Need to vent...big reception problems

coffeeismylyfe

Hi.  I'm new to the message bords, but my Fiance is out of town and I have no one to talk to about this.  So I need to vent.

 My reception venue called me at 1:00 pm this afternoon.  They just went under new ownership (which we were not notified about) and the ownership has decided to renovate the hotel.  Right over our reception.  So now we have no place for the reception.  We have had them booked for five mo. now, and we have 90% paid them off already.  So PISSED!!  And the worst part for me is that this was not just a reception site, this was our wedding weekend.  We booked an all-inclusive hotel dinner/dance reception at a historic hotel in our area.  We got a sweet deal on guest room blocks, it's a spa so we got guest discounts on their spa stuff, we were having a brunch with our guests there the next morning so they could be there while we opened gifts, it was so planned out and thoughful, and now it's just down the drain.  We lost the venue, the food, the bar, everything that goes into a reception was throught this hotel.  I don't even know what to do right now, I'm so angry and dissapointed.  Our date is November 19th of this year, we are 3 months out!! How do you do that to someone three months out?  This sucks.

The bright note:  We are still getting married, no one is hurt physically; life and love goes on lol!

Thanks for reading and letting me vent.  Any positive thoughts and vibes are most welcome!!

6fsn

That is pretty crappy.  Figure out a plan of action.  Document your time and any additional expense.  I'd be going back after that place for some CASH.

GBCK

THat is ACTUALLY a woe (really.  A lot of the woes aren't 'real woes')

Can your local board offer suggestions?
I'd actually start calling places and figure out what you have as far as recourse--better business seems like a good place to start

flower_diva

book as friday evening or sunday wedding and reception...you should be able to find a venue even this close. Saturdays are premium days....friday or sunday will actually(ususally) cost less also

coffeeismylyfe

We REALLY need to keep our date at this point though, Several out of town family and friends have already purchased plane tickets and taken time off of work.  I've been looking around today, and our original second choice hotel still has our date open, so at least we have that.  They are holding the date until Monday after our meeting with The Elms, the hotel that has dropped us.  Looking at the second choice, it''s still clear to me why it was second.  I guess in the moment when we're married and having a party afterwards that won't matter so much, but it just doesn't have the same finess and history as the Elms does.  IMO nowhere in the area does for the price that we can afford.  *le sigh*  That is life I suppose.  We will be checking with better business and the local 'news problem solvers' if the situation gets worse, like if the Elms won't fully refund us.  We've already paid them 90% of our full cost, so lotsa dough.  Thanks for your support and ideas ladies!

*Barbie*

this is an actual woe - and it sounds like you are being responsible and managing it well. good luck with getting the cash back, and rearranging the venue/activities.

pillsburyaj

WOW...that is such a bummer! I am sorry you are having to deal with this. It would be a good idea to look at your contract with the Elms and see if there is anything in there about refunding or not refunding your $$ in the event of something like this occuring. That way, you can be prepared for your meeting on Monday. Good luck, I hope it all works out well for you!!!!

biker2011

That is really awful!!! I hope they reimburse you for the total amount!  I would jump on your second choice before it is gone.  I suppose the Elms won't help you find accomodations as they are the establishment inconveniencing you (even though it is new owners, they should honor prior commitments).  I would contact the Better Business Bureau though.
Good luck!!!

Kenyadventure

I'm so sorry, this sucks.  I hope you find something even better than the Elms.

coffeeismylyfe

*Update* 

The meeting with the Elms went so much better than I expected.  They were completely apologetic and really wanted to make it right, and I feel like they 100% did.  They helped us find a different historic venue that I absolutely love and they financialy compensated us for our distress and for the differance in the costs of the two receptions.  Thank you gals for your advice and support!