Cold feet. It’s only natural when you’re getting married. 

But before you change your mind, make sure you read the fine print. And we’re not talking about your pre-nup. The contract with your wedding venue is just as binding as the marriage itself. And if you do decide to break-up, it will cost you. A lot.

It’s your special day, so you want to get the venue right. There’s nothing worse than saying "I do" in a space you don’t love.  So what happens if you change your mind after you’ve paid a deposit on your wedding venue?

Do you know your Ts&Cs?

When you pay a deposit on a venue you will be provided with Terms and Conditions and, preferably, a contract. This protects you, but it also protects the venue. 

Every venue is different and so are their Ts&Cs so, before you celebrate the decision with a glass of bubbly, make sure you read them properly.

Why do they get to keep my deposit?

When you book a venue for your event, it gets taken off the market for other lovebirds. If you cancel, the venue owner has lost a customer – and money. Awkward. 

If you cancel early enough, the venue owner may be able to rebook the date. If you cancel close to the occasion, there’s less likehood they’ll be able to fill the vacancy. Not good. So, to compensate, the closer your are to the date, the less deposit you’ll get back.   

The Terms & Condtitions will let you know how much you’re going to lose.

So, if you’re going to change your mind, try and do it as far out as possible!

But if you want to be super safe, don’t pay a deposit until you’re ready to commit. To the venue that is. And remember, always read the fine print!

Looking for a wedding venue? Find a great one here.