Wedding venue advice

vodkashot

Posted on the wedding forum but someone suggested I may get some more ideas/responses on this one.

I booked my wedding venue a few months ago and paid a bit more than the required deposit. Sent back all the terms and conditions and started planning the big day.

Yesterday I received a letter from the venue saying that they are changing their terms and conditions as a result of problems they've had with dry hire.

The news T&Cs are very different from the original eg whereas they have confirmed my booking, under the new T&Cs it says the booking will only be confirmed once 50% of the deposit has been paid.

Also there was never any mention of credit card charges being levied where now they want to add a 3% surcharge. That will mean over £100 added on.

Certainly I don't want to fall out with the venue and looking for another is way too difficult espcially as I love the one we have.

Will be writing to them to say I don't accept the new T&Cs given that we already have a contract with them but I'm really worried about how best to approach this.

There is nothing on my existing confirmation which gives reserves their right to make changes.

Any advice would be appreciated.

fthl

if you have already agreed a contract with them (and it sounds like you have), and there is no provision that allows them to change the deal, then they can't do it. A contract is a contract.

somethingcorporate

fthl wrote: »

if you have already agreed a contract with them (and it sounds like you have), and there is no provision that allows them to change the deal, then they can't do it. A contract is a contract.

This is right on the money.

Do you have a copy of the original T&Cs? it would be worth checking for a confirmation of booking clause (i.e. your booking is secured when we receive the deposit etc) and at this point onwards they cannot unilaterally alter any of the terms in the contract - without your agreement.

shortchanged_2

Yes I believe you are totally within your rights to reject their new T&C's if you have a contract based on their older T&C's.

If they start to be funny with you just mention legal action for breach of contract on their behalf.

If businesses were allowed to do this it negates the whole point of having contracts in the first place.

mad_cereal_lover

Personally I'd make sure you have wedding insurance now. If a company is asking for 50% deposit that is extortionate and would ring alarm bells to me. Why this much money? To me it would scream "we are struggling financially and need to raise as much money before events occur to pay bills."

I've looked around loads of venues and not once saw a 50% deposit required - more like 25%. But that may be the area I live in. If it is significantly higher than your previous deposit (say it was 25% before and is now 50%), then make sure you have wedding insurance IMHO.