Wedding Flower Contract: non-refundable deposit?

pamrose

My florist wants a $500 non-refundable deposit.
 
I haven't seen the full contract, but the section she sent to me when I asked for details regarding this contract read, "... [florist] reserves the right to cancel this contract if at any time we feel that the obligations cannot be met. In the event of fire, natural disaster, tragedy or other emergency, liability is limited to full refund of all monies paid less the $500 non refundable retainer..."

I completely understand that
(1) in an emergency, she keeps the retainer.
(2) if I choose to bail, she keeps the retainer.

However, I don't think that if she excercises her "right to cancel this contract... at any time" she should get to keep the $500.

Am I crazy? I don't think she'll bail or anything, but isn't the point of contracts to cover the just in case.

Thoughts?

WildMagelet

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_flowers_wedding-flower-contract-non-refundable-deposit?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:28Discussion:4af57346-9b64-48bf-b946-6eb5b7811ce7Post:f799d160-9fcb-4ea3-9868-b704310e32f5">Wedding Flower Contract: non-refundable deposit?</a>:
[QUOTE]My florist wants a $500 non-refundable deposit.   I haven't seen the full contract, but the section she sent to me when I asked for details regarding this contract read, "... [florist]  reserves the right to cancel this contract if at any time we feel that the obligations cannot be met. <strong>In the event of fire, natural disaster, tragedy or other emergency, liability is limited to full refund of all monies paid less the $500 non refundable retainer...</strong>" I completely understand that (1) in an emergency, she keeps the retainer. (2) if I choose to bail, she keeps the retainer. However, I don't think that if she excercises her "right to cancel this contract... at any time" she should get to keep the $500. Am I crazy? I don't think she'll bail or anything, but isn't the point of contracts to cover the just in case. Thoughts?
Posted by pamrose[/QUOTE]

<div>The bolded sentence doesn't say that she gets to keep the deposit if she cancels.  </div>

flower_diva

why are you asking the forum?......pick up the phone and ask the florist directly to clarify the contract. FYI ,Usually the deposit is returned if the florist bails on you.

cmp1986

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_flowers_wedding-flower-contract-non-refundable-deposit?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special Topic Wedding BoardsForum:28Discussion:4af57346-9b64-48bf-b946-6eb5b7811ce7Post:4b8458ee-2e54-4520-b32f-d873f78a3266">Re: Wedding Flower Contract: non-refundable deposit?</a>:
[QUOTE]why are you asking the forum?......pick up the phone and ask the florist directly to clarify the contract. FYI ,Usually the deposit is returned if the florist bails on you.
Posted by flower_diva[/QUOTE]
I agree!

BMcLeodTeam

I would call your florist and talk through any concerns on the contract

FaithCaitlin

Definitely call the florist on this one!