Family Law

What Happens When the Wedding Is Called Off?

Key Takeaways

  • After calling off the wedding, contact the vendors and wedding guests.
  • You may be liable for any contracts signed individually for vendors with no cancelation policies.
  • If you both signed contracts for deposits and wedding services, you may both be liable for the costs.

Calling off a wedding is a big decision, typically because of cold feet, dishonesty, or finding out about a partner’s past. You can call off tying the knot months before the wedding date or at the last minute.

Canceling a wedding is tough. You have to deal with vendors, notify guests, and decide what to do about the engagement ring. Your options can depend on whether it was a mutual decision or one-sided. It can also depend on state law. Talk to a family law attorney to explore your options after calling off the wedding.

What Are the First Steps To Take After Calling Off the Wedding?

It is a tough decision to cancel a wedding after telling your best friends and family members you are getting married. However, it is better to call off the wedding now instead of saying yes and suffering through an unhappy marriage. Calling off your wedding is also easier and less expensive than filing for divorce. Don’t get married just because of the pressure to go through with it.

There can be a lot to do after canceling a wedding, depending on when it was called off. Some of the logistical steps you need to take include:

  • Take care of your mental health
  • Notify vendors and the wedding planner
  • Take down your wedding registry or wedding website
  • Notify the wedding guests the wedding is not happening

What Are Property Rights for Unmarried Couples?

Generally, any property that you acquired on your own during the engagement remains your property after you call off the wedding. Similarly, any of your own debts during the engagement are still your individual debts.

If you acquired property jointly, you and your are joint owners. For example, if you bought a car and put both names on the title, you both own the property. It is up to you and your ex-fiance to decide how to divide joint assets and debts. If you can’t decide, you will have to go to court to resolve the property division.

The court can use the legal doctrines of equity and fairness to divide property. If you have a contract or legal agreement, the contract will control what happens.

Who Keeps the Engagement Ring?

The person who gets to keep the engagement ring depends on state laws and the circumstances. In states like New York, the courts consider engagement rings as conditional gifts given on the condition of marriage. It does not matter who called off the wedding or the reason the wedding was called off. If the wedding does not take place, the ex-fiancé who gifted the ring can get it back.

In states like California, it can depend on who caused the broken engagement. If the person who gave the ring calls off the wedding, the recipient can keep it. If the recipient cancels the wedding or they both agree, the person who gave the ring can get it back.

In other states, an engagement ring is an unconditional gift. It does not rely on the wedding taking place. The person who received the ring can keep it no matter who calls off the wedding.

If you and your ex made a legal agreement about the ring, the court may enforce the contract. However, most engaged couples don’t think about drawing up a contract for who keeps the engagement ring. However, if the engagement ring is a family heirloom, you may want to consider a legal agreement.

Who Pays the Wedding Vendors?

Weddings can be expensive and take months or years to plan. Most couples hire vendors for the right venue, wedding cake, flowers, photos, reception music, and more. Many vendors require signing a written contract months before the actual wedding day, which can tie up a lot of money in the planning.

Check these written contracts for what happens in the event of a canceled wedding. Some contracts have no cancelation policies. You may be financially responsible even if there is no wedding. Most contracts have a non-refundable deposit. You may have to give up this deposit if you cancel.

The person responsible for these vendors can depend on state law and who signed the contract. If one person signed the contract for the caterer, they are generally liable for canceling, including any remaining payments and deposits. If both parties of the wedding signed the contract, they may both be liable for the expenses. If one of your parents signed the contract for the florist, that parent is likely financially liable for the bill.

If you can’t get your money back, you may want to go through with certain contracts. If the cakemaker won’t give you a refund, for example, take the cake. If you paid for the honeymoon, you may be able to take a friend and go on vacation.

Who Pays For the Wedding Dress After a Canceled Wedding?

Traditionally, the bride’s family pays for the wedding dress. If you or your family members buy a dress, you will generally be responsible for the cost. Wedding dresses with alterations are generally not returnable. You may be able to resell the dress, or you can donate it and get a tax deduction. You can also keep it and use it for your future marriage.

How Can a Family Lawyer Help With Canceling a Wedding?

There are lots of reasons why canceling can be the best decision for your well-being. However, you will have to face the consequences of canceling your wedding, including the financial costs. Your loved ones can help you through the heartbreak.

An experienced lawyer can help with the legal and financial consequences. Contact a family law attorney if you have questions about what to do when your wedding is canceled.

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