Wedding Venue Refunds: Your Money, Their Rules During Covid

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted many industries, including the wedding industry. Wedding venues, caterers, photographers, and bands have all been impacted by the slowdown in weddings. With the restrictions and limitations on large gatherings, many couples have had to postpone or cancel their weddings, leading to potential disputes over deposit monies and refunds. Some venues and vendors have been flexible and understanding, offering partial or full refunds, while others have refused to return deposits, creating a stressful situation for couples already dealing with the challenges of the pandemic. This has resulted in legal complexities and the need for contractual clauses, such as force majeure, to protect both parties.

Wedding venues refusing to refund deposit money

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unimaginable and potentially fraudulent practice of wedding venues refusing to refund deposit monies. This has caused immense distress to couples who were looking forward to their special day.

In some cases, it has become entirely impossible or impractical for parties to fulfill their duties and obligations under contracts for goods and services. To seek economic relief, it is important to refer to the contract's "force majeure" clause, which establishes legal defenses for contractual obligations. This clause is often triggered when it becomes impossible to hold a wedding due to COVID-19 and related government directives.

To cancel the agreement and demand a full refund, formal notice should be sent to the venue, advising that the terms of the contract cannot be fulfilled under the applicable state law. It is crucial to review the contract in-depth to determine the presence of a "force majeure" or "act of God" provision that may prevent or impair performance.

Additionally, it is important to demonstrate the scope and extent of the impairing circumstances due to the pandemic, specifically pointing out how fulfilling the required duties is impossible or would pose a significant threat to the health and safety of the public.

Some venues have also been found to deceptively remove "refund deposit language" from amended contracts without informing their clients. In such cases, it is essential to seek legal assistance to protect your rights and explore options for retrieving your deposit.

It is worth noting that each matter is unique, and outcomes may vary depending on the specific circumstances and applicable laws.

Contractual rights and legal options

It is important to know your contractual rights and legal options when dealing with wedding vendors during the COVID-19 pandemic. In many cases, disruptions caused by the outbreak have made it impossible or impractical for parties to fulfill their contractual obligations. To understand your rights and options, carefully review the terms of your contract, including any "force majeure" or "act of God" provisions that may apply. These provisions typically establish legal defenses to a party's contractual obligations and may be triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and related government directives.

If you need to cancel or postpone your wedding due to COVID-19, the first step is to review your contract and identify any relevant clauses or provisions. Look for terms related to cancellation, postponement, or force majeure events. The force majeure clause may specifically mention events such as a "public health crisis", "disease outbreak", "pandemic", or "epidemic". If such an event occurs, it may trigger the force majeure clause and release both parties from their contractual obligations. However, it is important to note that the interpretation of these clauses can vary depending on the specific wording of the contract and the applicable laws.

If your contract includes a force majeure clause that covers the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be able to exercise your right to cancel or postpone the wedding without incurring penalties. To do so, it is generally required to provide "reasonable notice" to the other party, typically in writing via mail or email. In your notice, clearly state that due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, you are exercising your right to cancel or postpone the event and request a full refund of any deposits or payments made. It is important to act promptly, as these claims can be time-sensitive.

If your contract does not include a force majeure clause or if the other party disputes your interpretation of the clause, you may still have legal options to recover your deposits or payments. Consider seeking legal advice to understand your rights and options, especially if you believe the vendor is acting in bad faith or engaging in fraudulent practices. In some cases, you may be able to assert claims for breach of contract, fraud, or consumer fraud, which could provide additional remedies such as attorney's fees and damages.

When dealing with wedding vendors during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is advisable to approach them with humility and understanding. Try to find a mutually beneficial solution, such as extending the contract, postponing the event, or sharing losses. Most vendors are willing to work with couples to find a satisfactory outcome without resorting to legal action. However, if negotiations break down or the vendor refuses to cooperate, knowing your contractual rights and legal options can help protect your interests.

Wedding cancellations and postponements

For those who have chosen to postpone their weddings, navigating contracts and deposits with venues and vendors can be challenging. It is important to carefully review the terms of any contracts and be transparent and communicative with your vendors. Most service contracts have procedures in place for cancellations and postponements, including what happens to the down payment. However, standard cancellation policies may not cover unforeseen events like a pandemic, and each contract is unique to the particular vendor.

In some cases, couples have had to deal with venues and vendors refusing to refund deposit monies, which can be financially and emotionally stressful. To protect yourself, it is essential to know your contractual rights and legal options. The "force majeure" clause in your contract, if included, may provide a legal defence to your contractual obligations if COVID-19 has made it impossible to carry out your wedding as planned.

To increase the chances of a positive outcome, approach your vendors with humility and understanding. Be open to compromise and strive to find a solution that works for everyone. Many vendors are willing to be flexible with rescheduling, and some may offer alternative options like weekday weddings to avoid fees. Remember that your vendors are also navigating the challenges of the pandemic, and maintaining a good relationship can make all the difference.

While it is a stressful and uncertain time for wedding planning, there are also opportunities to be found. Many vendors are offering deals and discounts, and with smaller, more intimate weddings, you can focus on creating meaningful experiences and memories with your closest loved ones.

Vendors and suppliers offering discounts and deals

Planning a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging, but many vendors and suppliers are offering discounts and deals to help couples save money. Here are some details and tips to look out for:

Wedding Dresses

BHLDN, a popular online wedding dress retailer, is offering up to 50% off on their dresses, including traditional gowns and innovative jumpsuits. With many physical stores closed, now is a great time to browse online and take advantage of similar offers from other designers.

Photography and Videography

Many photographers and videographers are offering deals for couples impacted by COVID-19. Electric Love Studios, a wife-and-wife duo based in New Jersey, is offering a "best match" program for couples who have lost their retainer due to the pandemic. Spencer Purcell Films, a filmmaker based in Tennessee, is offering two free hours of coverage for affected couples.

Wedding Invitations

Bella Impressions is offering 25% off reprint orders for couples who need to change their wedding dates. They also provide unique and memorable wedding invites that can be ordered online and delivered straight to your door.

Wedding Bands and Jewellery

David's House of Diamonds offers exclusive daily deals on wedding bands and personalized bridal party gifts. They also provide custom-made stylized bands to fit your needs.

Wedding Venue

Marinaj Banquets & Events in Riverside, California, is offering deals on wedding venues, with bookings available over the phone and virtual tours to help you choose the perfect location. They are also offering up to $7000 off events through April 2025.

Other Services

Other services, such as wedding planners, florists, and beauty services, are also offering discounts and giveaways. Some planners are providing free consultations and virtual planning services, while florists like Jill Heaton Event Decor are offering Instagram giveaways for extra flowers or décor.

It's important to keep an eye on vendors' websites and social media for the latest deals and to stay informed about their COVID-19 policies and any potential impacts on your wedding plans.

Remember, these challenging times have led to many vendors offering special discounts and deals, so take advantage of these opportunities to save money while planning your dream wedding.

Live streaming weddings and virtual guests

Live streaming your wedding is a great way to include virtual guests in your celebration. It's an especially good option if you're looking to save money, time, and stress—for you and your guests. There are a variety of live streaming platforms available to choose from, each with its own unique features and benefits.

Full-Service Wedding Livestream Platforms

These platforms typically offer a range of services such as planning, equipment rental, and technical support, and come with a price tag. Here are some options:

• LoveStream: This platform is specifically built for virtual weddings and offers unlimited guests, simple set-up, multiple camera views, virtual wedding planning, guest books, and more.
• Simply Eloped: A platform created by elopement experts, offering tech support, consultation, and recording of the ceremony.
• Wedfuly: Collaborating with Zoom, Wedfuly offers luxe virtual wedding packages that include MCs, e-vites, custom wedding websites, rental equipment, highlight reels, and tech support.
• WedWed Mobile: A wedding app tool that live streams your event and also offers legal ceremonies for couples.
• Married Livestream: This platform offers professional videography with multiple camera angles and high-quality audio.
• Powder & Pearls: UK-based couples can opt for this professional live streaming and videography service, creating live and traditional wedding videos.

DIY Wedding Livestream Platforms

If you're looking for a more affordable option, there are several DIY platforms available that are typically free to use. However, these may be less polished in terms of production quality. Some options include:

• Lovecast: A simple, free, and high-quality mobile app livestream option with text notifications, one-click streaming access for unlimited guests, live chat, and 1080HD video quality.
• WedSites: A wedding website host that makes it easy to embed a link to any virtual wedding event.
• Joy: Couples using Joy's wedding website builder can easily access live streaming through their own website using any live streaming platform of their choice.
• Zoom: A familiar option for those who work from home, Zoom allows up to 100 participants for free but limits calls to 40 minutes. You can upgrade for more guests and longer calls.
• Google Hangouts: Google's video meeting platform is free for up to 25 guests with no time limit, and you can upgrade for more guests.
• Facebook Live: This platform offers large event streaming with unlimited participants and up to 8 hours of consecutive live streaming.
• YouTube Live: Set up your own wedding channel and stream using your computer or phone's webcam, then save and share your videos whenever you like.
• Instagram Live: Stream your wedding live to your followers and save it in your highlights to watch forever. You can also create a "Close Friends" list to stream to a smaller group.

Tips for a Successful Live Stream

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for your virtual guests, consider the following tips:

• Choose a platform that fits your needs and budget.
• Test your equipment and internet connection in advance to ensure everything is working properly.
• Consider using multiple camera angles to capture all the special moments.
• Provide clear instructions and access information to your virtual guests.
• Ensure your audio quality is good—consider using external microphones for better sound.
• Decorate your virtual venue with your wedding theme and personalize it with your wedding colours and photos.
• Utilize interactive features such as live chat, virtual rice toss, and a digital guest book to enhance guest engagement.
• Record your livestream so you can relive your special day and share it with those who couldn't attend.

Frequently asked questions