Wedding venue non-refundable deposit

[NHLB]

Hello
So we booked our wedding venue with a 30% non-refundable deposit. What we booked including catering and reception location (outdoor marquee) was stated in our invoice and contract for the day. The venue has now changed multiple things including the catering (now doing it in-house) and the reception location (they have torn down the marquee). They can offer us an indoor reception room but cannot hold more than 100 guests. We originally booked with them because the marquee was beautiful and will comfortably fit our guests. We want to change venues which we have researched and it is a possibility however we want to get our "non-refundable deposit" back. We think that we are entitled to the deposit as the venue is not providing what was agreed upon by both parties. The venue also made all of these changes without consulting with us and we only found out because we checked in to ask about the menu. Are we entitled to our deposit if we are technically the ones hypothetically cancelling? Any advice?
Thank you
Natalie

 

[Rod]

Are we entitled to our deposit

Quite likely. They are changing essential terms of your contract.

If in Vic, let us know if you need a solicitor's letter sent. Try first though and see how you go.

 

[LostEcho]

Since the venue changed the terms of your agreement without consulting you, it seems fair to argue that they didn't hold up their end of the deal.

 

[karissatbeltran]

Even though it's been a few years since your post, dealing with changes to your wedding plans can be really stressful. A friend of mine had a similar experience where the venue made unexpected changes close to the wedding date. It's disappointing when what you originally planned for isn't being upheld. As for your deposit, it sounds like you have a strong case for requesting it back since the venue isn't fulfilling the agreed-upon terms. On a side note, I remember using a helpful site like https://northcarolinabacheloretteparty.com/posts/charlotte-bachelorette-party-ideas for planning a friend's bachelorette party—it really streamlined things.

 

[tim3272]

I’ve been in a similar spot before. If the venue’s changed major things like the catering and reception location without giving you a heads-up, you might have a solid reason to ask for your deposit back. I’d suggest reviewing your contract to see if they’ve breached any terms. In my case, we managed to negotiate with the venue and got part of our deposit back, but I also had to get legal advice to make sure we were covered.