Wedding & Event Vendor Disputes
Complete guide to handling vendor disputes for weddings and special events in small claims court.
Wedding & Event Vendor Disputes
When photographers, caterers, DJs, venues, or planners fail to deliver on your special day, small claims court can help recover your losses.
What Small Claims CAN Handle
- •Deposits not returned after vendor cancellation
- •No-show vendors (photographer, DJ, caterer)
- •Missing or poor quality photos/videos
- •Services not delivered as promised
- •Food quality issues or wrong menu
- •Venue double-booking or last-minute changes
What Requires Different Approaches
- •Emotional distress claims (hard to prove)
- •Claims exceeding state small claims limits
- •Complex contracts with arbitration clauses
- •Out-of-state vendors (jurisdiction issues)
- •Insurance disputes (separate process)
- •Vendor bankruptcy situations
Common Scenarios
Photographer No-Show or Missing Photos
Photographer didn't show up, left early, or failed to deliver promised photos/video. You lost irreplaceable memories of your event.
Catering Failures
Food arrived late, cold, wrong dishes, not enough for guests, or the caterer simply didn't show up at all.
Venue Cancellation or Double-Booking
Venue cancelled last minute, was double-booked, or conditions were significantly different than advertised.
DJ/Band Issues
Entertainment didn't show, played wrong music, equipment failures, or left before contracted time.
Evidence You Should Gather
Wedding vendor cases often have strong documentation. Gather these items to build your case.
Contract Documents
- Signed contract or agreement
- Payment receipts and invoices
- Package/service descriptions
- Cancellation or refund policies
- Any written promises or guarantees
Photos & Visual Evidence
- Guest photos showing vendor absence
- Photos of poor quality work
- Screenshots of advertised services
- Comparison: promised vs. delivered
Communications
- Emails discussing services/timeline
- Text messages with vendor
- Cancellation or excuse messages
- Your demand letter and their response
Witness Statements
- Statements from guests who witnessed issues
- Wedding planner/coordinator testimony
- Other vendor observations
- Online reviews about same vendor
Calculating Your Damages
Pro Tip: Act Quickly
Send a written demand letter within days of the event. Vendors are more likely to settle quickly while the issue is fresh and before negative reviews spread.
Check for Arbitration Clauses
Review your contract carefully. Some vendor contracts require arbitration instead of court. These clauses may or may not be enforceable depending on your state.
Example Case + How This Site Helps
Example: A wedding photographer canceled and kept your deposit.
The vendor canceled close to the event and did not provide replacement services or refund under the contract terms.
Typical claim range: $1,000-$8,000
What to collect first
- Vendor contract and cancellation terms
- Deposit payment proof and invoice trail
- Messages confirming cancellation and no refund
Confirm fit and priorities
Start with the quiz so the app can steer you toward the right dispute flow and state rules.
Take the quizOrganize evidence and timeline
Use Case Manager to track facts, deadlines, and uploads so your story is clear and ready for court.
Open Case ManagerPrepare your pre-filing package
Generate a demand letter and supporting documents to improve settlement chances before filing.
Build demand packagePlan filing and hearing prep
Use filing guidance, calendar, and statement tools so you can submit correctly and present clearly.
Review filing stepsReady to Assess Your Case?
Take our intake quiz to organize your facts and see if small claims is right for your situation.
Legal Disclaimer
This page provides general information only and is not legal advice. Laws vary by state and locality, and information may be outdated. No attorney-client relationship is created. Consult a licensed attorney for advice about your specific situation. See our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.