Can you fight a non-refundable deposit?

Fighting a non-refundable deposit is possible but rarely successful unless the supplier broke the contract. If you simply change your mind, the deposit is likely gone, because you agreed to that term when you paid. However, if the supplier cancels on you, goes out of business, or provides a service that is materially different from what was described, you may have a claim. Start by writing a polite, factual email to the supplier explaining why you believe the deposit should be returned. Reference the exact wording in the contract. If they refuse, you can consider a formal complaint through a trade association or a small claims court, but that takes time and effort. Before you fight, check whether the deposit is truly non-refundable or just non-refundable after a certain date. Some contracts allow a full refund if you cancel within a cooling-off period, especially for online bookings. For weddings, cooling-off rules can vary, so check GOV.UK for consumer rights. Also, if you paid by credit card, you might have extra protection under the card scheme, but that does not override a clear contract term. Be realistic and kind to yourself; sometimes the cheapest path is to accept the loss and focus on your next steps.