Should you decide to cancel your event, do not expect your deposits back. Michigan law states that a retainer given to secure a time, service, or product is not refundable. The only reason a retainer would be returned is if the vendor providing the service/product is unable to deliver as promised and those terms of refund may be defined in the contract and limited to certain circumstances. Retainers are used to purchase products or cover labor and time involved in preparing for an event, regardless of whether or not the event takes place, and cannot be returned later.