Wedding date problem - any advice?

libra10

My daughter and partner booked their wedding date at a local venue approximately 2 years ago. A deposit of £500 was paid, but unfortunately the date had to be put back. My daughter's partner phoned and explained, and the wedding date was fixed at a new date, this August.

On this basis, they have booked photographers, cars etc, paying deposits totalling a considerable amount of money.

However, they have just been in contact with the hotel and they claim to have no record of the new wedding date, and have booked in a reception for another couple!

Apparently the wedding co-ordinator is no longer working for the hotel, there are no records of the phone call, and they are denying that the second phone call took place.

I asked daughter to check whether the hotel would have a record of their phone call on their system, but it seems they do not have this facility.

I suggested going in to see the Manager at the hotel, he/she is being very evasive. Also suggested seeing a solicitor who would give half an hour's free advice.

They have no proof regarding phone call, all they have is the original receipt for the deposit.

Is there any further advice anyone could offer please?

Grateful for any advice.

Anihilator

Be nice to the hotel and negotiate for a refund/compromise

They dont have anything legal here so if they start mouthing off they will lose out.

libra10

Thanks anihilator - I suggested similar.

Unfortunately most places are booked years ahead, and things aren't looking good.

I had almost booked a new hat as well!

Shelldean

can you get a copy of your phone records and prove you did call them on XX date?? won't prove what the convo was about but will at least prove you called.

Tozer

Shelldean wrote: »

can you get a copy of your phone records and prove you did call them on XX date?? won't prove what the convo was about but will at least prove you called.

Won't be any use unless you can prove what was said.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing but ALWAYS worth confirming this sort of thing in writing.

libra10

Thanks for advice. I will ask my daughter whether they still have the phone bills for date that her partner phoned. It may give a little leverage to their complaint. Hindsight is indeed a wonderful thing! It doesn't really look like they have a leg to stand on.

Much appreciated.

Hintza

But at the end of the day that is not really going to help. Other date is now booked for another couple. They will not admit any liability and you have nothing in writing.

Try working with them to resolve or ask for deposit back and try elswhere. Marquee?

Booking a wedding two years ahead now that is scary!

libra10

I agree Hintza!

The venue was were my OH and I had our wedding reception almost 40 years ago, and that was the reason they booked there.

We certainly never experienced any problems all those years ago, it was a lovely day.

The scary thing is all the deposits they've placed on other services for the big day, presumably they will lose all those too, as, like you say, if you want a certain place, they are booked up years in advance.

I don't know what they can do, I don't suppose they expected this and therefore, didn't think about receiving confirmation for the new date.

The marquee idea is ticking over in my head though, both my brothers have farms ..............

Thanks everyone for contributing.

Minxy_Bella

I think a marquee on a relative's farm sounds like an amazing idea!! Fairy lights and bunting in the trees - a lovely white marquee with dance floor - magical!

libra10

You've got me thinking .........................

Have emailed daughter!

Minxy_Bella

Just off the top of my head, I can envisage a summer garden type of affair but personally, I'd have more bling! LOL

Have fun!