You've decided to cancel your wedding. How do you let family and friends know? What about the financial implications?
Viva Max Kaley, wedding planner and creator of VivaMaxWeddings.com, says to tell your family members first, especially if they've been participating in the financial aspects of the wedding.
Next, she recommends reviewing contracts you've signed. The vendors have every right to stick to their contracted terms. Often, if you're canceling because it's a health issue or something beyond your control, they'll be more forgiving and flexible (but don't assume this).
If everyone has been invited and begun making travel arrangements, call or email them. This task can be delegated depending on the circumstances, who is related to whom, and who decided to break it off.
You'll need to return all of the gifts. Try to get a crew of people together who can help with this task. For anything that can't be returned, thank the giver for the effort by sending a thank-you note and perhaps a reciprocal gift or a dinner.
Don't feel you need to give reasons and excuses, but you do need to apologize for the inconvenience.
Scott and Bethany Palmer, financial experts who coach couples through their business themoneycouple.com, recommend telling the person who's paying for the wedding as soon as possible, whether it's Mom, Dad or Aunt Suzie.
Keep it simple, the couple says. You don't have to tell them every detail. The more the person was going to contribute to paying for the wedding, the more information they should be told. In person is much better.
Give them the top three reasons you are calling it off, apologize and tell them that you are willing to pay them back.
The ramifications of not speaking up sooner, the Palmers say, are this: You are responsible for all required coming expenses. Paying this money now is a whole lot cheaper than a divorce later.
Lastly, ask for or give the ring back. If you aren't getting married, there is no reason to keep the ring.
High Profile on 07/24/2016