Postponing a second time?

Hi Austin, of course the ultimate decision is up to you and your fiancé, but I would encourage you to keep your date. In this environment, summer weddings are a good formula (outdoors, sunshine, no kids in school) and restrictions are lifting. We had a summer wedding during covid and it was amazing! Postponing the first time for us was crushing and I just didn’t have it in my heart to postpone again. What state are you in? Are they opening up?

View Quoted Comment I agree with Katie's suggestion! I would keep the date

Appreciate the input! We're in Maryland, as of now the restrictions seem to be staying put. We've had some folks in the wedding party and family members reach out saying the were unsure if they'll attend. It's making it a tough call

Is that normal for a venue to take all of your money if you need to reschedule? That seems ridiculous to me, especially now.

You are considering postponement because local restrictions would cause you to alter your plans for the wedding, that is to half your guest list. Other than this, as the wedding is allowed to otherwise take place, the venue is able to provide the services you contracted them for and any postponement to a later date is at your discretion but not a mandatory requirement, hence why the venue is being firm about requiring you to forfeit the deposit if you postpone (unless the contract says something to the contrary).

Ultimately, whether you postpone for a second time is a decision no one can make for you, however, if it were me, I would ask the venue if they’d consider refunding you your deposit (or perhaps 50%) if they are able to find another booking for that date and fill the vacancy if you postpone again. They are not obliged to accommodate such a request but it is reasonable enough that they hopefully consider it in good faith.

That is a tough call- I’m so sorry you’re going through this! Acceptance is key. We were concerned about our wedding on 4/3/21- my fiancé was kind of freaking out. I told him that regardless we’re getting married on our date- that’s the most important thing. Our guest list might change but our date will not!

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Sadly yes – she doesn’t need to reschedule but wants to reschedule. Legally speaking, unless the venue is unable to provide the services, there is no reason for them not to keep the deposit if the postponement is for change of mind.

What all was your venue contracted to provide? Is the catering etc through them, or is it just the location?

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Unfortunately just the location + basic rentals like chairs, tables, etc... Per the contract it seems they are able to fulfill their obligation, so we're probably out of luck from that perspective.

The gray area is that the contract has the wedding guest count, which they aren't able to fulfill, but the contract language doesn't account for that in their rescheduling or cancellation policy. Appreciate the input from everyone!