Grrr, venue not being helpful!

emlou2009

This is just a rant really, feel free to ignore it!!

I was going with the Holiday Inn package and had provisionally booked the date, and spoke to them today about some ideas of what I wanted to do. They wanted me to have the ceremony around 1pm, photos, and then a long wedding breakfast before the evening guests arrive around 7.30pm, but I felt that the day would be too long for elderly relatives and our boy.
I was thinking ceremony around 3-4pm, followed by cream teas with evening guests arriving around 7.30pm. She said it sounded like a nice idea, but then proceeded to tell me that if we wanted to have cream teas/sandwiches we would have to pay MORE on top of the package price - how on EARTH do scones, cream, jam and sandwiches cost MORE than a full meal?? Then she said the package price goes up to £1750 in 2012, rather than the £1000 we would have paid if we had done it this year and for paying nearly double, there isnt actually one thing extra included.
She then wouldnt budge on the extortionate corkage price she wanted me to pay of £10 per bottle and £12 per sparkling! They also wont let us have a evening BBQ.

So, I told her she has lost our business. I'm gutted, as I do really like the HI, our local one is classy and modern, in a nice setting, and the food is excellent. I dont know where to start on trying to find somewhere that does what we want on a budget we can afford. I really do feel like calling the whole thing off at the moment!

sal-ad_daze

Oh emmylou don't do that!
I think you did the right thing walking away from HI, if she's so inflexible now just think how she'd have you feeling nearer the date!
don't despair, I'm too far away to help but I'm sure there are lovely ladies who live in your area who will be along very shortly who will be able to help with other venue ideas, in the meantime sending you supportive hugs xx

Dizzie77

If you want to have a BBQ in the evening, why not look at a venue that you could take your own caterers?
I do agree though - if they aren't prepared to be flexible now, it's best to walk away.

emlou2009

Thank you ladies - I do know I've done the right thing. I did feel like whenever I mentioned the package she was rolling her eyes on the end of the phone, like I wasnt spending enough to really be worth her time!

angel13

i feel the same whenever we mention we want a small wedding mid week afternoon tea style and no alcohol noone wants to know and after over 2 years weve still not found anywhere ok as they all start treating us like we are unwanted custom:mad:

bubbles0169

thats just downright disgusting and rude!!!
ive just booked a 4* hotel on 3* prices for two years time
they treated us like royalty when we visited them and gave us a big discount although still letting us have full reign on what time it takes place, when we have food and what we have to eat from a selection of hundreds of choices
you have done the right thing!
what area are you looking at and what are youre wedding guest numbers?

joho

Aw emlou - hope you find something soon. I know it seems daft but would you be able to have your ceremony and your breakfast at the HI and then move to a different venue for a BBQ - maybe a local church hall or something like that?

angel13 - whereabouts are you in the country?

Bride2be24

I would seriously question that, We booked the HI in doncaster and we could have what ever we wanted! we was treated like we was royalty. If we wanted a hog roast we could - bbq we could - or a full sit down meal (which we are having). I totally agree with the extortionate corkage price although we was quoted £10 per bottle of wine and £18 per bottle of champers????
I think its down right rude at how she has treated you!! I would seriously complain to the hotel manager.....

fly_dragon_fly

angel 13 is in kent we had a long thread going with lots of places!

find her one and i'll buy you a drink :P

love you angel 13 :P x

Horace

I would certainly complain to the general manager and I would also arrange to meet the wedding planner in person as sometimes things can get lost in translation on the phone.

Sometimes with the packages offered by various hotel chains is that they will have set times when you can be married. I know that the HI in Bromsgrove has their fee set at £2053.70 for this year and £2995 for next. Their packages are also set as to what you can and cannot have - if you start deviating then the costs start to rack up. It isnt unreasonable for the hotel to ask for extra money for scones etc because you have deviated from the package that you have booked.

If you really want to marry at this hotel then you need to meet with the planner in person and drop a line to the general manager. As they want you to marry earlier (it maybe that this is the only slot they have) then ask if they are willing to provide a room where elderly relatives can rest.

If you want to do your own thing then ditch the package idea altogether and organise something say at your local rugby club and negotiate costs.

Kuromei

hi emlou

if i remember correctly, u were going for the Fareham HI right?

I was also looking in the local area and thought about having a BBQ in the evening too, so here are 2 venues you might want to consider: (which I know definitely do BBQ's!)
Sopley Mill in Ringwood
Alverbank Hotel in Gosport