Weddings sometimes must be cancelled. This can be due to a number of different circumstances. Unexpected health problems for the bride, groom or other family members may make the original date no longer feasible. Other couples simply come to the conclusion that calling things off is the right choice. A Canadian couple recently learned that not all vendors are sympathetic to a change in plans.
An Accident in Winnipeg
Maricar Evans and Tanner Irwin had scheduled a lovely Mexican wedding for July 21. Their dream nuptials did not happen because Tanner was in a bad motorcycle accident shortly before the event was to take place. When the couple attempted to postpone their 40-person Air Canada Vacation package, they were unsuccessful. If you are within 20 days of departure, the airline does not allow you to reschedule. The couple and a number of guests bought insurance through the travel agency that booked the trip, but the insurer told them only the groom and his immediate family would receive a total refund because he was the person hurt. Everyone else had to either go on the trip anyway or lose 50 percent of their money. Evans and Irwin decided to go ahead with their wedding and were married at the hospital.
Tips for Cancelling a Wedding
Whether you are postponing the ceremony due to unforeseen circumstances, or canceling it altogether, is important to tie-up all the loose ends as soon as possible.
- Inform the Guests
Communicating the news to your guests should be a top priority, this is particularly essential if they would have had fly to the event. If it is close to the date, you may have to call them to be sure they get the information in a timely manner. Otherwise, it is perfectly okay to send an announcement in the mail informing guests of the change in plans. An explanation is not needed.
- Try to Get a Refund
While it is definitely better to not go through with the ceremony if either or both partners feel it is the right thing to do, there will probably be financial consequences. Depending upon how much notice you give the vendors, your chances of getting your money back will vary. Oftentimes reception venues require a nonrefundable deposit, but if they are able to rebook another event in your timeslot you may be able to get some of the money back. It is typically more difficult to secure refunds for items such as wedding gowns.
- Reimburse Bridal Party
Bridesmaids and groomsmen should be compensated for any wedding related expenses they have incurred including outfits and airplane tickets.
- Return the Gifts
All wedding gifts you received should be returned to the guests who sent the presents. If a gift has been used, you can keep it. Some people are not overly concerned about getting their gifts back and may tell you not to worry about it, given the circumstances.
- What About the Ring?
In most circumstances, wedding etiquette dictates the ring should be returned to the person who bought it. However, there have been hundreds of lawsuits on this matter and sometimes judges have ruled in favor of the recipient. When the ring is an heirloom, it is necessary to give it back no matter the circumstances.
- When One Partner Cancels
If the groom or bride independently chooses to not go through the nuptials, it is the responsibility of the party who decided to break things off to handle all the cancellation details. Even if the other partner has made all the arrangements for the wedding, this rule still applies.
Even the best laid plans don’t always come to pass. Postponing or cancelling a wedding altogether is not fun, but following these tips can help you get through the experience.
