Cross post
TLDR : My family expects me to pay the rest of my fee to attend a reunion, despite the fact I have made alternate arrangements for myself. I already put down a deposit, and am not requesting a refund. I don't think I should pay the rest.
To go to my family reunion in Catskill, NY this summer, it will cost $250 per adult and $100 per child to stay in a vacation home(s). Because I didn't know if DH was coming due to his job, I paid a deposit for me and LO ($125). Upon further evaluation of the main home the family will be housed, I realized the accomodations would be seriously uncomfortable for me. I decided that I would make my own arrangements and stay at a nearby B&B. I let the reunion commitee know my intentions and they said by me putting down the deposit, it locked in the head count and that I would be expected to pay the remained of the $225, even if I decide to not stay in the house. I did not even ask for a refund.
The total fee is supposed to include lodging and food for the people who go. Since I would no longer require lodging, I figured I would be okay to just say the $125 is for our food. More people put down a deposit than can stay in the house, so they have to secure a second property.
I am leaning towards just not going period. But regardless, I refuse to stay in a home were 30 people are sleeping. Whether I find alternative lodging (additonal expense) or not go period, the family committee expects me to pay the remainder.
What should I do?
