Weddings Just got a call from a client...need your advice!

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K

knardini

DJ
Dec 3, 2006
1,618
6
51
Kansas City
Hey everyone, I need some advice.

The mother of the bride for my June 27th wedding just called and told me that they have cancelled the wedding in light of some "groom mental issues". Based on my contract they owe me the amount in full, which she had no problem paying. I could tell however that she was waiting for me to say it was alright, which I reluctantly never did. I'm such an accomodating person that it was very hard for me to not just say "don't worry about it".

Here is the kicker. The venue has credited her for the event, allowing her to hold an event there at a later date. She wants to hold a free charity event of some type but doesn't have a date yet. My question for everyone is should I be offering to do the charity event for free as well? I feel bad taking the money for the reception but I had this event booked for a year and definetly passed on business for the date.

Thoughts?
 
I would hold my cards close to my vest in this instance.... if she approached me and said could you do the charity event and I was indeed available I may be inclined to do so.... assumeing I had been paid in full for the canceled event. But, would not go out of my way to offer it up....

Cancellations like this get a letter of cancellation that clearly states that it is non-refundable nor tranferable to anyone or any date.... however, it is up to my descression if I choose to do otherwise.

It all depends on the demeanor of the client. If they are upfront, honest and understand that from my business point of view refund is not possible then when they come and say I have a new event date are you available and don't come to me "hey you know since we paid you already for the other event that we had to cancel could ya use that as a credit towards this new date...." I might be less inclined. (but, probably still would :sqwink:)

If the goodwill gesture might have any slim possiblity of additional business it's something I would seriously consider either way.
 
you go by your contract,then if you want to give a discounted or free service for a charity event i would say yes.

IF your contract states that a refund will be given under certain circumstances or situations then you may consider them,but stick with whatever you put in a contract,it will always save you a lot of headaches.
 
Me personally, I wouldn't feel too bad about taking the money. As for the charity event, it would all depend on the day and what charity.
 
**update**

I just talked with her again (I called her) and told her that when they get their event planned if I am available I would be more than happy to work it for free. They are a really nice couple, I feel bad for thier daughter and all thier hard work so it makes me feel better about taking full payment for this event if I offer to help them with the next one. Joker, you are right that this charity event will be good exposure with the right crowd in KC so it sounds like a win-win.
 
Groom mental issues? Well, it's a good thing they found out about those issues before the wedding.

Absolutely, work with her to rebook for a later date. It may come to date tag between you and the venue, depending on availability. Since it's all paid for anyway, you're good. :)
 
I was going to say that you should go with your heart on this but you already did.
 
So you held to your contract and they are paying you in full. Now, if you are available you will work their charity event for free. Great move. As one who just had to cancel their daughters wedding two months out the kindness you showed will go along way for everyone. I had all my vendors offer to return their deposits. I refused. My venue wouldn't except any money but since they are close friends I expected that. So I went out and bought them something they needed desperately. A brand new wireless mic. This they couldn't return.

As Tom stated and I agree, you did what was in your heart. You also did what your business plan and contract dictates. As long as you can sleep with yourself at night no one else's opinions matter. Appreciated I'm sure though.
 
If it IS a charity event
you could donate your services and write it off anyway...
so why not show a little charity yourself.
It's not like they refused to pay the full price for the cancelled wedding
and it's not like they demanded you do the charity gig for free!

I'd say they are good people,
and you'll look good for being understanding
 
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