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Super June 2021

No outdoor option

Bird, on November 3, 2020 at 12:59 PM Posted in Planning 0 7

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Hi everyone. My venue is entirely indoors. There are no grounds or lawns or anything.

My wedding has been pushed to June 26, 2021 (it was supposed to be June 27, 2020.)
I just feel so locked in. Ideally, I’d love to plan an outdoor ceremony and reception so that me and my guests will feel more comfortable with the virus. However, I already have paid nearly $10,000 in deposits (last payment I made was Jan 2020) there’s a big chance we’ll have to cut our guest list to 20 -40 people and wear masks and no dancing no cocktail hour mingling etc ...
If there was an outdoor option, at least we could feel more comfortable and have more people that we want there.
I don’t know what to say or ask. I guess does anyone have any experience with venues offering refunds based on not being able to fulfill the contract? My contract says 75 people... what if we can only have 20, could that be basis for being refunded? I know this post is incoherent, I’m just so confused, sad, annoyed, and anxious.

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7 Comments

Latest activity by Ally, on November 4, 2020 at 9:45 AM

Devoted April 2021
Allison · on November 3, 2020 at 1:19 PM
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I'm currently in the same position with my venue (minus the no outdoor/size of the wedding). My FH and I were told our venue has a strict no refund policy, but any excess money can be put toward enhancements. We were supposed to make our next payment (50% of our initial contract) but we told we don't have to make that full payment. We're now trying to figure out what to get in writing to protect us in case state mandated restrictions prevent us from having our full guest list.

Questions to ask your venue: what is their COVID contingency plan? What is their refund plan? What alternatives do you have? What modifications can be made to your contract to reflect COVID restrictions as of the date of your wedding (obviously no one can predict the future, but just having the security of knowing your contract is flexible will help).

Make sure you get updates in writing! This way you have a record of any and all changes.

Good luck! This is an incredibly stressful time and I never imagined back in March that we'd still be worrying about this for 2021 weddings.
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Legend July 2022
Lisa · on November 3, 2020 at 1:20 PM
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I recommend reaching out to the venue to ask about this scenario. It seems like every venue handles it differently, and it also depends on the wording of the conditions listed in the contract. Many venues have been accommodating and allowed couples to postpone regardless of what the contract says, while others have not been as willing to allow it. I would reach out to the venue to ask them about either getting a refund or postponing in the event that your minimum number of guests is not permitted by COVID restrictions at the time of your wedding, and then come up with a backup plan based on their response.
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June 2021
Dj Tanner · on November 3, 2020 at 1:36 PM
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I would suggest talking to a lawyer. Depending on your state, there could be a few different ways that you might be able to get your money back. Does your contract say anything about “in case of acts of God “?

My personal opinion is that we all have signed contracts stating that certain things will happen in that contract. I feel like the second that the venue cannot hold up to their part of the contract then they should be refunding our money. Like you said, you signed a contract for 75 people. They can no longer hold up to their part of the deal therefore the contract should be null and void and you should get your money back. But don’t take my word on this, because I am not a lawyer LOL just my personal opinion but I would suggest that you seek a lawyer.
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VIP September 2020
Neeva · on November 3, 2020 at 2:20 PM
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We had an indoor wedding- originally scheduled for April 11th with 175 people and ended up on September 5th with 75 people. My venue refunded me the difference in cost for food & beverage that I did not use due to a lower guest count.
Why would you have to have only 20 people? Is this the venue's max amount indoors due to covid restrictions or how many you think will come due to the virus? Also, does your venue or state not allow dancing or cocktail hour?
We got married in Florida so the rules were not very strict besides wearing a mask at all times unless eating/drinking. We had a cocktail hour and dancing. No one got sick- everyone was very good about staying masked and keeping distance.
I know you want a outdoor wedding instead but see what options you have for an indoor wedding that could work. If not, you would probably have to lose all the money you have put down.
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Master October 2020
Yasmine · on November 3, 2020 at 6:51 PM
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I definitely would ask the venue but personally I don't think you would be entitled to a refund especially if the deposits are titled "non refundable". I seen many brides talking about the issues they've had but with my venue they actually offered to give us a full refund if we can't have our big wedding. So I definitely would contact them
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Master April 2021
Michelle · on November 3, 2020 at 8:25 PM
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We have 5 months to go & I’m getting a little nervous about it. We’ve signed our contract & have put over 10g in deposits. I haven’t talked to my FH about the what if’s but I think we need to have that discussion so we can call our venue to discuss our options.
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Devoted May 2021
Ally · on November 4, 2020 at 9:45 AM
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Due to the circumstances, its not likely your venue will work with you on a refund because technically it is not their fault. It is the virus. I ran into the same issue and all my venue would do was keep postponing or to just do the wedding even given the circumstances. Wouldnt let me cancel for a refund
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