Cancellation of wedding band?

scotgirl

Not sure if this is the right place to post but it is wedding related!

We had booked our wedding for July next year but have had to reschedule to December and we have decided to do it on a smaller scale.

Almost all of the suppliers have been very helpful with changing the arrangements, however, we have had issues with the band.

They are a large 5 piece band and cost £1000 and they are simply too big for the small room we are in now, we have paid no deposit but we have signed a contract which states that a cancellation fee of £500 will be charged.

We have asked them if it is possible to downsize their band so that we can still use them but they will not do this. We have also asked if they rebook the date to someone else can they overlook the charge but they have said no.

I appreciate that I signed this contract and agreed with the terms but does anyone have any tips on how to avoid or reduce this charge. The are unwilling to compromise it seems!

Any tips/advice appreciated! Has anyone been in a similar situation?

crossleydd42

Did you expect the smaller band for a cheaper price, something I'd doubt if they'd go along with. A contract is a contract, but I think they are being somewhat unreasonable, bearing in time that they've got 7 months to get a replacement 'gig'! You could point this out, offer them £100 compensation 'in full and final settlement' and refuse to pay any more. Do this in writing. They could only take this to a small claims court and it's debatable that one would support any case they brought if you did this - they are being unreasonable. They would also have to pay costs then. The thought of not getting all their money might make them reconsider the downsizing option. Also, plant the thought with them of your mentioning around friends/colleagues the way in which they'd behaved!

Good luck!

dadrock

They're trying it on really.
I play in a band. Its not nice getting cancellations but they happen often enough. You are giving plenty of notice. I doubt if the contract is legally binding anyway.
If it was less than a months notice then they might have reason to moan, but even then a cancellation fee is unlikely.

Tell them you are sorry and to ring you back if they get a smaller band together.

If they still kick up, tell them you will need a valid name and address of one of the members for tax purposes - that'll stop 'em whining!!!

scotgirl

Thanks for your reply, we offered to pay the full amount for a smaller set and band but they are not willing to do this.

Becles

scotgirl wrote:

I appreciate that I signed this contract and agreed with the terms but does anyone have any tips on how to avoid or reduce this charge.

I don't know how you can downsize a band?

If you've signed a contract to say you will pay £x if you cancel the agreement, you can't change your mind now because it doesn't suit you.

I work in the entertainment industry, and the contract is there to protect both us and the client. We refuse to work without one. If we take on a booking and the customer later cancels, we could have turned work away and be left with no income on the cancelled night.

Edna_Bucket_2

What garbage!

As OP has said - these lot are trying it on - they've been given 7 months notice. Let them take you to Court and prove they couldn't get other work elsewhere in that time. I can't stand whiners.

Try booking the Conway Sisters next July instead - they are sure to be available and will probably be much cheaper

rrwfotr

Say you only gave them 7 weeks nottice then yeah fair enough pay up but 7 months there taking the p1s5 mate.

Becuase of the fuss I wouldn't even bother paying the deposit. In real life things change things happen therefore write to them pointing everything out in a short letter.

I wouldn't bother ringing them as they just get agro also send your letter recorded so you can prove they got it asap.

Becles

Entertainers can and do take clients to court for breaking contracts.

Have a look at this thread:
http://www.mobilediscodirectory.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=587

Edna_Bucket_2

I just don't know whether you can't read or you're trying to scare the poor poster who started this thread because you are "in the entertainment industry" (well the thread on your car accident was an entertainment in itself I suppose...) but this really is nonsense.

There is nothing in that forum you've quoted relevant to this situation at all. You keep ignoring the fact that this is 7 months away.

Stick to Plan A scotgirl:

1) Tell them where to go.

2) Book the Conway Sisters!!!!!

Becles

A signed contract is a legally binding document. The OP needs to be aware that the band could take her to court if she doesn't pay. This will cost her more, as it's likely she'll have to pay their court costs too.

The 7 months is irrelevant. If you agree to paying a fee on cancellation and no timescales are quoted, the fee is payable regardless of how much notice is given. This also happens in other industries such as package holidays.

The thread quoted was relevant as I know the second person uses contracts and has successfully won cases in court for non-payment of cancellation fees.

This is someone's business not a charity. If you have signed a contract to pay a fee on cancellation, you are both morally and legally obliged to do so.

jockettuk

who are you speaking to abt this is it someone in the band themselves or some little jobs worth..

what i would do is say ok i have to downsize my wedding you can no longer provide the entertainment that i wanted you wont downsize your band and ive given you 7 months notice.. here is what i propose.. If you get another gig for the date proposed i will pay you £100 out of pocket expenses, if you dont then i will have to stick to my end of the contract and pay you the £500 but i will not pay you the cancellation fee untill the last minute that way you are still under contract to me and should therefore not take on any more business for that date.. i will however if you contact me let you take another booking on the night but only on the conditions above..