Weddingbee boards

For a number of reasons I am 99.9% sure I will be cancelling our current reception and ceremony sites (need to wait until next week to see potential new venue, dont want to cancel and book with new site until I have seen it).

The reception venue has been a HUGE let down. They have changed a lot, are not helpful in terms of logistics and setting things up, dont have the best amenities and the room is too small for our needs. I really dont even want to deal with them any more, I just want to move on and book a new place asap as the wedding is only 5 months away. The girl I have been dealing with is lovely, its the venue and its policies that are just not working.

Problem is I dont know how to tell her as she really has been very nice (I hate letting nice people down!).. that and I dont want to burn my bridges and compromise the return of my $1000 deposit!. I was thinking something along the lines of:

'It is with regret that due to personal reasons, I need to cancel my wedding reception. I thank you for all the help you have given me these past few months and wish that the circumstances were different. What information do you need from me to return my deposit? And how long will it take for the money to be returned? Once again, thank you for your patience and your help.'

Is that ok? What would you say?

@Bears-bub:  Do you really think you'll get the $1000 back? I'd be surprised if that's an option.

You'll need to read your contract carefully. Some venues I looked at had a clause that said if the reception was cancelled within X months, I'd be liable for 50% of the lost revenue.

You definitely need to look at your contract.  I would think that typically, cancelling for "personal reasons" would make it harder to get money back, whereas cancelling because things have changed on their end and you are no longer getting the level of service promised is a much stronger position.  I would be much more direct.

I agree, I would point out that you have been unhappy with the service and hope they offer to refund at least part of your deposit. Many places will say right in the contract that if you cancel you lose your deposit, I know ours does.

Most places will give you your deposit back as long has they have enough time to re-book the venue to someone else. 5 months should be plenty of time, but some places could try and hold it so be prepared for that to happen. I think what you wrote above is perfect. It gets straight to the point without directly saying exactly why you are canceling the venue. Just be prepared for her to think that you calling off your wedding completely. That is what I would think if someone sent that email to me.

Thanks for the feedback guys. The contract says 'Cancellations will be fully refunded with a minimum of 3 months notice and 50% refunded if under 3 months. No refunds will be given if notice is two weeks or less.'

One would assume I would get is back, yes?

@eloping:  my contract does say I will get it back and it does not have any clauses attached to it so fingers crossed!

@adnama:  hey date twin! I am lucky in that in OZ, July is winter and not that popular for weddings. The new location is holding the room for 2 weeks for me (they know my situation) and we are going there next sunday to check it out.

At the end of the day if I lose it, I lose it. It will suck and I might have to go without transport on the day to cover for it, but both FI and I agree its worth it to have a day that a) doesnt stress me out and b) that we actually feel is worth all the money we are spending.