*insert frustrated scream here*

HYDROPHILE

Brief background information on our caterer:  When we discussed things with our venue, our venue told us that there was only one caterer we could use.  Even when we told our venue that we had tried for two weeks to get a hold of said caterer, we were still told, "they might be out of town - keep trying" (contrary to what other couples were told.)  Attempting to communicate with our caterer is hit or miss (more misses than hits.)  I sent a certified letter with our deposit to them last year, and it took them three weeks to get back to me telling me they had received it.  You get the idea.

TODAY marks attempt #4 at going over our wedding with them in which ALL OF THE INFORMATION IS INCORRECT! From our food choices (that haven't changed) to our linen colors to prices, fees, etc. 

** Remember, we signed a contract for a set number of guests (with the ability to increase up to two weeks)

Four weeks ago, we met again with the caterer and his assistant to choose our linens.  We chose black with red overlays.  I saw her write it down.  I wrote it down in OUR binder.  She told me, "I'll have these rental prices to you tomorrow."  Tomorrow came and went...and last night, I receive the rental prices/rental quote for additional tables, etc.

Well............

The quote has our linens as WHITE (not black)
The quote has our overlays as OPAQUE RED LINEN (not red sparkle sheer)

Here's the kicker...they sent us a revised contract quoting 75 people versus 60 people (we only invited 80 people, and the contract quote is for the minimum number.  What if 20 guests decline? Then we are having to pay for 15 phantoms based on the revision?! I don't think so)

The best part...is the request for a new deposit (based on 75 people - although we never mentioned 75, it's always been 60) We sent them a deposit OVER the amount requested in July 2010.

Our menu? Never changed.  We have guests allergic to many items in one of their salads so we decided to change it to another salad option.  The coordinator got back to me when I made the request and said, "mmm, yummy! that's my favorite salad!"

Argh! This makes ROUND 4  (yeah - at least four times we've met with them - 2.5 hours away - and went over everything only to have documents be incorrect.)

I am TERRIBLY concerned that items will never be changed, and we'll end up with a wedding that looks like Cupid and Valentine's Day threw up everywhere!

I sent back a well-written e-mail that went through and detailed required revisions in each part of their contract and their rental form, and then I basically re-did their contract by redoing one in Excel, saved it as a PDF, and send it to them.

em01092

Wow that is really crappy of them!!! I can't believe they are having such a hard time keeping it all together. You have your copy of the original contract and agreements right? I'm guessing so. As long as you have some proof you're in the clear. Otherwise its going to be your word vs. there's. I hope it is a genuine mix up and not them trying to scam you. 

I know how you feel about the hit or miss. I have tried to contact our caterer a few times, and our florist for that matter. We booked back in January and our wedding is just over a year away, so maybe they are busy with more pressing issues. However it irks me when people can't return phone calls or emails after 2-6 weeks. Come on. I paid them, so they know I'm serious, and its annoying that they can't find time to answer my questions. Grrr. 

HYDROPHILE

Being the organized nerd I am, we have a three-ring binder with every single contract, copy of certified checks, quotes, etc. signed by both parties and organized by vendor - lol. 

mari0225

Wow bless your heart I would want to scream to! LOL you're like me i've got everything in a binder! copies of credit card payments and checks...the whole ball of wax! I hope for your sake that they will get everything right this time! There is just no excuse for not being able to keep things together like that! Especially after they had the original contract!

HYDROPHILE

I just don't understand how they can create a contract, I watch them write everything down, and then it's still wrong.  We won't even go into the whole visit we had with them last month in which the caterer (whom we've met with two times prior) introduced himself to us as "I don't believe we've met" and both were clueless as to our wedding at all (had no idea what our menu was, anything about the contract, etc.) because they had "been busy."  Wouldn't you think if you were meeting with a client you would go over all of this beforehand?

mari0225

Wow! That's just crazy! What is wrong with people?! If I had a client coming I would've gotten out the contract which would've told me that "I've met these people before and this is what's on their menu." That way I wouldn't think they were stupid! Some people are just way too unprofessional!

em01092

I also am keeping a 3 ring binder! I have a section for contracts/receipts, one for ideas/pics/inspiration, and one for notes!

And yeah, they definitely need to work on their organization and professionalism! I am so sorry for you. I'd be tempted to complain! 

chelseaandtom

Let me just tell you something, gf. I'm a Blackstock knottie as well and when we first decided we would use Blackstock, they said we could use almost any caterer. When we came back a month of two later for a follow up meeting, they told us we now needed to use their caterer and no other. We had SOO many problems trying to deal with said caterer... let's call them "Ann "  "Ann" never returned our calls, wouldn't even setup a tasting, charged an arm and leg, customer service was appalling, just ridiculous completely. We complained enough so much that they finally let us use Honeybrook Catering (They have also worked closely with Blackstock on a lot). I would strongly consider telling your frustrations to management at Blackstock and tell them you are not pleased at all. Be strong! You don't deserve to be treated like that! I am so displeased with that catering company who thinks they are the Lord's gift to Earth... Sorry, I'm off my rant now.

HYDROPHILE

We ran into the same problems with "Ann."  It's an ongoing issue.  They had an excuse at first, but then I noticed that's all it was: an excuse.  *Luckily* since posting this (and me having to recreate everything and resend it) they finally have it correct.  Now the execution is up to them. 

I vented in the chit chat section of knot, and I was told I was being selfish, b**chy, and "Bridezilla" because I was only one wedding, and they were doing several.  Sorry, that's not a valid excuse for me. 

I fully intend on telling Blackstock my frustrations although now in their event contract it says "a list of approved caterers" or "caterers" and not just "Ann." 

You're right - they don't do tastings.  I was told we had to come in and dine at their restaurant if I wanted to taste their food (no...not complimentary) as it was "too expensive to bring a chef in to do tastings."  I am surprised "Ann" doesn't have any additional reviews. 

I feel like an idiot when we go to meet them, and they say, "I don't believe we've met."  Argh. 

mari0225

Gah I hate hearing that, "It's only one wedding." A professional person can handle more than one client easily. Yes maybe they won't remember your face but that doesn't give them the right to not look over your contract before you come in so they can familirize themselves. There is just no excuse for their behavior and their being so disorganized.

Trust me you are definately not a bridezilla!

I am glad that you everything straightened out now! And hopefully won't have further problems with those people!

em01092

Yeah I agree with mari 100%. I understand people are busy but there is no excuse for a blatantly laps in professionalism.  Glad they got things right!

mari0225

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_georgia-atlanta_insert-frustrated-scream-here?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:58Discussion:2d3feb54-a5df-4f7d-893f-6271d8c3bccdPost:67d7f58c-b552-492d-9f78-7667b17ff7cd">Re: *insert frustrated scream here*</a>:
[QUOTE]Yeah I agree with mari 100%. I understand people are busy but there is no excuse for a blatantly laps in professionalism.  Glad they got things right!
Posted by em01092[/QUOTE]


I love when people agree with me! LOL! <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-laughing.gif" border="0" alt="Laughing" title="Laughing" />

chelseaandtom

Yeah well, they had to add that into their contract because Ann's SERVICE SUCKS! I am sure everything will turn out well for you on your big day but that's only because you are being proactive and persistent in making sure they act like they should! Yeah, I thought their dining at what $50 a head at their restaurant= Ridiculous!! 

And forget about those other brides- they sound like bridezillas themselves! They aren't as sweet and understanding as us southern belles

HYDROPHILE

I concur about their customer service.

I told my fiancé they need to hire another person: One that does the work, another that talks with prospective clients, shows them options, etc. and then the last one SOLELY to field phone calls and e-mails. 

em01092

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_georgia-atlanta_insert-frustrated-scream-here?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:58Discussion:2d3feb54-a5df-4f7d-893f-6271d8c3bccdPost:d1c38983-70d3-4756-926e-a29002b695d1">Re: *insert frustrated scream here*</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: *insert frustrated scream here* : I love when people agree with me! LOL!
Posted by mari0225[/QUOTE]
 I do what I can! ; )