Hi I can't believe they haven't offered your money back when you haven't had your wedding there through no fault of your own that's outrages ,I don't care that they are a small business they should have Insurance for cancellations due to sudden illness ,they have given nothing yet expect to keep your money unbelievable ,anyway if I were you I would have a word with a Solicitor and let them know you mean business ,Best Wishes .

I have contacted a contract law firm just to see if I have any legal standing. The word discretion is very vague, but with a diagnosis of cancer, one would think her humanity would take precedent over her business. Not in this case. What if someone was to die? Would it be a case of "well sorry about that but tough ***". Every other company involved from make-up artist to florist have offered us our deposits back as a good will gesture. We didn't ask for it. We simply told them we had to cancel. So good will does exist in some. Her? Heart must be a swinging brick. The emotional and financial distress on top of cancer is something nobody needs. 

I couldn't agree more no empathy whatsoever ,as you say more bothered about money than someones health ,its not like you are asking for her money its yours ,I don't think she'll get away with it ,this is what's wrong with the world today too many money minded people willing to take it even if they haven't earned it ,go get her lol let us know how you get on ,thumbs up from me .

Talking to others, it seems a 50/50 split. Legally yes she has a right to refuse refunds but morally, she is corrupt. But it's the legal part of it that matters. The other thing to do is trash her on social media or the media itself. As soon as a business gets negative reviews, they soon change tune (I've received many refunds and vouchers for giving negative reviews. Don't worry, it's not a hobby I have). But cancer gets people emotions. When folk find out someone with cancer has been ripped off or mistreated, it seems to sway opinion quite a lot. Playing on the emotional side of it might be a way forward as well. 

At the end of the day she can't morally keep your money just because you booked a wedding she didn't have the money before ,she hasn't provided anything for a wedding for you you just booked the venue ,she must be desperate for money that's all I can think ,but yes I think if you keep on at her she might have to give so she can sleep at night ha ha .

She took from us last year as well when we originally had to cancel. We didn't want a refund, just to move it to 2023. Refused and took the money. This year, refused and took the money. There's clearly a theme. You're right, she hasn't provided anything whatsoever for this wedding. What have I seen for my circa 15k (11k this year and 4 last year) Nothing.

We're down to one wage. We have 2 young kids. This doesn't matter, she has a business to run. 

If it were me my next step would be to send a letter stating the facts of why you need this refund explain that you now only have one wage and 2 young children sometimes this is better than just doing it over the phone if she still doesnt care then you know exactly what you're dealing with but it will also let her know you are not going away .

If it were me my next step would be to send a letter stating the facts of why you need this refund explain that you now only have one wage and 2 young children sometimes this is better than just doing it over the phone if she still doesnt care then you know exactly what you're dealing with but it will also let her know you are not going away .