7 On Your Side Helps Couple Get Full Refund After COVID-19 Wedding Cancellation

Wedding Cancellation and Refund Struggle

• 💔 A couple, Desiree Hardy and Amanda Barlo, had their dream wedding reception aboard a Hudson River party boat canceled by the venue just 10 days before their 2020 event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 💸 They had paid nearly $20,000 in full for the reception, including an open bar and dinner, and were left at the altar without their planned celebration.
• 🗓️ The venue offered to reschedule for one year later, but in 2021, with continued pandemic restrictions, the couple faced silence from the venue owner when seeking a refund or clear guidance.

7 On Your Side Intervention

• 🆘 After five years of negotiating for their money back, the couple reached out to 7 On Your Side for assistance.
• 🤝 Nina Pineda of 7 On Your Side contacted the company owner, successfully negotiating a full refund for the couple.
• 🎉 The couple received their entire $19,700 back, just in time to celebrate their fifth anniversary, expressing immense gratitude for the help.

Lessons for Future Couples

• 📝 Couples planning weddings should always read the fine print on cancellation clauses, paying close attention to dates and deadlines.
• 💰 It is advised to never pay in full upfront to vendors; instead, pay in thirds, with the final payment upon full satisfaction.
• 🛡️ Consider purchasing wedding insurance, which can cover unexpected issues like no-show vendors or lost deposits, providing crucial financial protection.
• 💳 Using a credit card for wedding payments can offer an extra layer of protection, allowing for disputes with the credit card company if issues arise with vendors.