washington State: How have your venues responded to the Governor's reception prohibition?

I'm so sorry Abby. This is such a difficult situation already for all Washington couples planning weddings, and it doesn't sound like your venue is helping! It looks like you've connected with other brides in a few other Washington discussions, but here's one more you may have missed: 2020 Bride Ideas?

I'd review your original contract in fine detail. In this case they are canceling on you because they are legally unable to uphold their terms in the contract, so you should not be held liable unless that's what is laid out in your legal agreement. Is it just the non-refundable deposit that you would loose, or are there additional payments you've made?

I have heard of other couples being charged postponement fees and increased 2021 pricing, but typically in situations where the couple is pro-actively choosing to postpone several months in advance due to covid concerns (which is different from your situation)!

View Quoted Comment Yes, they’ve definitely made it so much more stressful. Its an all inclusive venue so we’ve already paid for the wedding in its entirety. We’ve paid catering, dessert bar, alcohol, servers, florals, everything. If it was just the deposit I wouldn’t be worried one bit, I think it’s more than fair for all vendors to keep their deposits. I was just wondering if they can refuse to give refunds and also refuse to allow us to postpone for free, it seems like they’re just trying to get more money out of this situation but if that seems to be the norm for all venues, then I guess that’s just how it is 🤷‍♀️

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Oh man, that really stinks Abby! I also understand losing a deposit, but I would certainly hope that they would be more agreeable in returning funds that are supposed to spend on purchasing the supplies for your event (flowers, food and booze).

I'd definitely try to connect with other couples locally if you can to see how their venues are handling things, because it doesn't seem right that you have to pay more to reschedule when they are the ones canceling the original plans (even if they have to be government decree)!

Im sorry Abby! I feel like this is happening/ going to happen to so many of us. Agree it depends on your contract. Could Help to have a legal person look over it if thousands of dollars and your big day are on the line if your contract isn’t very clear. Which venue is this at?

View Quoted Comment I hope other venues are more understanding and don’t do this to others, it definitely adds sooo much extra unnecessary stress. We’ve been thinking about legal guidance, our venue asked us to wait until 40 days out in case the governor removes the prohibition. So in a couple weeks we’ll initiate small claims court once we hit the 40 day out mark. It’s the Empress Estate in Woodland, WA.

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Hi Abby I hope you're well. I was wondering if you've had any luck? I am in a similar situation and will be losing thousands of dollars because the venue is not understanding of our situation caused by COVID and international travel bans.

View Quoted Comment Hi! Unfortunately we were unable to get any refunds. We reached out to DOZENS of local offices for advice and no one was willing to help us because it’s all such a grey area right now. From what I have heard from others, even if you attempt small claims court or arbitration, they tend to side with the businesses rather than the consumer. It’s awful, we lost THOUSANDS as well and ended up having to pay for a full second wedding because they ended up not even allowing us to postpone.