How to cancel your wedding due to the coronavirus outbreak
As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, many couples have had to put their weddings on hold with many more considering the implications of cancelling their big days.
There’s a lot to consider. It’s not just the financial side of it, but the organisation; do we have to get new invites printed? What if the photographer is no longer available?
Many people can be left feeling as though they’ve got to start from square one.
It doesn’t have to feel that way, though, a MoneySuperMarket spokesperson explains.
Read more: The difference between an antigen and antibody test
The first port of call is to look at what insurance - if any - you’ve taken out around your wedding. You might also notice that there are different types of wedding insurance - which includes wedding reception cover.
“If you need to cancel your wedding due to an unexpected illness or extreme weather conditions, then having wedding cancellation insurance will help cover the costs to re-arrange the event. It will also cover the cost of wedding vendors such as caterers, photographers or car hire companies who fail to supply.
“Additionally, having wedding reception insurance will cover you in the event that the venue for your reception has to cancel or is double-booked.” The spokesperson explains.
But, if you don’t have insurance - as many couples don’t - there are still ways to claiming money back and re-arranging your day.
It’s also worth noting that many companies offering insurance - from John Lewis to Emerald Life - have issued statements on their websites saying they’re unable to offer any wedding cover at this time.
Read more: Is it safe to go to the supermarket?
Review contracts
According to MoneySuperMarket, the first step is to look through all of your contracts with your suppliers.
From wedding venues, to photographers, it’s likely you’ve got a big pile of documents stacking up in your wedding planning folder.
Get those out and have a rifle through. Some may have clauses in them which will allow you to postpone your supplier to a later date.
If they do, contact the supplier and begin to put that into motion on your new, chosen date.
Read more: Bride and groom donate wedding feast to NHS staff
It’s also worth knowing your rights as a consumer, because when Boris Johnson banned weddings, your rights would have changed again.
“With the Prime Minister announcing that weddings are now banned, some insurers may have a specific exclusion around a change in law or regulation and may not pay out as a result.”
This means that even if you did get insured, the insurance company can void the contract.
In such cases it’s a good idea to speak to your insurance company and find out your rights.
Speak to suppliers directly
The coronavirus pandemic is out of the ordinary.
Just because the contract doesn’t state what would happen in the case of a pandemic, doesn’t mean that the suppliers won’t be amenable to discussing ways to help you out.
Read more: The shops and brands extending return and delivery dates
Credit card bookings
“If you used your credit card to pay for parts of the wedding you might be eligible for a refund. For example, if your supplier or venue goes bust due to the coronavirus pandemic, you may be able to claim the money back.” The spokesperson explained.
Many people opt to book things like weddings and holidays on their credit cards and then pay the credit card straight off due to the extra protection from banks.
If you’ve paid for your wedding on a credit card you may be able to claim it back directly from the bank rather than from the individual suppliers themselves.
The same rules apply for any cancelled honeymoons.
Keep guests in the loop
If trying to contact all of your wedding guests seems stressful in the current circumstances, why not split the guests amongst your family and any willing bridesmaids or groomsmen?
Your friends and family will be more than happy to do anything they can to accommodate an already stressful situation.
Remember, everybody is on your side and you will still be able to have your dream wedding.
Latest coronavirus news, updates and advice
Live: Follow all the latest updates from the UK and around the world
Fact-checker: The number of COVID-19 cases in your local area
Explained: Symptoms, latest advice and how it compares to the flu
