Booking a RH and then backing out?

The dilemna I have is that the hall I really want will not accomodate my small wedding, but said I could try contacting them less than 6 months prior and then they'll see if they can work with me. I am flexible and can put a small wedding together quickly, but I am afraid of being left with nothing...

So if I booked with another hall for next year 2010 what would happen if I cancelled with less than 6 months till the wedding? I know I would lose my deposit, but can I be liable for paying for the whole thing? Would I have to find another person to fill my date? I am not sure how it works...

I know it is a crappy thing to do.. but this is a business afterall.

If you book a hall and cancel it before the 6 month period of the date you booked and it's in Suffolk, you are entitled by law to get all of your deposit back...I know because we did that If it is after the 6 month period, then you can still get most of it back. If you book in Nassau they can keep your deposit though no matter what. Can you book the other hall with a very small deposit so that if you do lose it it won't make a difference? Also before you sign anything...just make sure you aren't liable for the entire amount. That's what I would do :)
And don't feel bad, RHs make a lot of money off us brides and our grooms!!!!!

I'm not positive, but I would think that you would only lose what ever money you have paid up until that point. You'll have to see what kind of payment plan they give you though, I just looked at my contract and by 6 months before the wedding I will have already paid a little less than half of the money.

What if you tried to do a wedding in one of the off season months or on a sunday? Maybe your RH of choice would be more willing to accomodate your smaller wedding.

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Posted by Christine73

I'm not positive, but I would think that you would only lose what ever money you have paid up until that point. You'll have to see what kind of payment plan they give you though, I just looked at my contract and by 6 months before the wedding I will have already paid a little less than half of the money.

What if you tried to do a wedding in one of the off season months or on a sunday? Maybe your RH of choice would be more willing to accomodate your smaller wedding.

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I guess most RH do try to protect themselves against this by asking for 1/2 the amount 6 months before. That is why it turns into such a gamble. I am not really sure what to do.

I have considered all options really. Friday and Sundays are the only days possible anywhere since we will only have a 60-70 guests. Off-season is not possible because we are teachers overseas during the year...and it wouldn't be worthwhile as we are choosing places on the water for the outdoor component. We even considered a weekday, but decided that this wouldn't be worthwhile either when OT guests can't make it and with guests arriving late and leaving early.

Who would have thought planning a wedding was such a hastle? Not exactly how you imagine it...

the best advice in my opinion is to just ask the reception halls.

They will give you the information you're looking for.

And they're probably used to questions like this. It's very common.