What happens if you have to cancel a wedding?

Cancelling a wedding is stressful, and the financial outcome depends entirely on the contracts you signed. Most venues and suppliers will keep non-refundable deposits, because they have reserved time and space for you. Some may offer a partial refund or let you move the booking to a new date, especially if you give plenty of notice and they can rebook the slot. Read every contract carefully for the cancellation clause. It will say how much notice you must give and whether any staged payments are refundable. If you have wedding insurance, check whether cancellation is a covered event, such as illness or bereavement, and what documents you would need. If a supplier has not yet provided a service, you might be able to negotiate, but you have no automatic right to a refund. For legal ceremonies, contact the register office or your place of worship about cancelling the notice or banns. Rules can vary, so check GOV.UK and your specific contracts. Be kind to yourself and tell your suppliers early; many will try to help, but they cannot absorb all losses.