What is the law on wedding deposit refunds in the UK?

Short answer

There is no specific UK law for wedding deposit refunds. General consumer law applies. If you cancel, the supplier may keep a deposit to cover their losses, but they cannot keep more than their actual loss. Check your contract and the Consumer Rights Act for guidance.

Wedding deposits are treated like any other consumer contract in the UK. The law does not say a deposit must be refunded automatically. Instead, it looks at what is fair. If you cancel, the supplier can keep money to cover costs they have already incurred or lost income they cannot recover. But they cannot keep the whole deposit if their actual loss is smaller.

For example, if you cancel a venue months in advance and they rebook the date, they may only be able to keep a small admin fee. If you cancel close to the day and they cannot rebook, they may keep the full deposit. The key is whether the amount kept is a genuine pre-estimate of loss.

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 protects you from unfair contract terms. If a term says you lose your deposit no matter what, that could be unfair. You can challenge it. Also, if the supplier cancels on you, you are usually entitled to a full refund of your deposit and possibly compensation.

If you are unsure, read your contract carefully. If it is silent on refunds, ask the supplier to explain their policy in writing. For specific legal advice, check GOV.UK or speak to Citizens Advice. The rules can change, so always confirm current guidance.