He calls off the wedding, can she sue for have the costs.

Question

My friend's fiance proposed in November. Several months later, after she put down all the deposits for the wedding, purchased her dress, bridesmaids bought their dresses, she purchased $2000 airline tickets for the honeymoon, he cancelled the wedding. He was there at every vendor signing, co-signing many of the contracts. She made no decisions on her own and is now out $14000. She is taking him to court to recoup half the costs. Does she have a chance? He is so cheap.

Answer 1

She should be suing him for ALL of the costs that she incurred.

It's breach of contract and there have been recent cases where the Courts have awarded damages.

Answer 2

Only if she can spell half.

Answer 3

Probably.  This would fall under a claim of promissory estoppel and she could take him to any civil court and get all of the money back.

BTW, she better thank god that this wedding didn't happen.  A called off wedding is a heck of a lot cheaper then a failed marriage.

Update:  It's not a breach of contract.  Part of the damages are going to result from the breach of contract BUT there was no contract (implied or express) involved in the purchase of dresses. And ignore the people who are claiming that you would only recover half or part of the money.  They are wrong, simple as that.

Answer 4

Since he co-signed he appears to be equally responsible.  This is something she needs to discuss with all the vendors involved. I'm certain that this has happened to them before - so it's better to contact them earlier rather than later so they can reschedule and recoup.

In the long run, it's better to be out the money than for her to have live and loved a man who didn't seem willing to be her partner.

Answer 5

She has a VERY good case.  She spent the money with the expectation that he'd follow through with the wedding.

Answer 6

If there was an agreement (written is best, otherwise, I think she would be out of luck) that he would pay for half the wedding, she could have a chance.  Co-signing the contracts only makes him liable to the vendors if there is an outstanding debt.  The vendors can choose to go after him, her, or both.  I would have thought something was strange if I was putting out all the money for the wedding in the first place.  If she purchased vacation insurance, she may be able to recoup the plane ticket money.