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Help me be sneaky =)

melissa82melissa82 member
2500 Comments 5 Love Its
in Washington-Seattle
At my venue, there's two ballrooms. They can book two events in one day, but stagger the start times by 1.5 hours. (This is in my contract.) I purposely timed my cocktail hour to start at 8 p.m. to make it unlikely another wedding would book in the other room. (Weddings are a pretty standard 1 hr CH + 4 hours reception in NJ. Occasionally people pay to extend it for a 1/2 hour.) I figured no one would want to book a wedding at 6:30 pm because it would end at 11:30 and leave people high and dry for midnight on NYE. I also figured 9:30 is too late for a start time.I called to inquire if the other ballroom was still available, and they said it's been booked. It could be a NYE party of some kind, but even so I think 6:30 or 9:30 would be an unusual time to start, unless they extended a 6:30 wedding until 12. Basically, I'm afraid they've scheduled it around the same time as our event (obviously a concern for valet, food prep, etc.) and want to find out. So now I need a reason to find out the start time without arising suspicion.Do I sound like a crazy bride? =)
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Re: Help me be sneaky =)

  • LauraLynneCLauraLynneC
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    call and try to book it for earlier? 
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  • amandaswamandasw member
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    you don't sound crazy - I decided not to take the risk with places that would book more than one event, so I can see where you're coming from. and good job thinking that through with the time.This confuses me a little though: So now I need a reason to find out the start time without arising suspicion.What are you worried about if you call?  That they won't tell you?  Or that they'll get mad at you for asking?  Otherwise, I'd just call and ask - just say you found out and were curious what time the other event is, even play dumb and ask again if that will affect anything for your event.
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  • melissa82melissa82 member
    2500 Comments 5 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    Because if they're in breach of contract with me, I don't want to tip them off about it. I'd rather maintain the upper hand and renegotiate with them, you know? (And not that I'd expect them to lie or anything, but you never know. They might tell me "Oh yeah, the other event is at 9:30"...then I get there day of and find out it's not true and I'm SOL at that point.)pp--that's a good idea about asking and pretending I might want to change to earlier. Doesn't make sense really (from a NYE standpoint), but might work to get the info I'm looking for.
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  • amandaswamandasw member
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    oh... you think they would really do that?  Seems kind of shady, but I see your point.  What about blaming needing to know on one of your vendors?  Like, the caterer or something - say they asked you about it etc.
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  • cupcakepiratecupcakepirate
    100 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I'd just ask. Are they really that concerned about breach of contract. I think they'll tell you, and there shouldn't be an issue. Just ask up front, and say that you're thinking about adjusting start times if they don't tell you. That is interesting to me about the staggered start times. Having worked at a convention center, I've not seen this done, but it does make sense. (I've worked events where a runner/server duo brought out and served the wrong food. So I definitely see how that could potentially be an issue.)
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  • keithnjuliekeithnjulie member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I could be totally off here but I'm guessing the people looking at the books aren't the same ones that draw up the contracts... So I'm guessing if you ask its no biggie... If it were me I might call to ask as if I am calling it rent it, so asking their availability that day and what time both ballrooms are booked that day... I go for peace of mind. I'd want to know if it were me...We are all crazy brides at one time or another but I think you're good here... :)
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  • melissa82melissa82 member
    2500 Comments 5 Love Its
    edited December 2011
    Are they really that concerned about breach of contract.I would think so? They only have a deposit from me...I doubt they'd want to lose my entire wedding because of it. I know similar things have happened with other venues in my area and they ended up throwing in a lot of stuff to avoid the problems/bad reviews/etc.
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  • KST_KST_
    1000 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    I would just totally call, change my voice a little, and pretend to be someone else and inquire about renting it for that day. Honest? No. Gets the info you need, doesn't tip your hand, and is fun to play actress? Yes. :D  Or have a close friend, MOH or whoever do it for you.
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  • TygirljojoTygirljojo
    2500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I'd go with KS's idea. :)
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  • NebbNebb member
    10000 Comments 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    Oh good lord, I tried deleting my post but it doesnt appear to be working. It was supposed to be in the GM thread on SB. Sorry ladies.
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