Wedding venue fiasco (vent)

sheikscorpio88

So yesterday my mother and I had an appointment to meet with my venue. We had plans to sign the contract and lock in our date and also show my mom the facility. So not even being there 5 mins. things just went left field. So originally me and my FI went to see this venue back in January of this year and we spoke with the lady and she gave me the run down about how everything would go, pricing, set up, etc. So on yesterday I was told that the lady I first spoke to would not be back. I knew she had been on leave for a little while but I didn't know she wouldnt be coming back. So I began to explain to this other woman what we discussed about how the ceremony would be set up. This woman just completely shut me down! Saying no, no, no we don't do things like this and that, there is no way I can make an aisle for you, you have to come in through a side door. Side door?!? Are you serious? I'm the bride, why am I coming in through the side door? and no aisle etiher, really?!?

Also she said that the head table would be on the stage with us during the ceremony. So we would have to stand in front of the head table that would already have the place settings and glasses, etc. placed on them.  To me this is tacky and completely not what I wanted. She also said she could only have 80 of my guests seated theatre style and 20 others would have to sit at their table, all the while my entire wedding party and myself must walk in through a side door with no aisle at all! Like this is completely different from what I was told. I was soooo upset! I spent all of these months researching and calling them back and forth, asking questions and basically getting a guarantee from them that this is how it would all go. So she made a suggestion about having the ceremony in another room but it would cost me $1500-$5000!!!! U gotta be kidding me! I wouldn't dare pay you that kind of money just to have a 20 min ceremony in another room and still pay you over $6,000 for the reception. I just completely dismissed all of that and startedwalking out the door, I got so emotional (tears), because I really had my heart set on this place for a long time. So I feel like I'm back to square one but this must mean God has something better for me and I'm gonna go check out option 2 this saturday and hopefully I can get my venue locked down. Pray for me!!! lol

Thanks for reading...I know this was long...sorry just needed to vent.

djscat

"but this must mean God has something better for me and I'm gonna go check out option 2 this saturday and hopefully I can get my venue locked down. Pray for me!! lol"


That is exactly what this means.  It sucks right now cause you can't see God plan but just trust that God knows what He is doing.  One day soon you will look back at this day and thank that lady.  Her horrible behavior will open up the door for you to walk right into your blessing!  Girl you know I am and will continue to pray for you. 

Dry your eyes and smile lady your getting married.

island07b2b

Wow.  Well now you know and you didn't have any money wrapped up in the venue leaving you free and clear to find that "perfect" venue for your wedding. 

M1ssJ

I'm so sorry this happened! I know how frustrated you must be. ~hugs~

mikimoto6

I am sorry about your venue, but really happy that you didn't loose any money by walking away.  You will find a perfect venue that you love more than you thought you loved this one.  

This experience has made you smarter about how to negotiate your terms with the venue.  Until its in writing, everything is FOLKLORE!!! When you get ready to negotiate your next contract, make sure that everything that you think you want the venue to do for you in included in your contract.  The best time to ask is while the venue is trying to court your business.  Once you sign your contract you loose your negotiation power.  Ask for things like extra time for set up, dressing room space, a space for storage prior to the wedding (if possible), delivery and pick up of any rental equipment (if they have to come back the same day, then the rental company will charge you a bunch of money. if the rentals can be picked up the next day, you can save like $300 easily), OT rates for extra hours at the party (you can negotiate a cheaper rate on the front end vs. asking them on your wedding day), etc.  

You will be stronger and smarter for this experience.  (((hugs)))

KimandWil

Hang in there... There will be something better.

KYPHILLY

Better for you! Bad for them!!! Your $$$ your way!!!!

PrettyCW5

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_african-american-weddings_wedding-venue-fiasco-vent?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:400Discussion:ff4fa90a-fcdc-45e0-a725-93bc2eee33a3Post:7c6cc4dd-f00f-4793-90a9-1a3e88ae585e">Re: Wedding venue fiasco (vent)</a>:
[QUOTE]Wow.  Well now you know and you didn't have any money wrapped up in the venue leaving you free and clear to find that "perfect" venue for your wedding.  :)
Posted by island07b2b[/QUOTE]

THIS!

Baesmom

I am so very sorry for you. I know what it's like to have your heart on a place.  I am praying that you find the venue that you are SUPPOSED to be at. 
Have you thought about trying to contact this lady's boss and explaining the situation to them? they are now loosing out on a lot of money for the day due to her attitude and her unwillingness to work with the bride.