Deposit refund?

sal-ad_daze

My daughter and her fiance put down half the deposit requested on a venue for their wedding about 6 months ago, personally I think they were still euphoric about being engaged and weren't really thinking straight. It's a beautiful venue but very expensive, they've started to worry if they could actually afford to do this in the present climate, overtime etc. is no longer guaranteed. They have had a letter requesting the other half of the deposit and the booking form back.
They had filled in a booking form and returned it but it seems the venue never received it so they have nothing in writing.
The venue have allowed them to book a date usually closed for weddings so it's not a date that anyone else could book.
On top of stipulating minimum numbers because of the above reason, whilst reading the t&c's it seems that hey reserve the right to increase costs by up to 15% each year (they booked 2 years in advance to may be looking at an increase of 30%!), the bride and groom have to pay a supplement of £250 for the use of the bridal suite and they must use the venues catering. Hotel rooms cannot be guaranteed for guests and are at full price etc. etc.
The question I have, is that if the venue has no signature from my daughter are they entitiled to hold on to the deposit if she cancels the booking, particularly as it is not a date available to anyone else?

Thanks

Horace

Even thought your daughter hasnt signed the contract she has paid a deposit which means that she has accepted the wording on the contract, she needs to read the contract carefully to see what the cancellation fee would be, it is possible that she may lose all of the deposit. Sorry if this isnt what you want to hear but by paying your daughter has already entered into a contract with the venue.

Even if the wedding isnt until two years' hence it is not unreasonable for the venue to reserve the right to increase its prices either. To say that the date chosen won't be used by other brides, it is possible that it might be especially as times are difficult, the venue will do what it can to book that room out. Again, with the hotel rooms it is unreasonable of you to expect that they will hold the price for two years. Why not look at other hotels within the locality nearer the time who may be able to accommodate the wedding party?

sal-ad_daze

The date chosen isn't normally available for weddings as it is the week before Christmas and we were only allowed as it's the Monday, if it had been a later date then they definately wouldn't have allowed it (the Co-ordinator persuaded the owner). That's how I know it won't be re-booked. I don't expect them to hold prices for two years but other venues have offered a discount for guests of the wedding party who've booked rooms and some even thrown in the bridal suite for the couple.
The price list we were given shows an increase in prices year on year but they are still holding the right to increase them further.
This venue is in the middle of the countryside with no other hotels anywhere near!
I thought I'd ask the question even though I knew what the answer would be.

lindaatno9

I think the only way you will know is to contact the venue. If the date isn't specifically held for weddings, you may be surprised. Give them a call. x