Wedding Cancellation Fees - Covid-19

DavidWFC

Me and my partner were due to get married in May, however due to the restrictions on the number of people allowed to be present, we've decided it's not the day we want.  We've instead decided to postpone the wedding until 2023/24 when the wedding backlog is over and our guests have got confidence in the world so to speak, as I'm not confident myself things are going to change as quickly as the government are suggesting (obviously this is a different subject so let's try and avoid this debate).

I understand the wedding industry and hospitality is in a very challenging position.  I also understand that they've potentially had little to no income for the time during the restrictions.  So with my suppliers and venues I've tried to be as amicable as possible, I've not position myself saying I want to cancel and have all my deposit back, for example the cake I've had a birthday cake instead, hair and makeup is offering my partner a "freebie" upon re-opening instead of a refund which is all great.  The one area of trouble is the decorations company (centre-pieces, chair covers, etc.) whom are saying they're going to enforce full payment as we're cancelling at short notice.  The reason we left it so late, is that we hoped the world would become a better place.  

I've mentioned the CMA's position regarding wedding's but they are saying that this is guidance and not legal.  But what is in their contract is legal as it's a loss they've encountered.  Where do I stand in regards to this?  Do I have to pay in full?  Can they enforce it?

Buddy_G

My son is in this situation so I'd welcome advice as hotel want to retain £1500.