Dilemma--Need Advice--Long

Re: Dilemma--Need Advice--Long

• Tygirljojo

  

  September 2010 edited December 2011

  Browns, I would ask Sarack about her opinion on that.  As for the date, I think it's a matter of:
  
  A) Find out Brown's policy regarding changing dates (and I wouldn't tell them the reason to change the date is the photographer, JMO)
  If you're not set on the date (e.g. isn't a special date for any reason) I don't see why you couldn't change it
  C) Find out what other dates the venue is available
  
  From there, you should be able to make a good decision.  It sounds like, if anything, you'd rather change the date to keep the photog and if that means losing Brown's, you'd rather go that route.
  
  For your date, keep in mind your HM (and venue) - I went with July 10th due to:
  1 - ease for DH to remember (hopefully!)
  2 - Outdoor wedding = after 4th of July = better chance of better weather
  3 - We had considered the Caribbean for our HM and with hurricane season going into full swing the further into July, Aug & Sept you get, the higher the chance of hurricane (plus later in July & especially August = hotter temp than when we went)
  
  HTH & GL!  Keep us posted!
   

  
  Family fall photo session with Ashley Hoyle Photography
  Married 7/10/10
  Wedding Planning Bio - Updated 6/13/2010
  
  

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• kinmir30

  

  September 2010 edited December 2011

  Do you have a suggestion for an excuse to change the date? I think I'll probably just say that I have had issues with booking with my venue....which is true...and if I change the date with my venue then I will just tell them that my venue needed to change dates. Unless you/anyone have a better idea?
  
  on a side note, I am pretty sure I am stuck with Brown's so hopefully they will change the date. FI and I were just reading of the contract and from what it sounds like, if we cancel we are required to pay 75% of the balance....so prob won't be doing that. So I guess I should just take my concerns to them and see what they say. Any suggestions for that?
  

  

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• trishaselby

  

  September 2010 edited December 2011

  Don't cancel Brown's. No catering company is perfect. I had them at my wedding and they were fine. It's not really worth saving 1,000 unless food is your biggest priority. Good luck!

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• amandasw member

  

  September 2010 edited December 2011

  It sounds like it would be a pretty big loss to cancel Brown's, so I would just keep it.  I would however read the contract thoroughly, make sure you know everything that is or isn't in there.  If there's something you want, get it in writing.  This was some of the problem my friend had - things were vague and she took their word for it they would do certain things, which normally isn't a problem.
  
  Also, I wouldn't hesitate to have someone at your reception that has the contract on hand and knows what's in it (if they don't bring the vegi option and it's in your contract, they could point it out and make sure they get it) - I know that wouldn't be the funnest job (don't remember if you have a DOC), but I'd do it for a friend if it was important.  I'm glad to hear some pp had a good experience with them, but it never hurts to be safe.

  
  Planning Bio
  Married Bio

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• mma3

  

  September 2010 edited December 2011

  I agree with PP, 1000.00 is alot of money to just throw away.  Sounds like the best thing to do is call them and see what they say.  Make sure you document every phone call.  If you can do it via email even better as it holds up better than a phone call. 

  

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• kristend72

  

  September 2010 edited December 2011

  Here's my take. First, there are so, so, so, many awesome photographers in this area. That is one of the really great things about planning a wedding here. I really do think you could find another photographer who matches you on price, style, and personality. If you can't move Brown's to another date, I wouldn't stress too much. The first place to start would be with asking this photographer who they would recommend that is similar. They may even say, "So and so has a style a lot like mine and I really think you'd like her. She's a little above my price point but I'll tell her the situation and that you'll be in touch and maybe she'll be able to make a little bit of an exception." Worth a shot.
  
  Second, if other people have had some mixed exoeriences with Brown's, this is the pperfect example of why you hire a DOC. That way you have someone who will be able to stay right on top of the caterer, not to mention all of the rest of the vendors and everything else. You'll have someone to manage Brown's, set up, clean up, make sure that things run on time... It's so, so worth it even if you are 100% confident going into it that all of your vendors are awesome. It's just an investment in peace of mind.
  

  

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• fancynewbecca

  

  September 2010 edited December 2011

  I agree with PP on both points. It sounds like you're really locked into your contract with Brown's. Not sure how it works with them, but for our catering service, the deposit secured the date. They are reserving it for you. If they'll switch with no penalities, that'd be great! But I would bet they probably won't do that.
  
  Maybe, just maybe it didn't work out with your photog for a reason ) Perhaps you can find something comparable or better!
  
  GL!

  

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