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14/11/2011 18:18:21 Dave83 Posts: 1	Hi all, I am new to this web site and would like some Legal information if possible. My partner and I are due to get married next year in August 2012 and we had chosen a venue for the reception and paid a deposit (£750.00). Then last week the venue organisers got in touch with us to say that their board of directors had decided that as of January 2012 they would stop hosting weddings, with effect from January 2012. Basically they had cancelled our wedding reception. We have been through the terms and conditions and it does not say anywhere that they can cancel the wedding if they decide to make a business decision, such as the one they have. It does however, state that if due to circumstances outside of their control lead to the venue having to be closed, although my view is that this is in their control. I am right to want some sort of compensation and if so, what sort of figure should I be going for? According to their terms and conditions, if we had cancelled at this time we would have been liable to pay 50% of the overall wedding, could I make such demands back to the business? Can anyone offer some advice as to how to claim compensation back from them without having to go through the courts or media? I am aware that this has also affected a number of other couples who were also due to hold their reception at the same venue. Thanks in advance Dave
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15/11/2011 10:54:03 www.clicklegalservices.co.uk Administrator Posts: 374	I think like so many contracts, you have to mitigate your losses, and seek an alternative venue at a similar price- although the later you leave this, the less likelihood there is of a similar priced replacement. The obligation is to take reasonable steps to mitigate (minimise) your loss. If howevber, after taking those steps, the only alternative is a higher cost venue, then so be it, they are responsible to foot the shortfall. As to damages, this is very difficult. Clearly the reception - and where you have it carries with it a premium in terms of what you pay. If you had booked say Skibo Castle, and the only alternative was the local labour club, then damages will be higher (an extreme example). Any out of pocket expenses, can be claimed for as well. Until you actually find the replacement, it is difficult to advise properly as this is very fact specific. If you can find a replacement, near to the original booking, of similar price and quality, then damages will be relatively modest. If it was a specifically booked reception - with special value to you, and which will cause considerable expense and inconvenience if lost, then damages will be higher. I would write to the venue first setting out the heads of your claim, stating that the only alternatives are £X etc, and invite them to re-consider. If they refuse, then you will have to go elsewhere and claim the difference and damages back. Make sure that they are able to pay and are or seem able to satisfy any judgment obtained though.
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