NSW COVID Weddings: Contractual And Legal Obligations


New South Wales Fairies, this is for you. Here’s the information surrounding contractual and legal obligations pertaining to COVID-19 weddings, according to NSW Fair Trading.

Will I get a refund if my wedding has been cancelled or reduced in size due to COVID-19?

What are my rights when the provider refuses to give me a refund and only wants to arrange a date in the future or credit to use in the future? 

We advise consumers speak to their suppliers to discuss what other options may be available. NSW Fair Trading encourages all businesses to treat consumers fairly in these exceptional circumstances.

Am I entitled to a refund if my wedding accommodation needs to be cancelled?

You should first approach the provider of each service to see if they are prepared to offer a refund or other remedy such as credit note or voucher. As outlined above, you may also have rights under contract law where the contract can no longer be performed. We encourage all businesses to work with their customers and treat consumers fairly.

Will my wedding insurance cover cancellation due to the restrictions?

You should first contact your insurer to check whether you are covered for your wedding cancellation under your wedding or event insurance policy. If you disagree with your insurer’s decision, discuss your complaint with them and explain the outcome you would prefer.

As part of the insurer’s internal dispute resolution they will have a certain number of days to respond to your dispute. If your dispute remains unresolved, you can contact the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) for assistance.

The AFCA Significant Event Hotline 1800 337 444 provides priority service for those financially impacted by COVID-19 and who wish to make a complaint about financial products or services.

Will I receive a refund if the business shuts down as a result of the COVID-19 government ban?

We suggest trying to contact the business to discuss a possible remedy. In certain situations you would have to register as a creditor. More information is available on the Australian Securities and Investments Commission website.

How is COVID-19 affecting registry weddings?

Visit the NSW Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages website for more information on registry weddings.

Why are my rights different when cancellation is due to government bans?

Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law may be different when cancellation is due to a government ban because government bans may make it unlawful for the supplier to supply the goods or services.

However, suppliers are required to take reasonable precautions and exercise due diligence to ensure that supply will not be affected by a ban before they agree to supply goods or services.

I bought my wedding dress from an overseas website and am worried it won’t be delivered. Can I cancel my order and get a refund?

If a supplier has accepted payment for your wedding dress, they must supply it to you by the date they have indicated or, if no time was specified, within a reasonable timeframe. You should first contact your supplier to ask whether the dress is still able to be delivered and, if so, when you can expect to receive it.

If the business advises your dress can no longer be supplied, we expect you will receive a refund or other remedy such as a credit note or voucher. We understand many businesses are struggling to manage supply delays at this time due to circumstances outside their control. We urge consumers to remain patient and anticipate it may take longer than usual for goods to be supplied.

Am I entitled to a refund if I return my unworn wedding dress, shoes, and bridesmaids’ dresses because I no longer need them?

You are not entitled to a refund under the Australian Consumer Law if you wish to return wedding items you have purchased but no longer require. Under the Australian Consumer Law, you are only entitled to a remedy if your product fails to meet a consumer guarantee. The remedy you’re entitled to will depend on whether you have a major or minor problem with the product.

Digital Content Coordinator: Zoe Kanlis

Featured Image: Muir Weddings

Posted in Advice, Fashion, Trending, Uncategorized by wedded wonderland


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