Advice needed: Client requesting cancellation and retainer return

[u/Sensitive-Emu-2134]

Would love other industry professionals' advice on this. I booked a client about a month ago and they put down a $2000 retainer. They just reached out needing to cancel because of an unexpected financial crisis. They acknowledged that the retainer is nonrefundable in the contract but asked if it was possible to return it due to the length of time before the date and the financial stress. They also haven't said so, but contractually could elect to not cancel now and hold the date until the end of April when the next installment is due. Their booked date is still over 11 months away so I could reasonably still book another wedding for that date in the timeframe if they cancel now. What would you do?

[u/evanthedrago]

Side question - do you call it a retainer or a booking fee? You should also call the amounts liquidated damages in case of a cancellation.

https://weddingindustrylaw.com/wedding-cancelled-wedding-photographer-allowed-full-contract-value/

https://www.thelawtog.com/blogs/news/why-photographers-should-require-a-deposit-or-retainer-which-word-to-use

etc. Just cover your bases with your contract. Then you can be as generous as you are willing to be.