covid postponement and venue policies

My venue’s policy is the same. Since I’m only about two months out, if we cancel we lose our deposit, if they cancel we get it back or can apply it to a new date. If we had postponed or cancelled back in May/June they did offer to fully refund us.

There should have been something in the contract that states their rebooking/cancellation policy. It’s not shady if that is the contract you signed. If your venue has changed the contract, then yes it’s not cool. My deposit was transferred to the new date, as per my contract, I’m allowed one date change with no penalty, if I move it again I forfeit 50% of my deposit. If it is due to covid there are no penalties to me, and a full refund if covid prevents the wedding.

I have been reading a lot about venues not being awesome about date changes.

It's crazy how differently venues are handling this. My venue allowed us to postpone with no penalty. My cousin's venue did not allow her to postpone, and she lost her deposit and had to put down a new deposit. Does it state in your contract with your venue that they permit up to a certain number of guests? If so, and if your state is not allowing that many people, your venue can't meet that part of the contract, and you might be able to convince them to let you postpone based on that. Not sure if that'll work, but just something to consider.

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My venue allows 130 people. PA is allowing events of 250 people currently. i have a guest list of 86. so that part is not an issue. basically my venue says if they can fulfill the date but we post pone there is a financial penalty. there would not be a penalty if my state would shut down again at the time of the wedding. really its just a financial issue if i decide to postpone when the venue is open.

1. Social distance 6 feet when not seated, dancing permitted but must be apart.
2. Tables distanced six feet apart
3. Buffet now served by staff (all wear masks)4. Venue capacity at 50%

Our venue was very nice and we were able to postpone without a penalty, but I don't think yours is being inappropriate.
If they're able to provide the service they promised and you decide to change the date, that's (legally) on you. It would be nice if they were more cooperative/understanding, but standing by their contract isn't shady.

If you really want to be able to postpone without a penalty, think about the restrictions that are in place, and how that would effect your wedding. For example, in MA right now, you can have outdoor events with up to 100 people. So theoretically, we could have an outdoor wedding with 100 people, but the contract mentions both a bar and a dance floor, neither of which will be allowed until there's an effective treatment or vaccine. If you find something in your state's reopening guidelines that conflicts with the contract, meaning they wouldn't be able to provide the service as promised, they might be more willing to let you change your date.

I think the way in which this pandemic is being handled varies greatly from one venue to another. My venue was incredibly understanding and allowed me to reschedule my date with no issues and no additional money. My vendors also allowed me to reschedule with no issues or additional money, with the exception of the bakery making our cake- they have the same policy as your vendor. They would not allow me to change the date without paying another $300 deposit, unless the state closed down again during my original wedding date. I think venues and vendors are just handling it in whatever way will work for them and not lead to extreme financial distress for their business. Don’t worry about what your bridesmaids think (after all, it’s not their wedding or their money on the line) – if you are OK with this policy, and feel confident in moving forward with your date, go for it!!

View Quoted Comment Wonderful advice!!

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Yea...at this point i'm not ready to postpone anyway, but i just feel like my bridal putting pressure on me and not being understanding my venue has a policy in place.

I don't think it is shady of the venue. It's their business. As long as you feel comfortable I would move forward with your wedding and just try to reassure your bridal party.

Your venue sounds similar to mine.
If they’re forced to close due to covid, then we can either postpone or get our money back. It falls under their force majuere clause (I probably spelled that wrong)
I honestly didn’t look at my other vendors because they weren’t nearly as expensive. Our venue is ceremony and reception. They provide food and alcohol. It’s definitely unnerving to think about, but I figure if we have to cancel, we can keep the officiant and photographer and just get married outside somewhere.

View Quoted Comment Yes we have the force majeure in our contract as well

Not shady of the venue. They are still a business and have held your date and not booked other events. If the state is allowing events that they they can handle to take place then postponing your wedding will mean they are out the money for the day of your wedding that they could have booked for someone else that would have gone forward with the event. I know you said you are ok with the policy, just stating it for your bridesmaid. 😊
If you are ok with moving forward with your wedding on your planned day (and it sounds like you are) then go forward with it. If your bridesmaid doesn’t want to attend let her back out. It’s about you and your FH and your love. Good luck!

View Quoted Comment I'm sorry you're dealing with that. I hope your bridal party members are able to remember that this is your day, not theirs.

View Quoted Comment Thank you!

Ugh, I’m in PA too and waiting to hear back from our reception venue/caterer. There’s a clear Cancellation policy in our contract but nothing about rescheduling. If we cancel we lose 30% if we do so 60+ days in advance, which it is right now. I’m hoping they can move our date and apply the deposit to that new date. I’m also hoping the new date will suit most of our vendors. 🤞