What to Do if a Wedding Client Cancels Their Wedding
Here’s a situation no wedding pro wants to face: a client calls and says they’re cancelling the wedding. Maybe they broke up. Maybe there’s been a family emergency. Maybe they just changed their minds.
Whatever the reason, at some point you’ll think, “Wait…do I have to give their money back?”
The answer depends entirely on what your contract says. And if it’s written correctly, the answer is usually no.
Clients Can’t Cancel for Free
If your client signed a contract, they’re legally bound by it. They don’t get a free pass to walk away just because the wedding is off. The only time they’re released from their obligation to pay is if you defaulted (meaning you didn’t do what you were supposed to) and even then you can sometimes still get paid for services rendered (again, depending on what your contract says).
Otherwise, your contract should spell out exactly what happens — and how much they owe — if they cancel.
Protect Yourself With a Solid Cancellation Clause
A solid cancellation clause is non-negotiable. Here’s what it should cover:
Liquidated Damages: This clause states that anything paid up to the point of cancellation is non-refundable and considered liquidated damages — meaning you agreed in advance on the cost of lost time and opportunity. (I even did a Reel on this here.)
Tiered Payments: It’s smart to include a sliding scale of fees depending on how close to the event the cancellation happens. The closer you are to the wedding, the less time you have to rebook, and the more money you should still be owed.
Reason-Independent Enforcement: Whether the cancellation is due to a breakup, illness, or (please don’t let this happen again) a global pandemic, the reason shouldn’t matter. Your protections should apply across the board.
You Can Enforce It…or Not
Having the right to keep the money doesn’t mean you’re obligated to. You might decide to waive fees or refund part of a payment in cases of tragedy or hardship. That’s a business decision, not a legal one — and having a strong contract gives you the power to choose how you respond.
Early Termination Is a Different Story
What if your client wants to back out before cancelling the event? They can’t do that unless you breach the contract first. As long as you’re fulfilling your obligations, the agreement stands.
The Takeaway
A canceled wedding doesn’t have to mean a financial disaster. With the right cancellation language, you’re protected — no matter the reason.
Before engagement season fills your inbox, let’s make sure your contract is working for you. Schedule a consultation with me, and if you want to know how you can cancel a client contract, I have a blog on that, too.