin, on January 14, 2021 at 05:21 Posted in Plan a wedding 0 4
Hi guys, my wedding is February 2021 before lockdown is due to end. Obviously vendors can’t work due to government restrictions and I’m just wondering if anyone else has had issues with getting money back?


I completely understand that small businesses have been hit hard during this time and I have worked with all of my vendors fairly and in turn most have been good to me, offering services when society is able to open back up instead of a refund which I have been happy with. However there are some that have turned quite nasty when asked where we stood with getting money back that we had paid in advance for the service in which they can no longer provide. I have a signed contract for one that states the booking fee will be returned if service is cancelled by the company for any reason but when asked about this they have said that all booking fees are non refundable as it’s the government who have made it illegal for them to work and it’s because if this that they have cancelled.
I’m just wondering if anyone can give me some advice on this?
Thanks in advance

4 Comments

Latest activity by Kara, on January 24, 2021 at 16:46
  • Kara
    Frequent user June 2022 Ontario
    Kara ·
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    Our contract had a “force Majeure” clause, stating we could get our money back in the event of an unforeseen event (pandemic was included in this) however when we requested a refund they turned nasty and claimed they weren’t authorized to give one and that because they were willing to go ahead with my service at a reduced head count (10 instead of 115) that the clause was null and void.


    It is disgusting what businesses are doing during this time. We opted to postpone twice. Our new date is not looking very promising again. They are still not willing to refund.
    We were advised that we could fight it, but would spend what we already paid them, if not more, in fees.... or we could lose the money. Or play ball. Sadly, we have opted to play ball as we have been in a contract with them since 2019.....but the situation feels hopeless, as everyone is claiming this is “uncharted territory”. But it seems as if every bride (and groom) are the ones paying the real price. I am sorry you are going through this. It honestly just sucks. My advice is to get some legal advice. Or continue to fight the vendor. They may be willing to offer you some other options, upgrades etc. That you may be happy with in the long run. It never hurts to try. My heart feels for you. Truly. This is supposed to be such an exciting time, yet it seems to be met with frustration and heartbreak and anger. Hoping you guys are able to work out a solution that is best for you ❤️
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  • Vinod
    Top August 2017 Ontario
    Vinod ·
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    The vendor refusing to give the money back blaming the government for not able to work is wrong. They have the right to refund if their contract claims they can't perform their services. You have the right to sue them and leave a feedback to be aware of their business professionalism. They don't seem to have the right attitude neither to keep customers happy.

    It is frustrating for couples to lose money in this time and vendors to claim they are not allowed to work in the lockdown. Do what you need to without a second thought unless they are willing to reschedule to your new date.

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  • Hank
    Featured September 2021 Ontario
    Hank ·
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    Are you postponing your wedding? If so, did the vendor choose to outright cancel and not postpone to your new date? If yes, then the contract is frustrated and you have the right to get your money back. If they refuse, you can pursue legal action but as Gloria stated, that'll cost you (though if you win, the judge might order the defendant to pay some of your costs).

    I hope you'll get your money back. Otherwise, negative reviews and media attention always seem to incentivize vendors who have been trying to rip people off.

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  • Gloria
    Expert October 2022 Ontario
    Gloria ·
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    It's hard because there's no precedent on this ... you could take them to court and potentially get your money..but that's going to cost you in court fees Smiley sad .. Have you re-scheduled? Are they able to re-schedule with you? It's a difficult position to be in because if they can't legally provide a service than I kinda understand... a bunch of venues have told people that they have to pay an additional fee if they want to re-scheduled. Kinda sucks for everyone Smiley sad

    I hope you can get this figured out

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