Am I being impatient????

puffs1366

My wedding isn't until June 2012, but we are trying to lock in a venue by the end of this year in order to get 2010 prices. We are IN LOVE with Winfield Scott Ballroom in Elizabeth mainly because of the decor. It screams US! All we did so far was have a walk thru and see a package on paper. I am trying to get in touch with the manager to set up a food tasting, but he won't get back to me. I have faxed, voicemailed, emailed. It will be hard to tear our hearts away from this place if the manager doesn't do right, but this is a big moment and I want to be able to trust the man planning my wedding. Should I relax give him more time? Does anybody have any experience with them?

sgdc2011

If he is this hard to get in touch with, already, imagine how hard it will be after they already have your money and you are locked in.  I would go somewhere else that wants your business.

Danes983

Do you know for sure if they will give you 2010 pricing for 2012?? 1 year sounds about right but 2 years from now.  That in itself makes me wonder about the place.

Laurms15

When did you first contact him about the food tasting? And yes that's a lot of trying to contact one person. I think taking it easy on him for a couple weeks would be best.

Also doing a food tasting this far in advance seems awfully early. In 2 years they may have a new chef. They will surely change their menu. Most places change it yearly and seasonally.

kasabby

How long have you been leaving messages? I agree with Laurms--the food could be completely different in two years. My experience has been that most people that I called about venues got back to me within 24 hours so maybe there is something else going on with him. Maybe because it is so far out, he isn't that concerned with it. Not saying that is right, but maybe that is what he is thinking.

smw42

It was on our places to check out  in fall of 2009 but we decided against it as the manager refused to give me prices without us coming to see the place first. It was a big turn-off to me. We also felt like our guests may have been turned off by the area of town that it was in.  I would steer clear if you're already having customer service issues.

I recommend posting your budget and what you're looking for on this board and girls will be happy to recommend places for you to check out.

akmackay

I think that this is a combination of you wanting everything right NOW and that this sales guy is terrible. How long have you been trying to get in touch with him? Could he be on vacation? I think it looks bad on a place if the sales person won't even contact you back. It would definitely make me bring my business elsewhere. Not worth the hastle. But even with your subject, I can see you are being impatient. No one uses that many ???? if they aren't being impatient.

puffs1366

Thank you all your input. Yes, he did tell me that I could lock in this year's prices for 2012. I never thought of the chef-changing issue that far down the line. I didn't want to put a deposit if the food wasn't going to be good. And my reason for trying to lock in now is so we could pay over time and still live comfortably. This is my second wedding, and I remember the first time being broke all the time trying to pay for the wedding. Lesson learned from that! But I will try to give him some more time. @ smw42, the area isn't the best, but we haven't visited anyplace that moved us the way that decor did. It was beautiful and right on target with our character.

puffs1366

Also, he has been the manager for maybe 12 years. I googled the place, reviews, etc. ALL reviews I saw (except one) were great. No one had a problem. They said he was very attentive and did his job well as a planner. I did talk to him once, about a week and a half ago. I'll wait a little longer. All the "shopping around" for a place within budget is just getting nerve racking.

reese511

i wouldnt rush into anything at this point.  you still have SO much time!  instead of paying the venue...just put that money into a savings account instead.  i use ING and its such a PITA to take the money back out...that i just leave it in there! 

this way when the time is right and it feels right, you are ahead of the game and having some savings.  i think its WAY too soon to book a place. like PP said...anything could happen over the next 2 years.  that guy could even be gone.  you have to think also...its wedding season right now....places might not be prepared to help you right now since they have current brides that need attention.

[Deleted User]

It is the "busy season" right now but he should still be able to give you a courtesy call back.
When I was looking for venues, pleaces were good with responding withing 24 hours. Only one place took 3 days after the 2nd phone call I made to them. I had no greater satisfaction than to tell them I booked my 250 person wedding elsewhere You snooze you lose!
Just because your wedding is 2 years away doesn't mean they should cae less about your business, remember that.

My venue is The Bethwood in Totowa and Dominic always has time for me even if he's running around and panting. I always feel bad and like I'm bothering him but he insists it's fine. That's the type of service you'd like from a venue.