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Savvy June 2021

Any couples get their money back after postponing the wedding twice?

Mel H, on December 22, 2020 at 5:21 PM Posted in Community Conversations 0 9
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Hi guys!


My fiance and I were supposed to get married in August 2020, but had to postpone due to COVID. We picked a date in 2021, but I honestly don't think things will be better by then.


Has anyone been in a situation where they had to postpone twice and the venue gave your money back? I don't think it's fair to expect couples to put their lives in hold for another year, and wait until 2022. Our venue doesn't even allow small ceremonies right now.


We have 240 people on our guest list, and if by May 2021 the venue only allows 100 guests, we would rather cancel the wedding, get our money back, and put that money towards a house or something else. I know a lot of people have done this, (and no judgement to anyone) but for us, we think it's silly to have the ceremony in 2021 and postpone the reception to 2022. It's either have the ceremony reception on the same day or only have a court marriage and call it a day. We got engaged in 2019, so waiting until 2022 is not an option for us. If we got married in 2021 and had the reception in 2022, I wouldn't even be excited and will feel like it is a waste of money. Idk. Having a reception when you are already married seems pointless to me, and the whole time I feel like I would be wishing we used that money for a house.


I have refrained from asking our venue if we can receive a refund if the second date in 2021 doesn't work out because we still won't know what will happen by then. I think another part of me is scared to hear the truth (aka - no you will not get a refund lol), so I thought I'd come on here and ask in case any couples are in a similar situation?


I just feel so bummed that we put off our wedding for another year, only for it to not happen again. I had a feeling 2021 wouldn't work out, but our families insisted on postponing.


If anyone has received a refund or figured out a loophole, I would love to hear your comments. Or, if you are a bride who was supposed to get married in 2020 and had to postpone to 2021, feel free to vent if you are also unsure your big day can happen.



9 Comments

Latest activity by Zara, on March 28, 2021 at 4:14 PM
  • Chrysta
    Master November 2022
    Chrysta ·
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    I completely feel you on this. We originally planned a wedding in 2020 (making it a two-year engagement), then had to postpone to 2021 (now making it a three-year engagement). We feel the same as you – we don’t want to have a small ceremony then a reception at a much later date. We just know that, for us, it wouldn’t be as meaningful. As far as refunds go, definitely look at your contract. what is the cancellation policy? Most places will allow you to cancel, but they will keep your deposit. It seems like the majority of venues are sticking to their initial cancellation policy. Not all though. Some people have gotten lucky and have gotten refunds, but it seems to be a definite minority. Also, a lot venues (and other types of vendors as well) are using the logic that if they can host your wedding (even if it’s for a reduced amount of guests with Covid safety restrictions in place), then they have the right to hold you to your original contract. It seems like most venues are making couples weight anywhere from 30-90 days prior to their ceremony date to determine whether they will allow them to postpone (or, if they are going to be generous and give a refund). I would definitely suggest looking very carefully over your contract, and reaching out to the venue with a “what if” scenario. I’m sure they have had tons of other couples with these same questions, and there is likely a protocol in place. Good luck, girl! I am crossing my fingers that y’all are just able to have the wedding you want next year!!
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  • M
    Savvy June 2021
    Mel H ·
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    Hi Chrysta! Thank you so much for your comment. It makes me feel so much better knowing there are other couples in the same boat as us.

    I believe our contract says that there are no refunds, which sucks because we are about $23k deep in non-refundable deposits Smiley sad.

    I hope you two are able to have your wedding as well! Fingers crossed for a better year!

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  • Katie
    Dedicated October 2021
    Katie ·
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    I feel the exact same as you! Sept 1 2020 was original date and now we’re October 17 2021. If we had to postpone again I would fight for every cent of my money back. I’ve been too nervous to ask my venue yet if they would allow a “refund ability” clause on the deposits if covid still doesn’t allow us to have the wedding we want.


    One method I’ve heard of and have considered it is calling “force majure” since they are unable to fulfill their end of the contract. You may want to look more into that. I had a friend use that and the venue gave back all their money! I’ve also considered contacting a lawyer if it comes down to it. We can’t put our life on hold any longer either and will not be held hostage by these vendors in a time of such uncertainty.
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  • M
    Savvy June 2021
    Mel H ·
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    Oh no, I'm so sorry! I hope you can have your wedding next year. I heard of one couple getting their money back because the date they wanted in 2021 wasn't available. I'm hoping that if it comes to postponing to 2022, that there isn't a date we can agree on so they have no choice but to give our money back.

    Wishing the best for you guys!!

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  • Virginia
    Super June 2021
    Virginia ·
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    We are now on our THIRD wedding date which is 04/01/21. None of those times were we able to just cancel and get our money back.

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  • M
    Savvy June 2021
    Mel H ·
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    Third!? Oh my goodness I am SO sorry to hear that!! I really hope 2021 proves to be a better year and I hope your date works out for you!

    Wishing you a safe and healthy year so you can celebrate your magical day!

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  • Virginia
    Super June 2021
    Virginia ·
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    Yea. First it was 04/09 and cancelled with 2 weeks notice, then 08/27 and now 04/01/21.

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  • M
    Savvy June 2021
    Mel H ·
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    Ahh. So awful. I understand where these vendors are coming from. They can't just refund everyone or they will go out of business but it is still difficult for couples who just want to have their special day the way they always imagined.

    My fiance and I have discussed and I think we will just have to sacrifice and split the ceremony and reception on separate days, if we can't get a refund.

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  • Victorian Bride
    Master April 2023
    Victorian Bride ·
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    We are also on our THIRD wedding date and we totally lost all deposits after the 2nd postponement. We are now eloping (we just want to be married, but still have a pretty, all frills ceremony) with our reception at a later date. Not what we envisioned, but it's what is happening. I feel for everyone. We only thought planning was hard before covid.
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