Getting Married in Ireland and the 2019 EU Unfair Contract Terms Directive

by | Jul 29, 2021 | Latest News

With changing government regulations during the pandemic state of emergency, many couples are faced with the need to change their contract terms and conditions at short notice, including changing their wedding date, or changing guest numbers and so forth.

Most wedding suppliers are doing their utmost to ensure couples feel special no matter what last minute government announcements are made.

A small number of couples may experience grief and uncertainty if they need to change the terms of their contract due to a latest government announcements.   Fortunately for couples there are laws in place to protect consumers against unfair contract conditions being imposed on them by service providers, including wedding suppliers.

This is why it’s so important to have your booking contract terms and conditions provided to
you in writing by every wedding supplier, (even by email) to protect your rights as a consumer in the event of a dispute.

Contract Changes

If you have changed any conditions of your original booking, including wedding date and/or guest numbers, this is a change of contract and your wedding supplier may counteract with another request for change in contract terms.

What is included in your contract should be described in the terms of your original contract. Usually the bride and groom are not included in guest numbers, but it does depend on the size of the venue and their own policy.  
It is important to remember that any change to your contract requires both parties to agree to the contract condition. This is called contract negotiation.
But there are some exceptions where those changes are deemed reasonable and if your contract terms and conditions provide for this.

Always refer back to your original contract terms and conditions to assist with any clarification.  You may need to seek legal advice, first 30 minutes consultation is always free.

Couples and wedding suppliers should make themselves familiar with the EU Unfair Contract Terms Directive which protects every consumer in every EU member country, including Ireland.  If in doubt, always consult a lawyer who is familiar with consumer law. 

You can find the full document here on the EU website: https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/law-topic/consumers/consumer-contract-law/unfair-contract-terms-directive_en

With most of my 2021 bookings now postponed to 2022, I do have good availability for 2021 at various times of the week.  Please don’t hesitate to call me 7 days a week, to find out if I am available on your special day.

Your Special Day

If you believe your ceremony should be an important part of your special day, no matter how big or small your ceremony wishes may be, you have found the right place.

If you would like a ceremony as unique as you are, created to suit your own style, please don't hesitate to get in touch so I can answer any questions you might have - and to find out if I am available on your big day.  I would be honoured to work with you!

Rev. Sharon Q.

from Australia (in Ireland since 2013)
Non-denominational Holistic Minister
Celebrant & Registered Solemniser

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