Cancelling Wedding

Unfortunately, if it's in the contract, they are entitled to that money.

If it's in the contract, they can probably sue you for it.

Normal? Maybe not. Legal? Completely. This is why it's so, SO important to read any legal document/contract before signing it.

Many places require the full payment if you cancel X far out, and only half if X far out, etc. Generally I wouldn't think a place would require the full cost for a year or more notice but they are within their legal right to do so and you agreed to those terms.

I would suggest negotiating with them. I doubt they want to spend the time or money going to court. Plus, it would be bad for their business reputation if a former bride, who is already broken hearted over the cancelation of her wedding, is then charged the full amount and threatened with a lawsuit. Reviews are everything to wedding vendors.

I would offer a few hundred dollars for their inconvenience and promise to leave a positive review about how wonderfully they treated you. If they are smart, they will figure out that you are just as capable of leaving a nasty review if they continue to threaten you in this already devastating time.

I am so sorry to hear of your cancellation, and about the venue wanting the deposit and full balance even though it's a year out, and I agree with you. While you did sign a contract to that effect I do believe you are being reasonable by thinking that they would keep your deposit, but I agree with Alycia 💯 , try negotiating. It certainly couldn't hurt, because that far out im sure they could rebook. Hugs hun, I am so sorry you are going through this. 💔💔

They cannot she you unless it’s in the contract. I cancelled my wedding venue and they tried to charge me for canceling even though there was no mention of a cancellation fee in the contract. I pointed this out and they ended up refunding me my deposit!

If it's in the contract they'll probably win in court. My venue has a deadline for having to pay in full for a cancellation but it's less than a year, I forget exactly when.
Is it usual depends on where you live, in my area I'd guess it's probably more common because it's high end ect ect.
If you're having a money related problem related to the cancellation I do think they'd be open to negotiation a year in advanced, there's probably a way to at least negotiate a payment timeline. Most places will be willing to work something out if you're polite and early contacting them.

I’m sorry to hear about your cancelation & hope everything is ok.

If this cancelation provision is in your contract, then yes, of course they can sue you. And they would likely win, in which case you’d likely have to pay for their court expenses too (these terms are usually also defined in the contract, so check it out). This is exactly what contracts are for, they are legally binding & that’s why you should read every word before signing. It doesn’t really matter if it makes sense to you or not.

Based on experience, I’d say venue keeping full payment for a cancelation a year in advance is very strict. I wouldn’t have signed a contract like that & would have negotiated the terms before signing. You should try negotiating with them nicely, as Alycia mentioned in pp. If that doesn’t work, I would threaten them with a lawyer. Sometimes them knowing you have a legal representation will make them more open to negotiating, because nobody wants to be dragged in court. Wish you good luck resolving this!

That sucks, I will agree. But as it is in the contract, you may have a hard time getting out of that. Impossible, no, but very difficult. I mean, if you are really dedicated to it, you can always contact an attorney who specializes in contracts and financial matters and have them fight for you, but keep in mind that what you end up having to pay the attorney may end up costing you just as much as forfeiting the balance anyway.

If nothing else, this is a lesson in reading every single line of a contract before signing!

I have heard things about this venue being strict, if it is hidden falls. But, if anything just try pushing the wedding out further. Our venue didn’t have the whole thing due until 2 months before.

Do research on the contract language. Make sure there isn’t anything about a act of god clause. If they just say you owe it then it could be argued as “impossible”. DO YOUR RESEARCH!