VENT: reception venue problems

jenn.daniel · July 2010

Cliff notes: Booked church hall for reception, now we're being told it can't hold as many people and we feel unwelcome. Deal with horrible manager or find more expensive venue?

Back in December we decided that using the Church hall was our best option. It's a new space (finished in the fall), so they didn't have details worked out yet. We were told it was $50/hr and could seat 174 people. We were in town this past weekend and after church found the facilities manager (the person we'd been talking to before has been on vacation for 2 weeks). He started off by saying, "We don't really have any rules." Sounds good, right? no.

We told him we were planning about about 150 people, and he says that the most they've been able to fit is 132! and that's without a dance floor. To create more space we said maybe we'd have the buffet in the hall. Apparently the "one" rule is that food has to be served in the fellowship area. FILs attended an event there where food was served on different FLOORS. He responded, "well, I wasn't here then."

Well, what if we moved some of the lounge furniture to put some tables there? Can't move furniture either. At that point I was thinking, well, we'll cut the guest list, let's move on. I asked how many plates they have. "The caterer usually brings those." What if we don't want to pay the caterer for plates? He wouldn't give us a number for plates, glasses, anything.

Basically, he ended up telling us that if we hadn't booked already, he would have told us today that we couldn't use the space. I can't deal with this man! Now I don't know what to do. When I originally looked for venues, I couldn't find anything less expensive than the church hall. Should we suck it up and cut the list and deal with this man, or search for a new venue?

_Dagney_ · July 2010

I understand being on a tight budget, BELIEVE ME. But an unfortunate downside is that the best service doesnt tend to come at the LOWEST price points.

You can look for another venue that better suits your needs or you can deal with the restrictions at this one.

As for the plates, etc, they may simply not be equipped to deal with providing them and washing them after the reception.

Generally speaking it IS pretty standard to rent the plates/glassware, etc.

If this is an informal reception, It is reasonable to use the nicest quality disposables you can find. Just try to keep the whole feel casual so there isn't a glaring contrast, if you know what I mean.

Sorry this is so difficult. The situation sucks.

drkswifey2b · July 2010

I think I woudl have a major problem with this and demand to speak to his supervisor or who you spoke with originally (when he is back from vacation). If you would have rented a different venue, signed contracts (you do have a contract right?), and they switched directors you woudl be just as livid if they tried to change your contract after the fact. Just because this is a church it isn't any different. They need to uphold what was promiced before this person took over.

M

Jelenny · July 2010

yeah i agree with pp - talk to the other people that were there...its not like you are a brand new bride vs when you signed up for the place...yes rules can change but sometimes there are "grand father clauses" sure new management but they have to typically honor what you initially agreed to...

jenn.daniel · July 2010

MilkDuds, The church does have plates and glasses, but he wouldn't tell us how many. When we'd spoken with the secretary before, she just wasn't sure if there would be enough for us.

Daney, the caterer would wash the plates, so that wouldn't be an issue. I wouldn't mind if the church charges use to use their dishes - then I could price-compare. I would love to use disposibles, especially since they're included with the catering price. However, my parents are paying for the reception and want real plates and glasses. It will fit in the budget, but I'd like to spend as little of my parents' money as possible.

Basically, we wanted information and he wasn't willing to give us any. He also told us they'd lost some plates. How do you know you've lost plates unless you know how many you started with?

FMIL is going to go above this guy's head. She's pretty involved at the church, so hopefully she'll find someone else for us to work with. I just got off the phone with my mom, and she thinks the guy was just blowing smoke and trying to avoid doing his job. Thanks for listening!

Catwoman708 · July 2010

The thing with churches is that they are not a typical venue "for hire" and the coordinator you are dealing with is often a volunteer, not a professional that has a "supervisor", other than the minister or church leaders.

Are you, your FI, or any of your parents members of that church? Are you also getting married there? Have you already officially booked the church hall (put down a deposit, signed a contract)?

You might first find out if there is someone else that can help you, or act as a coordinator. Ask the minister and/or the church secretary if there is someone else who is knowledgeable. There is typically a few "in the know" church ladies or a committee that helps with various church events that might could meet with you, at least once, to count plates, chairs, etc...

Also, if they don't have enough place settings, you might consider buying them cheaply, in bulk (try Dollar tree), then selling them afterwards, or work out a deal with the church to donate them back to the church afterwards in exchange for a portion of your rental fee.

Theresa626 · July 2010

He sounds like an ass and in my opinion, it's never ever worth the money to deal with assholes. find a new venue.

Lisa8888 · July 2010

I understand your frustration however you can't expect this church to be like a regular venue. Perhaps back in December someone did think more people could fit in but since then they realized more people can't. Nothing is going to change that. Only so many will fit in.

You are only paying $50 an hour. For that price, you should rent the dishes. While it may be disappointing, I think you are being too demanding. It is what it is. If you are unhappy about it, you should find another venue.

jenn.daniel · July 2010

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_vent-reception-venue-problems?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:f07fc717-1c51-4552-9551-f766d074f9c2Post:5913b056-ae85-493d-a22f-77a0b6fc10a2">Re: VENT: reception venue problems</a>:
[QUOTE] Are you, your FI, or any of your parents members of that church? Are you also getting married there?
Posted by Catwoman708[/QUOTE]

FI's parents have been members there for 30+ years, and FMIL is on the Altar Guild and was involved with a lot of the youth activities when her sons were younger. FI attended there his whole life until he moved away for med school, I go with his family when I'm in town. We're also getting married in the church. FMIL spoke with the minister who will be performing the wedding and worked some stuff out. (We live 4 hours away, and he didn't have time to meet with us before we left.)

Thanks, everyone!

VENT: reception venue problems

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