Venue problems – sorry long post – advice please.

venna

We booked our wedding with only 3ish months to go, on a Sunday. The venue acknowledged they probably wouldn’t have anyone else book in, so they waived the room hire fee. So we are bringing 30 day guests and 70 evening guests to a quiet county hotel on a, usually, quiet night. However we are still paying a £250 civil ceremony fee.

Now we come to the problems
1) When we booked they assured us that the building work would be completed well before the date. While it will not directly affect us, internally, it does make the venue look like a building site externally. As the months have progressed we were repeatedly re-assured it would be done. Yesterday we were told it might not be complete.

2) They state the usual ‘we’d be happy to accommodate’ and there is no mention of an extra service charge. We decided to choose a starter and a main off the restaurant’s a la carte menu (at restaurant price). They then imposed a £2 service charge, to which we said, OK.

3) For dessert we’re having our cake with fruit and cream supplied by them (charged of course). So, we decided to also have a cheese course. Instead of charging us for an extra to a 3 course meal, or the charge on the restaurant menu, they chose to charge even more over and above. This one we argued, were made to feel very awkward, but got it reduced.

4) For the evening we’re having bacon butties and chips (£7 each) and wanted something nice for the veggies (5-10 max). Their offer off egg or cheese rolls didn’t appeal so we asked if falafel was possible. Initially they said no, then 2 hrs before we were supposed to pay 90% we were told that it was possible for £1.50 extra, OK. But no, it would be £1.50 extra for everyone, as they’d have to have an extra chef. So for a handful of chickpeas £105!

Since paying our deposit we’ve felt rushed, not listened to, and as if they are trying to squeeze every penny out of us. Its 2 and a bit weeks to go and last night met the person we first dealt with, who is lovely, listened to all the above but seems powerless to do anything. So rather than cancel at the very last minute we paid the 90%.

I’m now feeling resigned to my wedding instead of looking forward to it. I’ve just realised that if the ramp for the wheelchair doesn’t appear on the day I will really blow up.

Small family business and I don’t think there’s anyone ‘higher’ than the ‘problem’ to speak to. Can anyone advise any action I can take?

Sorry this was so long, feeling very down at the mo.

bingo_bango

Nothing I can do to help, but I will say this. IT CAN ONLY GET BETTER!

I had my wedding reception on Sat night (got married in Cuba 2 weeks ago). The DJ got lost and was late. The band got lost and were late. The caterer was also half an hour late. I was pretty stressed on Saturday, and a little unhappy at how things were going, but you know what? It all worked out. Guests had a ball, and everyting went well (except that the food ran out by the time I got to go and get some!).

Just relax and enjoy the experience. You'll only do it (hopefully) once!

Life's too short.

floss2

I would write to the hotel, stating your concerns, asking for answers to questions that you need answering. Send it Recorded Delivery, and also keep a copy & speak to your local Trading Standards office (local Council) about the problems you're having.

Good luck,
Floss x

venna

Thanks

Was getting a bit emotional and needed some clear thinking. Good idea to get everything down in writing rather than just talking to them. Will do.

Cheers.

seashore321

How many people are you having to the day do and the evening do? We had this problem and we changed to a local upmarket restaurant who did us a wonderful all inclusive menu for half the price. I also think that £7 for a bacon butty is a rip off. Give us more info and we will all betwen us find you something better. This is your special day. Give them hell and threaten to SUE!! Fot £7 per heaad I could do you more than bacon butty and chips. I could at least add peas, lobster, prawns, beef.....

seashore321

P.s. Sunday is a quiet day for any Hotel demand more it is your special day!!

mookiandco

I'm so sorry you have having all this trouble when you should be really excited. It will be alright on the night, i'm sure. I agree with writing to them and atleast asking for a reduction in price.

When i got married (i'm due to renew in August), no guests or witnesses turned up as there was an accident on road outside; it was pouring with rain; the registry office was in grounds of hospital with the smoke from the cremation furnace as back-drop; the reception venue had a power cut; i spent my honeymoon in a travelodge because we couldnt afford anything better. Despite all this it really was my special day and all the ups and downs just added to the specialness of it. I can just look back and laugh (8 years later) and all that matters is that I married the man I love.

I hope all these difficulties pale into insignificance and you have a wonderful day..

venna

It's great to be reassured that it's not just me being mean :grouphug:

We're having 30 for the day and 70 for the evening, and none are exactly tee-total

They did give us the option to cancel last night when we raised our concerns. With 3 weeks to go I just couldn't face all the re-arranging. So we've paid the 90% deposit.

H2B doesn't want me to make a fuss and risk their attitude on the day but ... it's the principle!

MsChazzer

They need an extra chef to make falafel? I'm veggie and whilst I would be disappointed with the egg or cheese roll I would be very happy with ready made falafel from the catering suppliers/supermarket. And I agree that £7 a head for bacon butties and chips is a bit steep.

ellionic

WHAT £7 for a bacon butty and chips for 60 people thats £420 you could get great spread for that or even a couple of hole pigs for the guests to munch on :-)

Fay

Maybe I can make you feel a little better about the price of the bacon butties at least...they are £11.50 each at our venue!

I agree with putting your concerns down in writing, it's much harder for them to ignore; however, I'm not sure how much they will move now you have paid 90%. Did you pay in cash or cheque? A cheque could still be cancelled if you are really unhappy with it? I am sure you would find somewhere at late notice and get as good a deal. Our venue have been wonderful and totally helpful, although they have hinted that the bedrooms might have been redecorated by our wedding date, but haven't committed theirselves to this, so I'm ok about that Good luck with it.