Caterer went out of business and filed bankruptcy

I'm so sorry!!! Unfortunately, they are probably not allowed to disburse any assets until the bankruptcy is concluded... I am so, so sorry.

View Quoted Comment That's what I was thinking too, but gotta try any avenue I can! I appreciate your reply. Thank you!

Oh wow! How awful. Have you contacted the recommendation? Maybe they are taking their clients and providing discounts?

View Quoted Comment

What Margaret said makes sense, too. I would respond to the company's lawyer asking about their intention on your deposit and provide a copy of your receipt for it and reach out to the suggested replacement. They may have something worked out.

Unfortunately, until the bankruptcy is settled they won't be able to do anything and even then they might not give you your money back. I would email the attorney back to see if you have any options, but sadly I think you are probably out the money.

So sorry this is happening to you. Do you have wedding insurance? If so, check your policy as it may cover this loss. And hopefully you find a new caterer and it works out.

Wow that sucks. I can’t recommend what I’d personally do because that would probably be illegal and would involve calling the owner non stop until I got my money back. However I would first consult with an attorney to see if there’s anything possible you can do. Not sure if they’d touch upon that scenario in your contract but there may be something snuck in there, probably not but who knows its always good to just double check. I’d then call the recommended catering company just to see what they say, but I’d also try to find a more well know reputable catering company that you know for sure won’t run into this dilemma. Good luck.

* Also when I said contact an attorney I’d recommend not contacting the attorney of the catering company. Contact another attorney first as the catering company’s attorney won’t be on your side.

I will probably try all of these suggestions! Thank you all for responding! I really do appreciate all suggestions! 😊

Unfortunately, I think this is only going to get worse if things don't get better and fast. Even reputable companies are going out of business. It's hard to stay afloat when your entire livelihood is based on events that are largely getting cancelled or postponed until next year.

If you paid that deposit with a credit card, there is a chance that you can get it by contacting your credit card company and filing under 'services paid for but not received'. If you paid by cash or check, you need to get in line with all the other creditors.

Bankruptcies can take months and years to resolve. You will likely need to respond to court documents to demonstrate the amount of money that you are owed as a creditor, and then wait to see what the court decides about disbursing. If you do receive any money back, I would be surprised if it is more than just a few dollars. Most bankruptcies I've seen end up paying pennies on the dollar when all is settled.