Expert Dan Gill, founder of high-end hospitality and event management company Dine, offers his advice.
With yet another couple’s wedding day almost ruined this week by their venue going bust just 48 hours before their big day, venues closing down leaving couples high and dry have been much in the news again.
Adam Sanders and Amanda Mularczyk planned well ahead and booked their venue for 200 guests more than two years ago but this didn’t protect them from being jilted at the last minute by their Swindon venue.
So how do you protect yourself against not only this financial loss, but the stress incurred?
Events expert Dan Gill, founder of bespoke hospitality and event management company Dine says emotions run high around weddings – there is so much invested in them, and not just cash.
Dan-Gill,-founder-of-Dine
Says Dan: “For most couples their wedding will be the first, and hopefully, only such event they organise. The average wedding in the UK now costs around £21,000, of which on average the venue cost is £6,500. That is a lot of money to trust any business with so it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself when planning your wedding.
“Losing your hard saved deposit on top of having to find a new venue at short notice can be the final straw but there are a number of things that prospective brides and grooms should ask their venue ahead of their big day to protect themselves.
“The most important is to always ask if the venue has a client account. The benefits to the couple are huge as it ensures that their deposit is kept separately from other venue income and is completely ring fenced in the event of a venue having financial difficulties. Basically, in the unfortunate event of your venue going into liquidation, your money would not be considered an asset of the venue and would be returned to you in full so you would not be out of pocket. Paying by credit card also affords additional protection, as does taking out essential wedding insurance.
Continues Dan: “In most cases venues will require a deposit upon booking. It is important to check when this is required and also when the remaining balance is due. The payment plan should be broadly in line with when the venue is likely to be incurring costs or within a reasonable cancellation policy timescale.
“Finally, do your homework – most of our major purchasing decisions are made on recommendations and it should be no different for your wedding. Ensure that your venue has an established track record, that you have met with someone who is reasonably senior and accountable and ultimately that you trust them to deliver what has been agreed. Their reputation will be hard-won and is your peace of mind.”
For more information about Dine visit the website www.dine.co.uk.
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