How to ask/should you ask: Venue Deposit

First of all, I want to say bravo to you for finding a venue that even has a "refundable" deposit. I've never heard of that. Next, does this place have any reviews you could read? Have you looked them up on Yelp or any other place for reviews? Reviews from people who have used their services may tell you a lot about how this place handles its contracts. In terms of asking about it, you could just say that you were reading the "fine print" and want some clarification about the timeline for returning the deposit. Point out the 45 days versus the 30 days, and ask how often that becomes an issue. Hopefully they'll be able to give you some examples of things that make the deposit non-refundable.

View Quoted Comment This is spot on! I also say good for you for finding a venue who has a refundable deposit because that is rare!

Yea that is a big red flag but you don’t have to kiss it good bye. Treat it as if it was a home you were renting have some one take pictures before set up after set up and after they take everything down. Who’s to say they don’t have a booking within those 45 days and something happens thats just way to long to wait to return a deposit.

I must admit, I was a little embarrassed to have even posted that, but you guys ARE THE FREAKIN BESSSST! I appreciate the positive feedback, I don't feel *as* crazy.

The fiance is now looking up reviews focused on the deposit part (shout out to CHRISTY!). I feel confident I had my "wedding blinders" on when I initially researched the place... and probably only read the good stuff.

@Kionna - Girl, everything you said: YES. The pictures before/after set up is an amazing suggestion.

Pray for me, ya'll. I've read so many horror stories and I'm just trying not to get hustled by anyone LOL

View Quoted Comment Lol no problem! Sending prayers hope all is well

We haven't had a security deposit and this is the first I've heard of a venue charging one. But it also depends how long you are renting this place. It could be they had a couple of bad customers and now they are doing this just to protect themselves. You are within your rights as a customer to ask the reason they ask for a security deposit. Mention other places you looked at didn't have this. It's not a rude question. You should know where this money is going and why.
Our's just had an initial deposit with a time table when to pay the next two installments plus the final due the week before when we give them a final head count. It could also be the way they do things.
Just be clear on who does what so they don't get a reason to keep the deposit. Be mindful of hidden costs if there are any.

To me it makes sense... the venue is saying they have 45 days to return your deposit, but if anything happened where they need to keep some or all of it, they have 30 days to tell you why. That’s honestly to protect both you and them

I think it is ridiculous. Anyone could damage it on day 10, and you get blamed? Are you going to run around taking pictures as you leave the hall, or the next day?

Definitely ask!!!its your day and you are entitled to questions and changing your mind

View Quoted Comment

OP, looks like you went over the contract with a fine tooth comb! I think you can just ask for clarification. Just ask them "how often people actually get their (refundable) security deposit back?" And "what are reasons people wouldn't?" There's nothing wrong with asking. Vendors are used to this and it doesn't hurt their feelings.

Also, to Karen's point, I would ask WHEN they "inspect" the venue and if you can be present for this (if you can). You might ask someone (florist, DOC, parents) to video or take pictures of the venue immediately following the event.

It sounds like this is a damage deposit, not a deposit to secure the event, so makes sense its refundable.... to me it sounds just like an apartment - you put down a deposit, they have 30 days to notify you of damages they found (if any) and 45 days to return the deposit. Just like with apartments, I always photograph the ... out of the place when I leave! It's actually saved me some money - one apartment complex tried to tell me I left the dishwasher dirty, and yup, I had a picture of it.

OP, you need to distinguish social relationships from business relationships. In business, IMHO, you should be polite and honest, BUT protect your rights. If they think you are money grubbing, that is THEIR problem, NOT yours.

Unless you are willing to kiss the deposit goodbye, you should back out. No matter what they say, that 80% of people get back deposits, that does not protect you. Are you going to have someone video the entire place, including the stalls in the mens rooms?

Some people here are conflating normal deposits which are credited against the final bill and a damage deposit.

Our venue has a refundable damage deposit as ours is a historical landmark as well!

After reviewing our personal contract and discussing with the coordinator there, the only reason our deposit would not be returned to us would be if we damaged anything. Basically as long as we return the venue to its pre-wedding state we're in the clear to get our deposit back!

That being said, we will most definitely be taking photos and videos of the venue the night before as well as have someone take photos after it's all cleaned up after the ceremony just so they can't come back on us and say we messed something up if we never damaged anything!

To me, it's not a red flag (as long as the place has good reviews. If you see a lot of negative reviews I wouldn't book it). It's a protection for them and yourself! Like others have said, it's like renting an apartment. You put down a refundable security deposit and as long as the apartment isn't damaged you should get it back!

I would just look into reviews and make sure everything checks out. You could maybe even look at BBB to see if they have any claims filed against them!