Planning a wedding is stressful enough without having to worry about canceling it. But sometimes, things happen that are out of our control, and we must make the tough decision to call off the wedding. If you’re in this situation, don’t worry – you’re not alone. This article will cover everything you need to know about canceling your wedding. Let’s get started!
1. Decide Whether it’s Postpone or Cancel
Before you do anything, you must decide if you are postponing your wedding or canceling it completely. If it is postponed, your wedding venue should be your first stop. If you have a new date, you will know what steps to take next. If not, the venue may be able to keep your deposit until you can set a new date.
2. Check the Contracts’ Cancellation Policies
Each supplier may have a different cancellation policy, so it is important to read your contracts to see what you are responsible for. Generally, deposits are not refundable, but there may be some room for flexibility. You can find more information about cancellations and deposits below.
If you have wedding insurance, get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible. If you need to cancel your honeymoon, check your travel insurance before contacting your travel agent, hotel, or airline.
3. Hand it Over to a Friend
In the case of a break-up, bereavement, or illness, you may be unable to handle canceling your wedding yourself. Find somebody you trust to deal with all the administrative work for you. This person should be responsible and on top of things. They will need to get in touch with your suppliers and guests.
Having a list of everyone you need to contact for your wedding is helpful. This way, you can track who you need to talk to. You can also use a spreadsheet to keep track of guests’ names and contact information. Having a dedicated email account for your wedding will help you keep all the correspondence in one place.
4. Tell All Your Suppliers
Please let all of your suppliers know that you have canceled your wedding. Suppliers have told us that some couples stop responding and do not tell them their wedding is canceled. This is unfair and disrespectful to the supplier, and they could take action against you for any losses incurred.
Some suppliers say you should do it in writing if you need to cancel. If you must postpone, it’s a good idea to call and follow up with an email. Some venues prefer if the couple comes in person to find a solution.
5. Tell All Your Guests
You should tell all of your guests about the wedding, but you don’t have to do it formally. The people who are traveling need to know first. You only need to tell your close friends and relatives if you have sent out invitations, wedding website links, or saved the dates.
If you don’t want to, you don’t have to tell people why the wedding has been canceled.
If you have received wedding gifts, it is polite to return them in the event of a break-up.
If You Cancel Your Wedding, Would You Receive a Refund?
While it depends on the specific contract, most wedding suppliers will try to be as accommodating as possible if a couple cancels their wedding. This usually comes down to two things: the circumstances and the timing.
The Timing of your Wedding Cancellation
If you need to cancel your wedding, different timelines will have different consequences. If you cancel six months out, most suppliers will be understanding and willing to work with you to find a solution. However, suppose you cancel less than six weeks out. In that case, many suppliers will not be able to refund your money or help reschedule.
The two things that will determine if you get your deposit, booking fee, or final payment back are:
1. It can be difficult for a supplier to find a new couple for the same date if they are given only six months’ notice. This is because venues and photographers usually have a long lead-in time.
2. If you have hired a caterer, florist, or baker for your wedding, it is important to let them know as soon as possible. If you are going to cancel your wedding. This will allow them time to cancel any orders they may have placed and avoid losing money.
If you have decided to cancel your wedding, it is important to act quickly. Some contracts contain a clause that increases the cancellation “penalty” as the wedding date approaches. If you cancel within six weeks of the wedding, you may be required to pay in full. Therefore, you must be aware of your circumstances and act swiftly.
The Circumstances Around your Wedding Cancellation
Suppose an event such as our Storm Emma/Beast from the East snowpocalypse occurs. In that case, most suppliers will attempt to reschedule your event or provide a refund. Some contracts have an “Act of God” clause that exempts you from payment in the event of a fire, flood, or harsh weather.
Suppose you must cancel due to a family member’s death or illness. In that case, most vendors will understand and may issue a refund.
Suppliers may not be very accommodating if you cancel the wedding because of a break-up or because you have changed your mind.
Be Prepared to Lose Your Deposits
It is important to remember that vendors require deposits to hold a date to protect themselves. This also protects you as the client if they have to cancel.
If you cancel your booking, it can be tough for them because they might have turned down other work. They are not obligated to refund your deposit or final payment unless stated in the contract.
Some people may hold your deposit and refund it to you if they get a booking for your date.
Tips on How to Cancel a Wedding from Suppliers
- Be Honest
Be honest and upfront with your vendor, no matter the circumstances. They will be able to help you as best they can.
- Act Quickly
Contact your suppliers immediately if you know you won’t be going through with your wedding. It will help them be more flexible and relieve some of your stress.
- Have a Good Vendor/Client Relationship
If you have a good relationship with your wedding suppliers, they will be more likely to go above and beyond for you. This is true whether or not your wedding day goes ahead as planned. Choosing vendors you get along with well is always a good idea.
- Check Your Suppliers’ Back-Up Plan
Ask your photographer what happens if they get sick or something happens to them, and they can’t come to the wedding. Ensure they are insured and have a plan in place in an emergency.
